Maddox’s POV
“We need to talk,” I said, pouring myself a cup of coffee. “Privately.”
She didn’t argue and followed me to the basement gym. I locked the door behind us—not to trap her, but to guarantee we wouldn’t be overheard.
“The cartel knows about you,” I said bluntly. “They know about our connection, which makes you a target.”
The color faded from her face. “How do you know?”
“I have connections in Mexico, people who still owe me favors. They’re saying that my former family wants to use you as leverage.” I set my coffee down and stepped closer. “If they catch you, they’ll use you to control me, and that’s something I can’t let happen.”
“So what do I do? Hide? Lock myself away until they lose interest?” She pulled back slightly, but not too much.
“No. You help me.” I let th
