Alliances

A chill drips down my spine, not fear but dread. “Which is?”

“Your sister cannot be allowed to run the Guillermo’s empire.” His tone carries authority. “You killed Guillermo. You have claimed it by right of conquest. It should be you who sits at its head, not her.”

Rivero is careful not to spell it out in grim terms. Kill my own baby sister, and I will have the backing of all the allies I need to put down my enemies. Then I will have the peace I seek.

I nod.

Charlene places the menu down. “I would like to go home now.”

“We cannot leave.” My tone is cold. “To leave now shows weakness. I need his backing. And if you want peace in our future, I suggest we at least have an appetizer.”

“Fine.” Charlene picks up the menu again, but the light that had been in her eyes is no longer there. “Chocolate cake, and then we go home.”

Charlene

When Alfredo tells me his latest plan, I lose my breath.

“No.” I shake my head. “She’s a child!She’s too young to get married.”

“It’s the best way to keep Regi