Yesterday’s Betrayal, Today’s Scars

Chapter 7 - FIRST MEETING

Star

Today is a day for firsts, I think to myself. We have never allowed anyone further than the drop-off point, definitely not in the compound. First, Hector is picking up his package. Then, at 5 pm, the Marino’s are watching a disposal. I shake my head, knowing I might end up regretting this.

Looking from Alex to Alice, they appear to know what I'm thinking. She has a mischievous smile, and Alex is wearing his classic smirk. “What?” I ask.

“You're anxious,” Alex chuckles. “She’s horny,” Alice announces. I shoot her a death glare, making her laugh. Turning to Alex, “You just want eye candy.” Then I look at Alice. “You just wait until Hector gets here. I've seen the way you looked at his picture.” I raise a challenging eyebrow at her, daring any contradiction to my statement.

It's Alex who bursts out laughing now. God, I love my family banter and all. We finish lunch and look around the table at all the leftovers. Standing, I start carrying dishes to the kitchen, and they follow, doing the same.

For meal prep and cleanup, we function like a well-oiled machine. Just like Dad taught us. I sigh. “You're thinking about him,” Alex says. I nod. “We all miss him,” Alice states as she puts the leftovers in the fridge. “I know,” I mumble as Alex envelopes me in his arms. Alice joins our hug, and we all embrace each other.

A notification on Alice’s phone stops our moment. She looks at it and says, “Incoming to the drop site.” “Hector is here,” I declare with a big smile, and Alex chuckles.

“Escort two in. I'll inform them,” I say to Alex. He nods. “Let's go meet our guests Alice.” I can't help but notice she looks nervous. I know it's not fear. She may be small and beautiful, but she's deadly with weapons or a computer.

We go to the observation room in the habitat and look at the monitors. Three white SUVs are pulling to a stop. Eight men exit in total. I push the speaker. “Two can enter; the rest wait.” I say with finality. We watch as they bicker in Spanish. His men don't like my rules. Oh well, I think to myself. Once only two step up to the door, one is clearly Hector by the photos in the file, Alice buzzes the door open.

While we wait for them to arrive, I decide to have some fun. “Are you going to need a tissue?” I ask Alice. She looks at me with confusion. “Why would I need a tissue?” “To wipe the drool on your chin,” I say, laughing. “b***h” she mutters.

Once they are nearly out of the tunnel, I walk to the center of the platform, taking my usual spot and watching our jewels, reminding myself to put my poker face on and never show emotion. I square my shoulders and brush my fingers over the gun on my thigh out of habit.

Alex drives the gulf cart into the habitat, and Alice’s body goes taut. I look at her with amusement, then focus on Hector and his guard. They are carefully taking in everything. When they see our jewels, I see appreciation and wonder on their faces.

Alex is watching them closely, as he should. Hector is the first to look up and notice Alice and myself. His eyes give Alice a slow perusal of what looks like lust. She mutters “damn” under her breath. I have to pinch my own hand to keep my concentration and not laugh.

Hector’s gaze then goes to me. His look is focused as if assessing my danger level. Good, that means he won't try anything stupid, and I have to dispose of him.

“Which one of you is Lightning?” Hector finally speaks. Both Alex and Alice look to me to give him his answer. I stare him down with an arched eyebrow.

“Well s**t, I wouldn't have guessed,” he says. “Exactly, no one sees me coming,” I deadpan. “I'll gladly keep your secret. Your services are invaluable,” he says, looking up at his still-hanging thief on the lift. His focus shifts back to our Jewels. “These are your means of disposal?” he points to them. I nod. “Not a crumb left behind,” I answer. “If one of my men needs your services in the area…” I interrupted him. “You'll call directly to the number Alex gives you. We will only deal with you.” I nod to Alex, who hands him Alice’s secure number for disposal.

He takes the number and then looks back up to Alice. “What’s your name beautiful?” he asks. Her cheeks flush pink, but her back straightens. “Not interested,” is her reply. It's sassy but not confident. “A firecracker, I like it,” he says. I'm trying my best not to laugh as she gets flustered.

“I have work to do,” she says, spinning on her heel, no doubt going to the dungeon. The corner of my mouth lifts in amusement, watching her. “Did I do something to scare her off?” Hector questions. “Your reputation with women did that for you,” Alex tells him with his usual smirk. The man with Hector, who has been silent this whole time, starts rolling with laughter, slapping Hector on the shoulder. Hector is not amused.

Once Alex lowers his thief, they grab him. I give Hector the location of his shipment and tell him I expect the remainder of our p*****t within 24 hours. Alex gets them out of there quickly, which I'm thankful for.

I find Alice behind her computers, looking from one monitor to another. “He transferred the money as soon as he got in his SUV,” she says, watching the security feed. “Good, a fairly easy 50k,” I reply. She hums. “Are you ok?” I ask. “Yes, just horny, broken, and have too high of expectations,” she says. “Alice, you're not broken; you just have scars. We all do. As far as being horny, I can't help you with that. There’s nothing wrong with wanting the whole package. Dream big or go home, I say.” She turns towards me with a smile. “Thanks, Star.” I smile at her.

It was ten minutes till 5 when the notification of someone approaching the drop-off came through. We all head to the habitat. “Same as before?” Alex questions. “Not exactly. Two in to watch with two drop-offs.” I reply. He looks to our Jewels. “gonna eat good tonight,” he smiles.

Alice and I watch the monitor as the Marino’s approach the steel door. She looks at me with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Yes, ok, he's gorgeous,” I finally admit. She gives me a knowing look.

I buzz the door open when they approach. Waiting for them to arrive has my blood pumping. Alice keeps glancing at me, but I’m trying to ignore her. We stand behind the glass to remain unseen so I can observe them.

We have done business with the Marino family for as long as I can remember. My father and I handled most of them together.

Tony is tall, about 6 feet 2 inches, with dark hair, a beard, and brown eyes, his muscles flexing with every movement: a button-down shirt, dress pants, and expensive shoes. He is a wet dream if I ever saw one. My gaze goes to Max. He is about the same height, with dark hair, beard, and eyes. However, he is broader and more muscular. He’s wearing a polo. You can tell they are brothers.

Damn, my n*****s are getting hard just looking at them. What's wrong with me? I quickly look at Alice, and she is holding in a laugh, watching me. I roll my eyes.

She turns and walks out to the observation deck with a noticeable sway in her hips. I follow a moment later with a straight spine taking my spot. I watch them closely as they take everything in.

First, the habitat, our Jewels, then they look to Alex. Once they see him looking up at me, their eyes follow. I am taking them all in. However, being caught ogling them is embarrassing, so I put my poker face on. They are eyeing me from head to toe like their next meal. s**t, now my panties are soaked. I need to get myself under control.