The Counterfeit Lover (War of Sins Book 3)

Rattled by the encounter with Michele, I get behind the wheel, getting out of the parking lot. I drive away from the building before I risk getting caught by the guards.

What the hell is Michele’s deal?

In that one short interaction he revealed more than he wanted—probably more than he realized. Though he is actively keeping himself from harming Raf, he unwittingly let me know his boiling point.

Venezia.

She matters.

Regardless of how much he would like to pretend he cares nothing for her, she matters. Enough that he would kill his brother when thousands of other worse reasons couldn’t convince him otherwise. But that only means he gave me more ammunition to use against him should the opportunity arise.

If he dares pull anything with Raf, I will be waiting, and I will act.

I feel sorry for Zia.

It seems that all her life she’s been passed from one person to another, never truly getting any type of affection until Michele.

Until he threw her away too.

Though I feel sorry for her, Raf is where I draw the line. Michele does something to him and all bets are off—including Zia.

But the issue at hand isn’t whether Michele will harm Raf or not. It’s whether he will tell him the truth or not. And on that note, just how much does he know?

Lucero had been aware of almost everything going on in my life.

At that point in time, she’d been the only person I could lean on. As such, I’d unloaded all my secrets onto her—all the harm that I’d done.

She knew about Raf—she knew all about him. And that information… If she revealed it to Michele then it’s game over.

‘Fuck!’ I curse, hitting the steering wheel just as I stop at the red light.

Adrenaline dances in my blood—the murderous, unleash a river of blood type.

I can’t let Michele do that. I simply can’t let it happen.

If Raf finds out… If he finds out what I’ve done…. He’ll never look at me the same, much less forgive me.

Because he was right all along.

I was the monster at the hacienda. And I was the monster who hurt him…

Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to calm my clamoring heart and the fact that I feel so fucking useless. Yet despite everything, I know one thing.

He can’t know. Ever.

Digging into a compartment for my phone, I grab it and dial up a number just as I speed down the highway, crossing the state lines.

‘Yes,’ Sisi’s voice answers after the first ring.

‘Sisi, hey. Sorry to call at this hour,’ I add some sweetness to my voice. ‘I don’t know if you’ve heard but Raf has a small accident,’ I give her a quick rundown of everything that had happened and the fact that Raf is currently in the hospital under medical observation.

‘Good Lord, that’s awful. Anything we can do? You know you can always count on us.’

‘No, don’t worry. We have everything under control. Raf is already on it, and our security is top-notch. But since he’s going to be in the hospital for a while, I was wondering if Zia would like to come hang out after school. I’m not used to be in the house by myself and it can get quite lonely.’

‘That’s so sweet of you, Noelle. As a matter of fact, Zia’s been asking about you and I just know she’d love to meet up. Why don’t I talk to her and ask her driver to drop her off later around noon?’

‘That’s perfect. Does she have a phone? That way we can stay in touch easier.’

‘Of course! Do you have anything to write the number down on?’

Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, I rummage with the other through the compartment for a marker, telling her to dictate it to me while I write it down my arm.

‘She’ll be so happy about this,’ Sisi gushes and I assure her there won’t be any security risk.

We talk a little more and I hang up, after which I write one more thing under Venezia’s  phone number.

Girls’ date.

Using my phone, I snap a picture of it and I send it to the number Michele had used to taunt Raf in the past.

I’m not completely sure he will get the text, but if he won’t, he’ll have other ways to find out about our upcoming meeting.

After the display at the restaurant, I have no doubt he’s closely monitoring Venezia, and this should pop on his radar right away.

Maybe now he’ll understand I don’t play either.

He can behave and not say a word to Raf, and I can behave and leave Venezia unharmed.

The way I see it, it’s a win-win.

Smiling to myself, I check the GPS, noting I’m only one hour away from my destination. If I spend at most half an hour at Alonso’s, then I’ll have plenty of time to find Ortega’s location and be ready for the afternoon when Raf will likely discharged.

Suddenly, the day doesn’t seem so bad, and my plans might go smoother than expected.

Soon, I arrive at the location Alonso had given me. From the outside, the place looks like a maximum security prison. A large, steel fence surrounds the property, security everywhere. Immediately, a legion of guards take my measure, asking me all sorts of questions before allowing me inside.

After they confirm my identity, the gates open and I’m led towards a parking lot in the back, a few guards waiting for me to get out so they can lead me to the main area. All the while, I’m mentally memorizing all the features should I need to make an emergency exit—including spying on the codes the guards are using to open the gates.

‘Mr. Vasquez is waiting for you in the living room with what you’ve requested,’ one of the guys tells me as he drops me inside the house, pointing towards the gilded double doors at the end of the hallway.

‘Thank you,’ I nod, heading there and pushing the doors open.

A high ceiling room painted with the loudest colors, the entire place looked like it had been decorated with the most garish and ostentatious items of furniture. In the middle of the room was a man of medium height, olive complexion, black hair and even blacker eyes.

‘Noelle,’ Alonso exclaims when he sees me. ‘Hijole, que bien te ves,’ he opens his arms to give me a hug.

I smile pleasantly, accepting the embrace, though keeping myself still and doing my best to limit physical contact.

‘It’s been too long Alonso,’ I add softly, drawing back and taking a seat on a nearby couch. My eyes immediately scan the surroundings, zoning in on the few boxes laid around that likely house the items I’d requested. Regardless of the fact that I consider Alonso a friend of a sort, I can’t dawdle, so I’ll have to do this fast—take the items and get out of here so I can prepare for the next phase of the plan.

‘Let me look at you,’ he says, his voice tinged with awe as he leans back, his eyes on me as he peruses me from head to toe. ‘Beautiful as always.’

‘Thank you,’ I smile, batting my lashes. ‘You don’t look half bad yourself.’

It takes one encounter with the past to thrust me back into my role, the lies rolling off my tongue with such ease, even I am baffled at myself.

‘Don’t mention it. Can’t you see I’ve put on some weight,’ he chuckles, pointing to his midriff.

‘Are you fishing for compliments, Alonso,’ I tease.

‘From you? Always,’ he shakes his head, laughing.

‘Am I to understand those are the items?’ I point towards the boxes, changing the topic. The last thing I need is for Alonso to get the wrong message.

He might have been understanding in the past, but back then the circumstances had offered me a certain protection should he have become more insistent. Protection I don’t have anymore. As such, I do need to tread carefully and keep my eyes open for all potential exits.

‘Indeed, they are. But first let’s have a chat. We haven’t talked in so long, I can’t let you leave until you tell me everything. How the hell did you survive?’

Although the encounter started pleasantly enough, I’m observant enough to detect a shift in the atmosphere, especially as I note his eyes glint with hidden interest.

Before I can reply, he barks a few orders, asking one of his men to bring us something to drink. I make to refuse when he brings hard liquor, but that would only delay things since he will no doubt try to coax me until I will have a glass with him.

‘So, do tell,’ he invites, bringing his glass to his lips and watching me intently.

‘Alonso,’ I tilt my head as I raise a brow. ‘Just how do you think I survived?’ I give him a sweet smile. ‘I killed everyone.’

‘Including Sergio,’ he blinks, taken aback.

I shrug. Taking a sip of the whiskey, I look him dead in the eye.

‘His time was going to come. Eventually,’ I add cryptically.

‘I always knew you were a cold-blooded woman, but I never thought you’d have it in you to kill your own husband,’ he mentions, his tone appreciative.

I let my lips tip up in a subtle smile.

 ‘Then you never truly knew me, did you?’

‘I only knew what you allowed the world to see,’ he fires back, suddenly getting up and coming to my side, taking a seat next to me.

I don’t let my smile waver, though this nearness makes my skin prickle with discomfort.

From the beginning, I’ve had a few principles on which I’ve built my life, and two have become central to my identity. First, no one who threatens me or mine lives to see another day—as evidenced by my current quest against Ortega. Second, there is only one man in the entire universe who may touch me, or invade my personal space—for anyone else, to do so would be inviting death. And I’m nothing if not generous in doling that out.

‘Why don’t you show me what you prepared for me?’ I point at the boxes.

‘Come on, Noelle, you can’t tell me you’re in that much of a hurry.’

‘As a matter of fact yes. I am. I have a murder appointment,’ I give him an innocent smile.

He regards me for a moment before throwing his head back and laughing.

‘Now that. I truly missed your skewed sense of humor.’

‘It so happens it isn’t a joke,’ I state seriously. ‘I have to pay a visit to a certain someone, and those,’ I nod to the items, ‘would make it much easier for me.’

‘Who is it?’ He inquires, suddenly interested.

He’s also an inch closer to me, having moved as he was laughing.

Does he really think I don’t notice?

Still, for old times’ sake, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Momentarily.

‘His name is Ortega. Maybe you’ve heard of him?’ I probe.

‘Ortega…’ he muses.

‘He used to be affiliated with Jimenez.’

‘Oh, that Ortega. I know him. Nasty fellow,’ he grimaces. ‘Never liked him.’

Hmm, interesting.

‘And you wouldn’t happen to know his location, would you?’

‘How are you going to pay him a visit if you don’t know his location?’ he asks with a twinkle in his eyes.

He brings his hand up, brushing it over mine.

I fight the urge to pull it back. Instead, I do it slowly so not to startle him and put him on the offensive.

‘I have a few options,’ I shrug.

‘Then maybe I can help you. I have some contacts who would know his location for sure. I could get in touch with them for you. For a price, of course.’

‘Really?’ I blink, somehow not surprised. ‘Are the weapons included in the price, too?’

‘Noelle,’ his lips spread in a wide smile. ‘I’m a business man. You know the trade. Tit for tat.’

‘Of course,’ I murmur, giving him the hint of a smile. ‘And what price did you have in mind?’

His eyes rove all over my body, the answer clear. Still, I don’t let my disgust show. I continue to put on a flirty front.

‘You know I’ve wanted you for a long time,’ he starts, his voice that of a man starved and taunted for far too long with a scrumptious meal. His eyes are on my chest, slowly lifting them up to meet my gaze ‘Tit for tat?’ He cracks a smile, no doubt thinking he’s so suave.

‘Tit for tat,’ I agree with a smile. ‘After you make your inquiries. I want a sure thing.’

‘Of course,’ he gets up, pulling his phone and dialing his contact. Taking a few steps to put some distance between us, he starts speaking with whomever has the information. His back is to me, and with nimble fingers, I unscrew the pendant, moving it over his glass and dumping all the magic powder into his drink. I quickly swirl it with my finger before wiping the residue on my jeans.

When he turns, I’m all smiles as I listen to him end his call.

‘You’re lucky. My man told me he’s in an apartment complex in Queens.’

If that turns out to be true, won’t I be really, really lucky?

‘Thank you, Alonso. Why don’t we have a toast. For tit or tat,’ I add suggestively.

‘Carajos, Noelle, you have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear that,’ he grunts, throwing his phone on the couch and grabbing his glass.

Before I can take one sip, he downs the entire glass. I could say I am surprised at his urgency, but considering his obsession with me, it seems rather appropriate. Especially as he slams the glass on the table, his hands going to his tie, pulling on it and throwing it to the ground.

Next, his hands move to his shirt.

‘Fuck, you can’t know how many times I’ve imagined this,’ he speaks as he comes closer.

So close, in fact, that I can see the sweat building on his forehead.

Gross.

‘Really, Alonso?’ I drawl, moving back ever so slightly. ‘I’m surprised you never made a move on me all those years ago. I would think that for a man like yourself the word no shouldn’t have been an impediment.’

‘Of course it wouldn’t have been,’ he says just as he tears at the buttons of his shirt, seemingly frustrated when he can’t undo them properly. ‘But Sergio would have had my balls if I touched you in any way,’ he continues, confirming what I should have already know.

After all, don’t men want just one thing? To possess and own, but never for the right reasons.

I suddenly stand up, coming towards him as I swallow my disgust.

My hands on the collar of his shirt, I stop his clumsy movements. He’s at least a head taller than me, but going by his immediate reaction and the way he swallows hard, I might be more intimidating even with my short stature.

A smile plays at my lips as I regard him overtly.

‘Show me the weapons,’ I whisper before I back away.

So desperate he is to cop a feel that he nearly stumbles in his attempt to get closer. Alas, I don’t let him put one finger on me as I move towards the boxes.

‘That’s the one with your special present,’ he stammers.

I watch him from the corner of my eye, noting the way he’s wiping at the sweat covering his brow, his hand going to his neck as he scratches at his skin. He’s having trouble breathing, no doubt.

My magic powder acts fast. It shouldn’t be too long now. Minutes? Less?

I pretend to be busy as I open the box, seeing two pairs of shoes wrapped in a black cloth.

‘And not just one,’ I raise a brow, surprised.

‘It’s your initial order and I added another pair with an upgrade,’ he replies, righting himself as he comes closer.

‘What about that box?’

‘Guns and knives. A basic pack. You know the type,’ he adds flippantly, growing increasingly frustrated both at his own reaction and the fact that I’m stalling.

‘Alonso,’ I swivel to face him. ‘Are you ok? You don’t look too well.’

‘It’s this damn itch. Fuck,’ he bursts out just as he brings his nails down his throat, scraping down the skin, blood immediately reaching the surface. ‘What the…’

He wipes once more at his forehead, no doubt noting that he’s no longer sweating just like a normal person.

‘What…’ he swallows hard, and his gaze finally connects with mine. ‘You…’

‘Someone should have taught you, Alonso, that you should never try to buy a woman’s favors,’ I take a step forward, my voice back to normal. My cheeks hurt from smiling too much and trying to fake being nice or interested. He notes the obvious change, his eyes going wide in shock.

‘Not with money, and not with favors. Not with anything,’ I continue. Whatever he sees in my eyes must frighten him because he backs away just as I advance, heading for the couch. His hand is already stretched out to reach for his phone, but I won’t let him do that.

My hand shoots out, and with one light push, he falls to the ground.

The poison is spreading through his system as we speak, making him weak and growing weaker.

‘You see, I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt. For old times’ sake. But you couldn’t help yourself, could you? What would you have done had I said no?’

He doesn’t answer, his hand clutching at his throat as it’s probably closing up as we speak.

‘You wouldn’t have taken no for an answer, isn’t that right?’ I smile, a sinister smile that he’ll have no choice but take to his grave.

He shakes his head, but as he opens his mouth to reply, he can only release a wheeze that slowly dies down just as he asphyxiates and dies.

His head drops to the ground, his eyes still open and full of terror.

Sneaking a look at my watch I note that I’m on schedule, especially since I know with which location to start first. It could end up a bust, but I’d already been prepared to check the additional ones as well and had planned accordingly.

What I hadn’t planned for—or at least I hadn’t hoped for—is dealing with a dead body when I should have just taken the items and gone on my way.

Instead, now I need to improvise a little.

This place is a freaking fortress, so it’s unlikely they will let me leave unscathed once they realize I killed their boss.

Quickly thinking of something, I take out his phone, unlocking it with his fingerprint before I go on the web, clicking on a loud amateur porn video. Placing the phone somewhere close to the door, I make sure it’s on maximum volume and that it sounds natural enough. Now, this should hold the guards off for a while since I doubt they would like to be reprimanded for disturbing their boss while he’s getting laid.

With that done, I return to the couch, where I take Alonso’s shirt off as well as his shoes, throwing them around the floor. The harder part is when I have to pull him up on the couch. The man hadn’t been kidding when he said he’d gained weight.

Alas, a few minutes later and I manage to move the body. I even arrange him to look like he’s sleeping, draping a coverlet around him.

My cover done, I’m finally able to turn my attention to the bounty. My mouth is already salivating at the thought of touching the goodies.

The shoes are first. After all, from the beginning they’ve been my specialty.

A pair of high heels, they have been custom-built with a retractable blade for a heel, the weapon perfectly seamless and fashionable.

One might even say classy. After all, doesn’t every woman deserve a pair of killer heels?

Placing the first pair aside, I examine the next one—the upgraded version.

At first glance it looks about the same.

I frown, taking the heel apart and examining the little device.

Luckily I point the tip away from my face because when I touch a spot on the inside of the weapon’s body, a small but focused beam erupts from the tip. It hits the curtain, blasting through it just as the smell of burnt material permeates the air.

‘I’ll be damned,’ I mutter to myself, taking my finger off that little spot and examining it closer.

It’s a laser. A freaking laser.

There is a mark on the inside of it that indicates it’s the trigger—but it’s purely touch based.

I spend a few more minutes studying it, unable to believe Alonso had managed to add a freaking laser to the shoes.

Knowing that time is of essence, I decide to study them further later. I put on one pair, packing up the other before I sneak a peek at the box with weapons.

Starter pack, huh?

Five 9mm guns, five military knives, two bulletproof vests, two silencers to go with the pistols and five grenades.

Not bad.

The porno continues to make quite the noise in the background while I pack everything up. Yet before I’m ready to brave the outside, I release my hair from its braid, making it look a little messy just as I rub some of the red lipstick from my lips on my cheeks to give them more flushed appearance.

Done, I simply stop the phone and wait five minutes before I take the box and leave, closing the door behind me.

As expected, there are at least five security guards that greet me as I head to my car, all looking at me suspiciously.

By my calculations, it shouldn’t take long before they figure out Alonso did not die of pleasure, but is quite literally dead.

Quickly getting in my car, I push the box on to the passenger seat before I put the car in reverse, driving towards the gate.

One eye ahead and one eye on the mirror, I spot three guards running after me, a few more following behind as they all remove their weapons and start shooting.

Shiiiit!

Driving at full speed towards the gate, I only stop for a moment when I reach the security stop. The man seems to have been made aware of me, but he doesn’t get to do anything before I aim the laser at him, making quite the hole in his skull.

‘Nice,’ I mumble in awe, while also resuming my focus on my escape.

Reaching the end of the gate, I plug in the code I memorized when I first got here, watching the gate open just as more security hurries after me.

I press hard on the gas pedal, practically flying on to the street and speeding away until I reach the highway—until every last one of Alonso’s men is just a dot on the horizon.