Claire's POV

The car was silent except for the low hum of the engine as we pulled up a safe distance from the warehouse. I felt the weight of the gun at my hip, the tension in my muscles, the way my heart pounded so loudly I was sure the men in the backseat could hear it.

Vera's orders repeated in my head. You get out alive. Your safety, then the mission.

I wasn't stupid enough to think she'd forgive me if I switched those priorities around.

I grabbed my earpiece, pressing my fingers against it. "Valeria, we're in position."

Her voice came through steady, sharp. "Good. Remember the plan—get in, clear out anything valuable, and place the charges. We detonate together. I'll keep Leo's men occupied on my end. You have ten minutes max."

I exhaled, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

I turned to the men behind me. "This is a precision hit. We're not here for blood—don't shoot unless you have no choice. We go in, we secure everything worth taking, and we get out before the firework show starts."

They nodded.

I stepped out of the car, feeling the cool night air hit my face, sharp and biting. The warehouse loomed ahead, dimly lit, guards stationed lazily around the entrance. I counted them—four at the front, likely more inside.

"West entrance is clear," Valeria's voice crackled in my ear. "Minimal security. That's your way in."

I nodded, motioning for the men to move.

One of them picked the lock swiftly, and the door creaked open.

The smell of metal, gasoline, and old wood filled my nose as we slipped inside. The warehouse was massive—stacks of crates lined up in uneven rows, a few trucks parked near the loading dock, half-packed with supplies.

"You're looking for cash, weapons, and ledgers. Take what you can carry." Valeria's voice was firm.

I took a sharp breath and moved.

The men worked fast, flipping open crates, pulling out duffel bags. I found a metal safe tucked in one corner, its door slightly ajar—whoever was here last had been careless. I pried it open, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of neatly stacked bills.

Jackpot.

I stuffed as much as I could into my bag before moving to another crate, pulling out an assault rifle and some ammunition. The ledgers were next—documents detailing shipments, transactions, things Leo wouldn't want falling into Vera's hands.

"Val, I've got the ledgers. You set yet?"

"Two more minutes," she responded. "Move faster, Claire."

I gritted my teeth.

One of the men whistled lowly as he zipped up a bag full of cash. "Leo's gonna be pissed."

That's the point.

Then I heard it—heavy footsteps, moving fast.

I turned just as one of the guards rounded the corner. His eyes widened, and his hand went for his gun.

I fired first.

The shot echoed through the warehouse, the man dropping with a heavy thud.

Shit.

The silence was gone. Shouts rang out from the other side of the warehouse.

"They know we're here," one of the men growled. "We need to go—now."

I grabbed the detonator from my jacket, my hands slick with sweat.

"Val, we've been made."

"You got what you need?"

"Yeah."

"Then light it up."

I pressed the trigger.

The explosion rocked the building, the blast sending crates tumbling as flames shot up, licking at the walls. The fire spread fast, swallowing everything in its path.

We ran.

Gunfire erupted from the far side of the warehouse. A bullet whizzed past my ear, hitting the wall behind me.

I ducked, gritting my teeth. "Val, tell me you're moving."

"Already did. My site is up in flames. I'm getting my crew out now."

I cursed, diving behind a stack of crates as another bullet clipped the edge.

"Cover me!" I shouted.

One of the men fired back, giving me just enough time to sprint toward the exit. My lungs burned as I ran, my heart pounding against my ribs.

The car was just ahead.

Almost there.

I turned, watching the warehouse burn as we sped away, the flames consuming everything we left behind.

My phone buzzed.

I pressed the earpiece. "Val?"

"We're clear. Good work."

I exhaled, leaning back in my seat, my arm throbbing.

Leo was going to be furious.

But all I could think about was Vera.

And whether she was safe.

Vera's POV

The club was loud—bass-heavy music pulsing through the walls, drowning out the murmurs of business and betrayal being whispered at every corner. I hated places like this. Too many people, too many eyes. But Leo liked the chaos, the power it gave him to sit in the center of it all and watch his empire from a cushioned throne.

I adjusted my jacket, rolling my shoulders back, reminding myself to keep my movements slow, calculated. Vulnerability. Submission. A woman desperate for peace. That's what Leo needed to see. Not the woman who had just orchestrated an attack on his warehouses.

Claire had walked me through this, her hands resting lightly on my arms before I left, grounding me in a way I didn't want to admit felt too... steadying.

"You don't have to like this, Vera. You just have to make him believe it."

I hadn't responded, just let her words settle under my skin like a command I hated following but knew was necessary.

Now, stepping into the VIP section of the club, I felt every muscle in my body tense as Leo's men looked up.

Leo sat in the center, legs stretched out, one arm slung over the back of the couch like he was royalty.

And beside him, Dominic.

My breath stalled for half a second before I forced myself to keep walking.

I hadn't seen Dominic in years. Not since he'd put a bullet in Ignacio's head. Not since I'd promised myself that one day, I'd do the same to him.

But not tonight.

Tonight, I wasn't here for war.

I was here to bend.

Leo's grin stretched slow, predatory. "Well, well. If it isn't the queen of lost causes."

I didn't react. Just walked forward, keeping my steps unhurried, like this wasn't already a disaster waiting to happen.

Dominic's eyes followed me as I sank into the seat across from them, his lips curling into something amused, like he was entertained by the very idea of me being here.

I met his gaze. Held it. Let the silence stretch.

Let them think I was swallowing my pride.

Leo chuckled. "I was wondering when you'd come to your senses. Losing warehouses, stretched too thin—figured you'd break eventually."

I exhaled, slow, steady. Play the game.

"I don't want a war, Leo."

He arched a brow. "No?"

I shook my head. "You've made your point. Dominic's back, your power is untouchable. I don't need to throw my men into a fight they won't win."

Leo tilted his head, studying me. "So you're saying you can't beat me?"

"I'm saying I don't need to." I leaned forward, keeping my voice smooth, controlled. "The past few weeks have cost me more than I expected. I need to secure my business, my operations, and I can't do that if I'm at war with you."

Leo's smirk didn't fade, but his eyes sharpened. "And you think I'd just accept that?"

"I think I have something you want."

That got his attention.

Dominic, too.

I pulled a small drive from my pocket, setting it on the table between us.

Leo didn't reach for it. Just lifted a brow.

"What's this?"

"Proof of a rat in your operation." I tapped the drive with my finger. "Numbers don't lie, Leo. Someone's been skimming from you. Someone inside your crew."

Leo's face didn't change, but I saw the flicker of interest in his eyes.

He liked control. He liked knowing he had his men in line. The idea that one of them had been betraying him? That was something he couldn't ignore.

Dominic, though—Dominic was watching me, sharp, unreadable.

"You're deflecting," he murmured.

I didn't blink. "I'm proving I'm not your enemy."

He smiled, slow, lazy, like he knew I was lying. Like he could smell the bullshit from a mile away.

I turned back to Leo. "Take the drive. Look into it. And when you realize I'm right, we can talk about what's next."

Leo tapped his fingers against the armrest, considering.

Then, finally, he reached forward, plucking the drive from the table.

I exhaled, forcing myself to relax just a fraction.

"Vera." Dominic's voice was too smooth. Too knowing. "Stay for a drink."

I froze.

Leo grinned. "Yeah, stay. We've got things to catch up on, don't we?"

I glanced between them, every instinct in my body screaming at me to get up and walk out.

But walking out now would look weak. Would look afraid.

And Vera Castillo was never afraid.

I forced a smirk, reaching for the glass in front of me, lifting it slightly in mock toast.

"To old times."

I downed it in one swallow, ignoring the way Dominic's smirk deepened.

I needed to get the hell out of here.

I set the glass down with a quiet clink, my fingers steady even as my stomach twisted. Every second I stayed in this room, I was giving them something—something to analyze, something to use. Dominic wasn't just watching me. He was studying me.

Leo was the immediate threat, but Dominic was the one I had to be careful of.

Leo leaned back, swirling his own drink. "You really think you can walk in here and feed me some bullshit about peace and expect me to believe it?"

I tilted my head, giving him a slow smirk. "Believe it or don't. Either way, you'll check that drive."

He watched me, expression unreadable. Then, after a long beat, he chuckled, shaking his head. "You always did know how to keep things interesting."

"I try."

Dominic's voice cut in, smooth, like he was enjoying himself too much. "And yet, you always seem to be on the losing end of things."

I let my smirk widen. "Funny. I was thinking the same about you. Must be humbling, getting broken out of a prison you swore you'd never end up in."

Leo's amusement disappeared, his sharp gaze cutting to Dominic, waiting for his reaction.

Dominic smiled, slow, unbothered, but his fingers drummed once against the table. I knew I'd hit something.

Leo exhaled, setting his drink down. "I'll look into what you gave me." His tone was casual, but I could hear the edge beneath it. The warning. "But don't mistake this for mercy, Vera. I don't trust you. Not even for a second."

I gave a small nod, keeping my expression unreadable. "I wouldn't expect you to."

Leo studied me a moment longer, then flicked his fingers toward the door. "Get out."

I didn't hesitate.

I stood smoothly, ignoring Dominic's smirk, ignoring the way every muscle in my body was wound too tight as I turned and walked out.

The second I stepped past the guards, past the heavy door and into the open night air, I let out a slow breath.

I wasn't safe yet.

Not until I was out of here.

I kept my pace even, not rushing, not running, just walking like I had all the time in the world. I could still feel them watching me.

When I reached my car, I didn't get in immediately.

Instead, I pulled out my phone, texting a single word to Claire.

"Done."

A second later, my phone vibrated.

"You're okay?"

I smirked slightly, shaking my head.

"Did you doubt me, mi vida?"

Her response was immediate.

"Always."

I let out a quiet breath, my fingers tightening on the wheel as I finally got in and drove off.

---

I pushed through the doors of the hideout, my body still buzzing with tension. I headed straight to the room where I knew they'd be waiting—Valeria and Claire. The second I stepped inside, Claire was already moving toward me, her eyes wide, scanning me like she was checking for injuries.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her hands reaching for me.

I tensed under Valeria's sharp gaze. Claire's concern was too open, too much in front of her. I couldn't afford to look weak—not now. Without thinking, I pushed Claire aside, stepping past her.

Claire stumbled slightly, catching herself, but I didn't miss the flicker of hurt that crossed her face before she masked it.

Valeria's arms were crossed as she studied me. "Is it done?"

I scoffed, dropping into the chair and running a hand over my jaw. "Oh, it's done, all right." A smirk pulled at my lips as I leaned back. "I gave him a drive with the real locations we hit. Let's see how well that peace treaty holds up now."

Valeria didn't look amused.

"Vera, we have a bigger problem," she said, her tone sharper than before. "The security at both warehouses was too low."

I frowned. "What?"

Valeria exhaled, clearly frustrated. "I drove past the locations you said you were going to hit—the ones we lied about to the crew." She looked at me pointedly. "They were heavily guarded. Meanwhile, the actual warehouses you sent Claire to? Barely any security at all."

Realization hit me like a gut punch.

"There's a rat," I muttered.

Valeria nodded. "Someone in your crew leaked the information about the supposed locations. But because we fed them the wrong ones, Leo fortified the wrong places."

My jaw clenched, my mind already racing.

"How do we figure out who it is?" I asked.

Valeria leaned against the table. "Leo and Dominic will call whoever fed them the false information to settle the problem. They'll be pissed they got played. That's when they'll make contact."

Claire, who had been silent since I pushed her aside, crossed her arms. "Hopefully, the hits were strong enough that they'll act reckless and expose themselves."

Valeria nodded. "They won't be careful. They'll be scrambling to figure out how they got it wrong."

I ran a hand down my face. It was a smart plan, but it still meant we had a snake among us. Someone who thought they could sell me out and walk away breathing.

Valeria checked her phone. "I should go. The longer I stay here, the more dangerous it gets." She gave me one last look. "Watch your back, Vera."

I smirked, shaking my head. "Now you sound like Claire."

Valeria's lips twitched, but she didn't respond. She moved toward the back entrance, slipping out before anyone could see her leave.

And then it was just me and Claire.

Silence stretched between us.

I turned, and Claire was already staring at me, arms crossed, the hurt still lingering in her expression.

"What the hell was that?" she asked, her voice quieter but firm.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. I didn't want to do this right now. But Claire? She never let me off easy.

Claire's POV

The door clicked shut behind Valeria, leaving me and Vera alone in the room. I turned to face her, arms crossed, watching as she dragged a hand through her hair, exhaling heavily like she was finally letting herself breathe.

But I wasn't about to let her off the hook.

"You're seriously gonna act like that didn't just happen?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

Vera didn't look at me. She walked over to the small bar in the corner of the room, pouring herself a drink, her movements too controlled. Too forced.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she muttered.

I scoffed. "Oh, come on, Vera." I stepped forward, closing the space between us. "You pushed me aside the second I ran to you. Like—like I was nothing."

Vera took a slow sip of her drink, still refusing to meet my eyes. "Didn't want to make a scene."

I let out a humorless laugh. "Right. Because you, Vera Castillo, are so fucking concerned about making a scene."

She finally glanced at me, eyes flashing with warning. "Drop it, Claire."

I took another step closer. "No."

She tensed.

Good.

"You don't get to do that," I pressed, my voice softer now, but no less firm. "You don't get to act like you don't care when I saw the way you looked at me before the mission. I heard what you told those men—you told them my safety came first. Not the mission. Me."

Vera downed the rest of her drink, setting the glass down a little too hard. "Practical decision."

I let out a breath, shaking my head. "Bullshit."

She turned then, finally facing me fully, her jaw tight, her eyes unreadable. "You're reading too much into it."

"Am I?" I challenged. "Because I kissed you before I left. And you kissed me back. And that wasn't strategy. That wasn't a game."

Vera didn't say anything.

And that silence? That told me everything.

I stepped right into her space now, our bodies inches apart. "Say it, Vera. Say it was a mistake. Say it meant nothing."

She said nothing.

I swallowed, my heart pounding in my chest. "That's what I thought."

Then, suddenly—she moved.

Her hands gripped my wrists, and in one quick motion, she spun me around, pinning me against the wall. My breath hitched, but I didn't fight it. Her body pressed against mine, her hands caging me in on either side.

Her voice was low, almost a growl. "You don't get it, pastelito."

I tilted my head up, refusing to look away, refusing to let her intimidate me. "Then make me understand."

Her jaw clenched. I could see the war happening behind her eyes, the way she was fighting herself. Then, softer now, her breath fanning against my lips—

"If I start caring... if I let myself have this... it's over for me."

I felt my heart clench.

Vera, the woman who walked through fire without flinching, who carried an entire empire on her back, who never let anyone see her bleed—was terrified.

Not of me.

Of this.

Of us.

Slowly, carefully, I lifted my hands, placing them on either side of her face, my fingers curling gently against her jaw. She stiffened, but she didn't pull away.

"It's already over for you, Vera," I whispered. "You care. You wouldn't be this mad if you didn't."

Something in her shattered.

Her hands, still gripping my wrists, loosened. Her forehead pressed against mine, her breath uneven, her walls crumbling brick by brick.

For the first time since I met her, she didn't run.

I didn't push her further. I just let her be here, let her exist in this moment with me.

She was still figuring this out.

But for now—this was enough.