Chapter 23

CARLOS pov The city never really slept. Every flickering streetlight, every whispered bargain in a shadowy alley, and every shadow lingering past midnight all reflected the city's pulse. As one of the city's kings, I thrived on lies and secrets. Or, I told myself, I woke up behind the wheel of this hideous machine every single day. But tonight, there was a subtle yet deadly taste, like smoke before a fire. Camila Ramos was engaging in risky behavior. I had spent years establishing my empire and extending my influence throughout the underbelly of this city. And now, a thorn under my skin, she dared to pretend Alejandro had died and disappear like a ghost. The cartel's eyes, however, did not blink. Never. Cigarette smoke curled like snake venom in the stale air as I sat behind my office's darkened glass. The orange ember pulsing at the tip of my cigarette and the dim glow of monitors monitoring my men's movements were the only sources of light. Through the walls came the hum of the city,