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Chapter 22
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Hotter Than Hell Chapter 23
I sleep the rest of the day. When I wake up, it's dark outside, which means it's after nine at night. Moon enters the room as soon as I exit the bathroom. The only light is the glow from the bathroom because I couldn't find any other light switch."You're walking around again," he says by way of greeting."I'm trying to figure out how to turn on the damn lights," I respond in frustration.He walks back to the bedroom doors, opens a panel that looks like part of the wall, and turns on soft lighting that displays the artwork on the walls. It's a beautiful way to light a room."I need to walk around," I say. "My muscles are sore and I need to use them."He moves closer and his voice gentles. "Would you like to take a walk outside?" This caring side of him does indecent things to my sex organs.I pull the material at the top of the dress shirt I'm wearing out a bit. Moon's eyes follow my hand. "This is all I've been given to wear." I don't mention that I have nothing under the shirt
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 24
I push aside the fact that my face and hair are a mess. I want one night. One night of not thinking about crime, or death, or doing the right thing. I inhale slowly. It's a night I can't afford to take. I know if I do, there will be no going back."Everything," I tell him. His eyes go dark.It's my turn to qualify. "The sandwich, just put everything on it, please."He finishes making our sandwiches. The entire process is calm and methodical and seems to be a fundamental part of him. He returns the mayo, mustard, and assorted lunch meats to the fridge. He removes two plates from a cabinet and places the sandwiches on top. He fills two glasses of water, snags a bag of chips from another cupboard, and makes two trips to the table to place everything on it."Eat while I clean up. I know you're hungry."I grab my sandwich with both hands. "I'm surprised you don't save the dishes for someone else." The sandwich smells delicious, but then liver would smell good right now and I hate liver
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 25
Moon leads me through his oasis in the desert. We left by an outside door off the kitchen. We walk around to the front of the house first so he can show me the fountain, which is lit up with multi-colored lights. It's beautiful, and we stand and admire it for several minutes. Moon holds my hand the entire time."Come on, I'll show you the rest."The sprinkler system comes on when we reach the side of the house. Water sprays the flowers and shrubs, circulating the amazing natural smells of the Arizona outdoors. I feel like I could be strolling through the Botanical Gardens right now, making it easy to forget why I'm here. The colorful accent lights add a bewitching quality to the trails. Yes, I said trails. There are several. The one we're on is paved with flagstone. The others appear to be fine rock or possibly shale. The outside temperature is hot, but not sun-beating-down-on-you hot. I'd say the upper eighties or low nineties. With the low humidity it's downright comfortable.We w
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 26
Moon is looking deep into my eyes, and I can tell that something he sees disturbs him. His expression changes. His tone becomes hard and inflexible. "You're taken in by the outer facade. The darkness I carry is hidden on the inside." His fingers thread through my hair and he tightens the strands within his fists to make a point. "The things I do are cold and calculated. Don't be fooled and think I'm good, baby."I don't believe him. "Tell me about your mother." I need Moon to be my knight in shining armor. I need him to be good and worthy of the feelings that are raging through me.His expression doesn't change, but his words surprise me. "She would have liked you."I laugh because he has no idea. "Mothers never like me," I tell him. I'm not putting myself down, just stating fact. I see it in their eyes when I'm introduced. My large breasts and curvy body give me a voluptuous, sex kitten look-aka trampy. Moms know exactly what their sons see in me. They don't feel I'm a good candida
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 27
We're silent as Moon leads me back to the house. He grabs two of my pills from a kitchen cabinet and watches me take them. I'm too overwhelmed and don't argue because my head is pounding. He leaves me alone in his room so he can attend his conference call.I curl up in his bed, inhaling his scent and wondering how this went so fucking wrong. It was Moon's actions and not mine that killed Penny. Moon's fucking games. Manuel Estephon is thought to be the number one killer on American soil and directly tied to the Mexican drug cartels. If Moon is to be believed, and I don't know what to believe anymore, Kennedy is tied to Estephon.Moon's war means cops will die. I can't allow that to happen. I have no idea where to turn or who to turn to. Just Estephon's name fills me with dread. At Estephon's orders, five young men were beheaded a few months ago. Gruesome, horrific deaths that were blasted over the Internet. And Estephon got away with it. Does Kennedy have any idea who he's dealing wi
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 28
Moon rolls us until I'm back on my side. He stands and crosses the room until he disappears into the closet. He comes out a minute later and turns on the bedside reading light. He places a large album on the bed. "Pick it up," he says softly. I'm in no mood to do anything he asks, but the look in his eyes lets me know I should pick up the album. Moon's knee hits the bed and he situates the pillows before joining me and sitting back against them. He reaches over and literally pulls me up so my back is against him and I'm wrapped in his arms.He takes the album from me and flips through several pages until he comes to a full-page picture of three teenagers. One is Moon, another is Gomez, and the third a young woman. Her skin is lighter than Moon's, but her Mexican heritage is evident. What astounds me is that if my skin were darker, we could be sisters.I don't understand. "Who is she?"Moon's finger slides over the image. "Alex's sister.""What happened to her?" I'm so afraid to hea
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 29
"El jefe?" I ask the doctor. I've heard the term but have no idea what it means."Forgive me twice. El jefe means 'the boss or chief.' He takes care of his people and from what I've seen, you are now one of his people. Value his loyalty; he is a man with many faces." His hands move to my shoulder and he begins rotating the joint. Another slight wince escapes me."No change?""It only hurts when I move it or someone tries to twist it off," I reply deadpan.A twinkle replaces the solemn look in his dark eyes. "Then I would say don't move it and don't allow anyone to twist it off.""Your bedside manner is flawless, Dr. Santos."He grins and then looks away. When he turns back, his cheeks are tinged red. "I do not have these conversations, because my patients are children." He clears his throat. "It is your decision if you wish to return to sexual activity."Oh my hell, this is priceless. "Did you tell Moon that I couldn't?" I laugh. Merriment enters Santos' eyes and they actually
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 30
I head into the closet and pull out the red bikini that I spotted the first day. It has a complex system of straps and covers practically nothing. No way did Gabriella choose this. I try it on, and like everything else, it fits perfectly. Too much skin, but that's how it's designed. I pull a flower print sundress over the swimsuit and slip my feet into red four-inch heels that come very close to matching the bikini. The heels are not my usual footwear and I sincerely hope I don't break an ankle. There is nothing I can do about my face, and I refuse to hide it. I pull my semi-wet hair into a French braid and nab a pair of Moon's sunglasses from a shelf in his closet. I didn't find any large gold chains to go with Moon's thug image. Too bad because I'd have worn one.He has two books on his nightstand. One is a business book that I'll admit sounds thoroughly boring. The other is Lincoln and His Admirals by Craig Symonds. I've read several Lincoln biographies and other books about the Ci
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Hotter Than Hell Chapter 304: Moon
I stayed with Mr. Loche for two hours. When I came back to the cabin, Father Andrews and Madison were cooking dinner together in the kitchen. She was laughing and he was telling her that anyone can learn to cook, it just takes practice. I don't add my two cents that the meal Mrs. Loche prepared would have been safer. I word it a little more carefully, "Please don't encourage her. Gabriella will throw a fit if Madison moves in on her territory." They stop what they're doing and I receive my first genuine smile from Madison that I've seen in weeks."It's a simple lasagna. Mak can make it when you're here at the cabin. Even I wouldn't do anything to piss off Gabriella." He cringes with great exaggeration and Madison laughs.She looks at him with a huge smile. "You didn't tell me you know Gabriella.""I know her daughter. I've heard all the stories from her and I'm terrified of her mother."I walk to my wife and wrap my arms around her from behind. She leans into me and places her hands on
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 303: Madison
It's three more days before our guest arrives. I'm actually tongue-tide when Moon introduces me to Father Andrews. He's American but lives in Mexico and drove all this way to return a favor he owed my husband. He's younger than a priest has a right to be and he's too damn good looking for his job. I place him in his early thirties. It's strange because he looks oddly familiar even though I'm sure I've never met him.The three of us walk into the living room where Mrs. Loche put out cucumber sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. Father Andrews's eyes light up. "I haven't eaten since breakfast and these look delicious," he says while filling a plate.Moon doesn't sit with us. "Mr. Loche and I are working on a new garden and clearing some land. I'll be next door if you need me." He leans down and places his lips on mine for a short kiss. It actually embarrasses me because Father Andrews is watching. Moon taps me under the chin in understanding because of the heat traveling up my neck and
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 302: Madison
With revenge motivating me, dealing with what happened was easier. The need for blood became a driving force that allowed me to put my thoughts and feelings on hold. Now my feelings, doubt, and shame overshadow everything. My mind is a dark hole with a smoky mist that Moon stands in to beckon me out. His hand is there. I can almost touch it, but my fingers slide away, a millimeter short, and the darkness covers me once more.Sleep is the worst. Nightmares make me toss and turn throughout the night. Most center around blood on my hands. They drip the red, congealed mess onto everything I touch and when I open my eyes it's still there. Or so the dream goes.I find it strange that I don't dream about what Fernandez did to me. It's his laughter, though, that wakes me night after night. Moon is always there to comfort me during those horrible hours. He pulls me close to his body when I give the slightest gasp. I breathe in his scent and fill my lungs with his strength. Until I fall asleep a
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 301: Moon
Part of my heart-stopping fury recedes when I pull Madison back into my arms. Her entire body is shaking and she's still clutching the knife I handed her. Alex takes it from her hand after I scoop her into my arms and cradle her against my chest. I breathe in the scent of her hair and try to gain more control.This woman is everything. She's the reason I wake up in the morning. Everything I hold dear is wrapped up in her. Cori meets my eyes and she tips her head in acknowledgement. When she turns away, Duke is standing behind her. He pulls her into his arms and walks her toward the front room. He stops when Goose is dragged closer by one of Dax's men and places himself between Cori and Duke. Duke casually pulls his gun and fires, striking him between the eyes. Goose blankly stares at the ceiling by the time the sound of the gunshot fades from the room. Cori spits on Goose's body before Duke leads her forward. Alex gives orders to clean up the bloody mess."Please take me home," Madison
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 300: Madison
She steps forward and Fernandez spins and tries throwing a punch at my head but misses. He moves quickly even with a bullet through the foot and gets between Cori and Sofia's rifle. Melina takes the opportunity to bring her gun down on the back of his head. He stumbles and I kick the tibial pressure point in his good leg. He drops and I kick Celina's gun away from him. She grabs it and aims it at him as he wiggles around like a flopping fish. I hand Melina my gun and slam down into his back with my cuffs primed. I practically pull his arms from their sockets in order to secure his hands behind his back while he's stunned."Help me get him up on the kitchen island and I'll cut off his fucking clothes." We drag him back to the kitchen minus Celina who stays at her post, which is the front door. He struggles but it's not enough for four women on a mission.The sick feeling in my stomach stays and I turn slightly and rub tears from my eyes. Not a minute has gone by that I haven't thought a
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 299: Madison
We park a half mile from the home. Melina and I run up the street, carrying the post driver between us because it's so damn heavy, and check out the property. Like the house he kept me and Cori in, this one is away from other homes and on a nice sized piece of property. The desert foliage on the north side of the area gives us a good vantage point to see the back door. I call Celina."Send Cori north to our location. The front door is on the south side of the house and you'll have about twenty-five yards from the truck to the door. Sofia will be your driver and leave as soon as you're inside. She'll park and meet us. We'll come through the back five minutes after you enter." We covered all of this in the car, but it helps me to go over the plan out loud again. "Give Cori ten minutes to get in place before Sofia drops you off.""Cori just took off. We're set," Celina says before ending the call.After Cori meets us, we stay low and wait for Sofia to text me that Celina is in the house.
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 298: Moon
Alex brings the car to the front. Austin jumps into the back and I take the passenger seat. I told the men to put Gabriella in our safe room until everything settles. She can cuss them out in Spanish, I don't have time. Sirens can be heard in the distance and we need to be completely clear of the house before they hit the street that leads to my private road.I've also notified additional men to meet us at the warehouse. As soon as we have Fernandez's location, we'll be moving out quickly. It suddenly occurs to me that Dax is totally out of the loop, so I dial his cell."You're fucking kidding me," he practically yells when I tell him his wife ran over a man and picked up the women. "I'm on my way." Another call comes in and I look at the display. It's Caleb."Start heading here with reinforcements," I tell Dax quickly. "I'll call as soon as we have a location. It won't be long."The man in the trunk is moaning loudly. There are metal plates over the taillights and nothing he can do to
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 297: Moon
Madison is up to something. The strange feeling persisted while she dressed and then at breakfast. Sending her off to the service without me was nearly impossible. The fact is, I need to get my head out of my ass and take care of Fernandez once and for all. The thought of him taking Madison again is eating me alive.While she's at EE, I can focus on what it takes to keep everyone safe. The Frontera Cartel is out of the picture and now we can focus on one man. I have everyone but our outside security in the conference room. Austin joins us too."How do we bring him out in the open without risking one of our women as bait?" I ask the men. It didn't matter how much Madison complained, there was no way I would give into her plan.I've never reached my current level of frustration as we debate the best scenarios. Alex hasn't said a word since entering the meeting, which surprises me. When I look at him, his eyes are on the door leading to the hallway."What has you worried?" I ask him when
Hotter Than Hell Chapter 296: Madison
The women with Celina give whoops and atta-girl shouts. I can't help smiling. "We'll be another thirty minutes. There's a building supply store not far from you and I need you to pick up two metal fence post drivers." I never worked Cave Creek as a cop, but one of the officers lived there and loved having barbeques, so I'm familiar with the area."We're on it. Meet us in the parking lot."I disconnect the call and decide to join Cori in the front. I wiggle between the seats and then lean back and exhale after I attach my seatbelt. "I'm worried Moon could beat us there."Cori puts her foot on the gas and shoots forward on the freeway. The 51 is one of the lighter trafficked freeways if you're not driving it during rush hour and we're pushing the witching hour. It's the most direct route from central Phoenix to the north valley and we're in luck because it's wide open. If that luck continues, highway patrol won't have units in the vicinity.We make it to the building supply store in twen
