Daniella's heart slammed against her ribs, each beat a reminder of the tiny life she was fighting to shield. Her arms ached from holding the heavy gun and clutching the package like a lifeline, but she didn't waver.
For the first time since this nightmare began, she wasn't merely surviving.
She was bargaining.
Daniella took a slow step back until the edge of the bed pressed against her legs. The gun stayed raised, her grip white-knuckled despite the tremor she couldn't quite kill. Then, with deliberate care, she lowered herself onto Santiago's lap, pressing her body close to his, not for comfort, but for the only shield this room could offer. Proximity to the most dangerous man present was the closest thing to safety she had left.
"Santi…" she said, forcing her voice steady even as her heart slammed against her ribs. "How about we sell the package later? I don't need to transact now."
