Page 116 of Falcon's Prey

This I expected, and I would never bring anyone into the mess Pamela had made.

Clearing my throat, I spoke. “I know sooner or later they will come to collect what was promised, but the favor is not for me…”

“For Michael’s daughter?” Ignacio asked.

I nodded.

“I recognized her as soon as you two walked through the door. Her father designed my wife’s wedding ring.”

At the mention of their mother, one of the boys let out a small grin and the other a scowl.

“Tell me, are you planning to stay in the city for long?”

“I don’t know yet.” I had no place to hide, so running would only prolong my life for a little while.

“I like you, and I could have some use for someone like you, so before you waste your wish on something that I cannot give, let me tell you this. Michael came to me a long time ago. This hit is a birthright. When her grandfather passed away, it transferred to her. Just like when Michael’s grandfather passed away, his hit passed on to him. It ensures that one day the line will die. It might not be today or tomorrow, but with it being passed down, it ensures that one day someone will come along and fulfill a job that was started almost a century ago. This curse has followed them their whole lives, hailing from their homeland. So, I can’t do anything about it, for the man who created it is now dead.”

Chills went down my spine. I knew it. The hit on her head was dodgy. She was a spoiled bitch, but she hadn’t lived long enough to make enemies like the ones I had. It all came back down to her namesakes. Empires were built on blood indeed.

“And offering my protection will be useless since she’s already been claimed. Her mother was not an oil heiress, but a cartel princess. She had to renounce her familial ties when she married Michael. That’s why nothing is known of her nor her family. Not because they like privacy but to ensure this doesn’t follow the girl around either. Her grandparents protect Ember in the way that if someone touches her, they, along with their family, will be eliminated. Now tell me, is there something I can do for you?”

I wasn’t easily blindsided, but I could admit I was just fucked over by what he said. That left me with no options and back to square one. It left me with one thing to do, and that one thing would have to be enough.

“No blowback.” I spoke the words loud enough that he heard them.

He knew what I was asking, and he thought about it for a second before nodding his head. I was going to paint this city in red, and I would not have to worry about it landing back on me.

“Just let me know when, and it’s done.” He finished his drink. “Any chance you’d be willing to step in the ring again?”

“I’d rather not tempt fate again.” Yet I was about to push it. “But if you lend me some men, I’d be willing to do a job, no questions asked.”

I let the offer hang out casually as if I was joking.

“Three men. Three markers.”

“Deal.” I didn’t hesitate to make a deal with him. He was a devil, but I already knew hell.

“You may go now.” He threw out a dismissive hand my way.

I did as he asked, making my way scarce, and went to find Ember to get us the fuck out of here so I could sink into her pussy.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I would find. No sooner was I out the doors than Gideon was walking toward me.

“She’s gone.”

I let the words sink in as ice seeped through my veins.

“What. The. Fuck. Happened?” I seethed.

“Fuck, mate,” Gideon was pissed. “She went to the bathroom with Pam.”

“Where’s Pam?”

“Gone,” he clipped out.

My jaw felt heavy. I couldn’t even speak with how enraged I was. No phones were allowed here, so I couldn’t exactly call Pam.

“You were supposed to watch her.”