Dangerous Liaisons (Crimson Legion MC #1)

18. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I sabella sat in her office, struggling to shift her thoughts away from Mikhail, who was now on his way back to Russia with Sergei. The surrounding silence was overwhelming, amplifying the void left in his absence. She had given him explicit instructions to protect her son and wait for further directions. He wasn’t happy about it, but he said nothing—he would handle things there. For now, she had to concentrate on the growing threats concerning Diego Martinez.

“Hunter Collins is here.”

“Send him in.”

He appeared in the doorway minutes later, Kira shutting the door behind him.

Isabella motioned for him to take a seat across from her. “What have you discovered about our little problem?”

He slouched into the chair, stroking his goatee as his electric blue gaze swept over her office before settling back on her. “I’d call it a massive problem,” he grunted, frustration evident in his voice. “Valhalla MC is involved in every criminal activity you can list, like drug trafficking, arms dealing, extortion. They use intimidation and fear to get what they want. It’s their primary tactic.”

She bit back her retort that he was describing every cartel in the world, including her own. “It makes sense why Diego would hire them.”

Hunter rubbed his goatee, deep in thought. “It’s not just a motorcycle club; it’s a gang. They don’t follow rules—only blind obedience.”

“Some might see that as an advantage.”

“Even if Diego’s offering them a lot of money, it’s not just about cash for them. Valhalla is after something more significant.”

“Gangs are driven by one thing: territory. Diego wants complete control of the gun trade. Valhalla wants everything you have. It’s the only reason I can think they’d agree to work with him.”

He leaned back, crossing his arms. “Which part of this snake do you want to handle first? ”

It was an intriguing question, given that their own alliance was on shaky ground. “I’ll handle Diego. I can make a call. Focus on Valhalla and weigh your options. I’ll support whatever decision you make there.”

“None of us are going to come out of this clean.”

“My hands were never clean to begin with, Mr. Collins.”

After a moment of silence, he shifted gears. “And what about Xavier?”

Her expression flickered. “It’s complicated. Our lives don’t afford us the luxury of happy endings.”

“I can’t tell either of you what to do, even as president. He’s going to do what he wants, but if you hurt him, you’ll have to answer to all of us. This isn’t just about you two—it’s about our whole family, including Ava. You know how much she cares about him. If you betray that trust, there will be consequences, cartel at your back or not.”

Isabella had to admire his bravery, laying it all out without flinching, as if he didn’t care who she was or what she could do to his club. “You think you can intimidate me with threats?” she challenged, though a part of her knew the truth in his words.

“I’m not trying to intimidate you. I’m trying to make you understand. We protect our own. Our agreement is solid, as long as we trust each other, and that includes how you handle this thing with my best friend. You might find yourself on the wrong side of something bigger than you can handle.”

She eyed the dusty warehouse with a mix of apprehension and disdain. She stood beside Kira, the tension palpable as she checked her watch, noting the approaching time. The door creaked open, and Diego strode in, flanked by his imposing bodyguard. Four more men followed, their leather vests adorned with MC patches, signaling their affiliation.

“Have you come to negotiate terms?” His voice carried a hint of mockery.

Kira shifted beside her, eyes darting to Diego’s bodyguard, who stood like a statue, arms crossed. The tension thickened in the air as the members of the Valhalla MC fanned out behind him.

Isabella narrowed her eyes, her posture steady despite the condescending tone. “Negotiate? I don’t remember you having anything of value to offer me.”

“That’s cute, but you’re outnumbered and outmatched. If you didn’t come to negotiate, surely you aren’t willing to die just to prove a point?”

“You didn’t heed my warning, Diego. You attacked me using my man against me and attacked members of the most prominent motorcycle club, one that runs this territory. Did you think that would go unanswered?”

“I don’t fear those I consider beneath me. If the Crimson Legion refuses to work with me, they’re no longer of use to me. Since you accepted my offer to meet, you realize that a war between us would only result in casualties that would outweigh the reward. So, what’s your offer?”

“It’s simple. I want the territory and the resources. I’m willing to compensate your losses in a sign of good faith, but your presence here is over.” She scrutinized the men with him, her eyes landing on the tallest among them, who stepped forward with a confident air. “Are these the men that answer to you now?”

“We answer to no one.”

“And you are?”

“Erik. President of the Valhalla MC.”

Isabella shot a glance at Kira, who shrugged with an air of bored indifference. “I hate to inform you, Erik, but you’re on the losing side, no matter the promises Diego has made you. His time at the head of his table is ending.”

“And who told you this?” Diego’s voice was laced with incredulity.

“Those you answer to, and they don’t take kindly to you overstepping your boundaries.”

His expression altered to confusion as his men taking tentative steps back, leaving him exposed. Isabella remained calm as shadows stirred behind her. Members of the Legion MC, led by Hunter, emerged from the darkness. She glanced at Xavier over her shoulder; their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment before she returned her attention to Diego.

“You brought them?”

“Consider it an insurance policy,” Isabella replied, her heart racing but her demeanor unshaken. “You’re not the only one who knows how to play the game.”

Erik’s confidence faltered, his gaze shifting between Isabella and the members of the Legion MC. The tension crackled in the air as his crew glanced at one another. Hunter stepped forward, a predatory grin on his face. “You’ve overstayed your welcome, Diego. Time to clear out.”

“This is a mistake. You think you can scare me into submission? You’re making a grave error.”

“On the contrary,” she replied, her voice low and steady, “the error is yours if you think you can hold on to power without adapting to smarter means.”

Erik spoke up, his bravado returning. “You think they’ll back you up if things turn sour? They’ll turn on you just as quickly.”

“You don’t know us, Erik,” Hunter chuckled. “Loyalty means everything to us, and we’ve chosen our side.”

Panic flickered across Diego’s face, and she couldn’t help but suppress a smirk as the realization of his precarious situation settled in .

“I warned you about what would happen the next time we met.”

“Diego,” a commanding voice interrupted.

An older Hispanic man stepped through the doorway. His aura radiated authority, demanding attention and respect. Men poured in from the door behind him, guns readied in their hands. “Isabella contacted me about what has unfolded as of late,” he said, his voice laced with authority. “I am most disappointed in you. This is not how we do business.”

“El Patrón…”

“Your father bridged an alliance with the Russians before his death, and you are doing everything in your power to destroy it.” He turned his attention to Isabella. “My sincerest apologies.”

She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Thank you for coming, Hector. I hate to involve you in such matters, but the attack on my establishment can’t be overlooked. I don’t wish to end our partnership and thought it best to include you in this uncomfortable conversation. Besides, these are my favorite shoes,” she smirked. “I would hate to get blood on them.”

“You-”

“That is enough!” Hector’s voice was a thunderous growl. “You’re done embarrassing yourself and your family name. This ends now.” His gaze swept over the Valhalla MC. “I suggest you rethink your agreement with my nephew, or you’ll find yourself buried alongside him in a shallow grave.”

Erik’s jaw tightened at his words, but he held his tongue, knowing the precariousness of the situation. “A debt is owed, one that was established in blood.”

“The land here is not ours to give, but perhaps other arrangements can be made. Diego overstepped and will pay for his transgressions.”

Diego’s protest was silenced as two of his men seized him, his bodyguard stepping back to align himself with Hector.

Isabella turned to Hunter. “Is there something else you wish to say?”

“Can’t say I saw this coming,” he shrugged, “but I’ll take it. I can sleep tonight knowing this dirt bag is no longer breathing.” He shot a warning glance at Erik. “You come into my town again and I’ll make sure you join him six feet under the fucking ground.”

“I’ll listen to your offer.”

“Smart man.” She nodded at Hunter, and with a signal to his men, they filed out of the warehouse. “Hector, I’ll be in touch.”

With that, she approached the door. Each step was deliberate, her resolve strengthened as she reached for the handle. The sound of a gunshot erupted behind her, and the heavy thud of a single body hitting the floor echoed through the building. Isabella paused for a moment, then pushed the door open and stepped into the night.