꒰ PULL THE TRIGGER, I DARE YOU ꒱

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

❝ 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 𝐈𝐓 ! ❞

Kiki slammed his fist against the table feeling extremely discouraged at his failed attempt to catch the bastard. Their initial plan was to arrest him once he reached American soil but for some unspecified reason he didn't end up crossing the border.

"Come on Kiki calm down we tried." Kuykendall leaned against the wall taking a sip of his warm coffee. But Kiki was not going to accept this. He wanted Miguel Ángel to know his full name, and that would come true once he got that asshole in handcuffs.

"He's nothing but an asshole. Kidnapping a girl and forcing her into a cartel. Who does that? And I don't believe for a second that she's into it. I'm going to need proof, and it's unfortunate how her sister and best friend are covering for her. We can't let them get what they want. We need to continue to find her as hard as we can." Kiki explained tossing a mini ball up into the air. Kuykendall studied Kiki's face and recognized how committed he was to do this.

"Are you sure?" Kuykendall asked with reluctance in his voice.

"Yes, 100%. Now can you pass me the file for Estella Conesa please?"

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"Where are we going?" Estella asked fixing her red lipstick. It was early morning and she was forced to wake up to get ready. Isabella smirked turning to look at her now what she considered to be a friend.

"Well, we're going to visit the brothers to see if we received what we deserved. If we don't then, I suppose we'll be visiting Miguel Ángel in Guadalajara." Isabella clarified smoking her cigarette the smoke filling the air inside the car. Estella nodded her head continuing to do her eyeliner and couldn't stop thinking of Miguel Ángel and the horrific sight she had seen two nights ago. She had never seen anybody get shot in the face except for movies, but this was real life and she was disturbed knowing this wasn't going to be her last time either.

"Hopefully he will pay us with something. I think we earn it especially after seeing Falcón get shot in the face. But I can't say I'm too delighted to visit the brothers after what happened I wouldn't call them too happy with me." Estella sighed thinking of what occurred at the warehouse. Benjamín nearly killed Ana and not to mention that all seemed to be a little sexist at times since they thought women weren't strong enough to be in a cartel but Estella wanted to convince them otherwise.

"I'm sure he will and if not then he better believe that his morning is going to be ruined by two angry women." Isabella laughed along with Estella. After a few more minutes they arrived at the familiar warehouse instantly discomforting Estella.

"Let's go." Isabella strutted to the door and Estella followed behind it was sunny out but she still had chills from the thought of being here. Her friend almost died here and she felt guilty about that. But soon enough they entered the warehouse this time seeing huge semis, men helping put the cocaine in the back of the semis, and finally, the brothers who were too busy laughing and hadn't noticed the two girls.

"Hola Benjamín y Ramón." Isabella lowered her black designer glasses earning the brother's attention who were upset by their unexpected arrival. As the two girls made their way over to the brothers, they heard flirtatious whistles from the other men who also were muttering the most inappropriate things about them.

"¿Qué carajo quieres?" Benjamín hissed glaring at Estella who grinned and waved to irk him. But she couldn't help but think that if they were so shocked to see them that certainly meant that Miguel Ángel hadn't fulfilled his promises to give them part of Tijuana but hoped that maybe they were just being complete assholes.

"You don't know why we're here?" Estella spoke up crossing her arms. The brothers turned to look at each and shrugged.

"No, we have no idea. But you can leave now." Ramón shrugged pointing at the door. Estella looked away and smirked. They didn't know, and that made Estella feel stupid and maybe even a bit mad at Miguel Ángel. They hadn't talked over what her pay would be but now it made seem like he didn't see her as an equal in this business. Unfortunately, she wasn't surprised since men have always looked down upon women thinking that they couldn't rise to power or be influential but Estella wasn't going to give up.

"Just because we're women, doesn't mean you can stand here and treat us like shit. I'm here to say that we aren't afraid of you and that now you're going to have to get used to us being here. We're part of this too and you'll be hearing that in the meeting that's going to happen in the next few days." Estella stepped closer to the two brothers who maintained their smiles on their faces. They didn't believe she would be able to handle all of this. She was only some rich girl and hadn't ever experienced poverty or the life of crime. The only reason she was here was because she wanted to be rebellious which was true. But Estella wanted to show them that she could deal with all of this chaos.

"Okay prove us wrong then. I would love to see what Miguel Ángel will be giving you as a payment. Because it surely won't be part of Tijuana." Benjamín crossed his arms continuing to glare at Estella who nodded her head and scoffed.

"Fine. We will." And with that, the two girls walked out of the warehouse knowing that the brothers were watching their every move. Once they got outside the two girls smiled at each other and smoked their cigarettes. But they both knew that they were going to have to visit Hotel Americas to discuss with Miguel Ángel and Estella knew that she was not going to be pleased with him this time.

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Hotel Americas was bustling with conversation and people working along with Miguel Ángel who was starting to get enraged by Nava and his wife Maria. His wife was desperate for him to return to Sinaloa despite them living in Guadalajara now. He didn't want to go back to his hometown the first reason being that he preferred working in Guadalajara and the second being that he enjoyed the company of Estella. He wasn't certain if he was in love with Maria anymore but knew he cared about her since she would always be the mother of his children. But being with her was constant arguments and he wanted something new and perhaps much more healthy.

He stepped into his office with a cigarette in between his lips and nearly flinched when he saw Isabella and Estella sitting on some chairs.

"Isabella...Estella." He said taking out his cigarette from his mouth. Estella noticed how he emphasized her name and seemed to be gazing at her. She told herself not to let it get to her knowing that he was married and had recently met his wife Maria.

"Well, we weren't going to wait for you to return our calls." Isabella said standing up from her chair however Estella remained seated watching Miguel Ángel make his way over to his desk.

"Business is good." Isabella proceeded pacing around the room with her cigarette. Estella stared at Miguel who returned her gaze. He could see that she was disappointed in him and now felt guilty for lying to her.

"Yeah. And still, everyone has their problems. Some people make it difficult. Would be nice if they were more like you two." Miguel Ángel shuffled through some papers trying to avoid the topic of why they were here. It's not like he didn't want to see Estella it's just he didn't want to see her upset like this.

"We just got back from Tijuana." Isabella stated walking back to the chair next to Estella.

"We even visited the brothers. Making money, hand over fist. But they didn't to be aware of our deal. We've yet to receive our end." Isabella continued. Estella saw how his face abruptly changed he seemed to be annoyed now.

"You spoke to the brothers?" He walked up to the two girls mainly looking at Estella who made it quite apparent she didn't want to speak.

"Just to check what they'd been told." Isabella replied.

"Okay, then. I understand the concern. But it's important we give this thing time."

"This thing? That we built. I think it's important that be made clear to the others." Isabella walked up to Miguel Ángel confronting him. Estella felt like a third wheel in this conversation but knew that once the two were done talking she would ask to have a moment with Miguel Ángel to say what she had on her mind.

"When have I done you wrong? Tell me. There's more changes to come for things to improve but you have to be patient." Miguel Ángel said to Isabella but still mostly had Estella on his mind. He hated how quiet she had been he wanted to hear what she had to say even if it was only insulting names.

"With Sinaloans in charge? I thought we were resistant to change. I just want what you promised, and I'm sure Estella wants the same. I'll let you have a moment." Isabella grinned at Estella before walking out of his office. At first, the room was silent the only sound being of Estella's lighter clicking.

"¿Por qué estás tan callada hoy?" Miguel Ángel asked growing irritated by the second. He preferred when she was being straightforward and now she came across as
timid.

"Creo que ya sabes por qué." Estella stood up revealing that she was nicely dressed in a tight black dress and her makeup being well done. He cleared his throat once he realized that she had caught him staring.

"Look I didn't know you cared about Tijuana or owning a plaza. You said you wanted to get paid but never defined how. We never discussed what your pay would be, so there's no reason for you to be mad at me." Miguel Ángel explained following Estella around the room. She rolled her eyes and turned around to look at him face to face. He was right it's not like she cared that much about Tijuana it's just she felt betrayed that he had lied to her but she wasn't going to say that.

"So you aren't giving us the plaza huh? I told you I wanted to be paid and yes I never clarified how but this could work for me. I understand plazas are important, but I don't see why it's so awful for us to own 20%. It's not like I would own it by myself Isabella would be right by my side." Estella's tone of voice was becoming harsher with every word she asserted. Miguel Ángel knew this was the side he liked about her but didn't like how they were arguing over some plaza. Estella felt for Isabella knowing that she was not going to be receiving the plaza after all that work.

"I just don't think it's a good idea. If you want, we can sit here and discuss other payment options. I have time." Miguel Ángel pointed at the desk but Estella shook her head not wishing to.

"No. Miguel Ángel I understand you're the person who decides things around here but I'm putting my life at risk by being involved in all this. I saw a man die in front of me the most terrible way the other night and now I'm getting told me and my friend cannot own 20% of a plaza for no practical reason at all? Is it because we're women because that's strictly what I'm seeing here." Estella crossed her arms with resentment written all over her face. Miguel Ángel found it sort of intimidating, to say the least.

"Estella please you're being delusional. You're new to this there are many other things I can give you. And you knew that this business came with stuff like this I'm sorry you had to see that but it had to be done."

"It's fine Miguel. I understand you're like other the men in the business who thinks women can't do shit without the help of a man. I want to say something before I leave. I don't need Jackson, Benjamín, Ramón, or even you for that matter to survive and be successful." She turned away to walk out of the room, but Miguel Ángel gently clenched her arm.

"Hey, come here." Miguel Ángel began to lean in their lips nearly connecting but although tempting Estella immediately stopped it.

"No, we cannot. You have a wife and children and I'm not going to ruin it to become some mistress. It isn't me Miguel Ángel so if you think that then you've been fooled." She looked away resisting the kiss that she so desperately craved. It wasn't okay for her to kiss a married man, and he knew that she was right. He needed to inform Maria that he wasn't going back to Sinaloa with her.

"Are you jealous?" He chuckled holding her waist but she smiled removing his hands.

"No, I'm just not so keen on the idea of kissing a married man. Not to mention that you avoided the situation by trying to kiss me. I don't want to be like that I want to be able to have a proper discussion with you. But excuse me now and please think of our conversation if you can." Estella gave him one last smile and walked out not knowing what to think. Miguel Ángel waited until she was out of sight and cursed under his breath.

"Puta madre."

"Are you okay?" Isabella questioned once Estella got inside the car she wanted to lie but knew it was noticeable that something had gone on.

"Yes perfectly fine but is there any way I can go to a club tonight? I need to loosen up and the only way I can do that is by drinking and dancing." Estella asked knowing she likely sounded stupid. She needed to get Miguel Ángel out of her mind even if it meant drinking which was something she didn't like doing that much. The last time she had been clubbing was the night she met Rafa and was perhaps how her interest in this entire business started.

"A club? I don't know Estella. Miguel Ángel didn't set any rules against it but don't you think it's a little risky?" Isabella explained driving away from the hotel. Estella sighed and nodded her head staring out the window to admire the beauty of Guadalajara. It used to be her home but now she lived in Tijuana which she didn't mind that much but still missed Guadalajara and thought it would be nice to live there once again.

"Yes, I'm willing to risk it. I need to get distracted just for tonight since I know the meeting with everyone is coming up soon. So please let me go." Estella pleaded like some angsty teenager wanting nothing more but to party. Isabella smoked her cigarette and nodded her head.

"Fine, I'll drop you off later but don't get too wasted or do something crazy like cocaine you already saw how that makes Rafa act." Isabella warned. Estella cringed at the thought of doing anything involved with drugs the farthest she would ever go was smoke weed but never cocaine it was what the gringos loved but she knew that shit was addicting and destroyed people's lives.

"I won't."

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"I'm not going to a club after what happened with Ramón it's too dangerous." Ana argued with Sofia who was begging her to come along with her to some random club.

"Come on you're boring. A lot of narcos hang out there maybe we'll see Estella in action." Sofia laughed dancing around the room to the loud music that played. Ana rolled her eyes not comprehending how nonchalant Sofia could be after all of this but then yet again her boyfriend or whatever he was to her was a narco.

"I'm not boring I'm just protecting myself like you should. Like you said there's going to be a lot of narcos, there which possibly includes the brothers and I don't feel like having a gun pointed at me again." Ana threw the red dress back to Sofia catching it quickly.

"They won't, though, if Estella is there. Don't you want to apologize?"

"Yes I do, but I am correct in some aspects. I can't expect you to see that dating a drug lord is wrong since you're dating a narco yourself but this is different. We're talking about Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo." Ana whispered his name and Sofia couldn't help but crack up.

"His name is long. But who cares? Can't you be more free-spirited like me? If she marries him, he'll never let her get hurt." Sofia danced some more ignoring Ana's unpleasant remarks. She felt offended that everybody seemed to call her boring but wasn't she right? Miguel Ángel wasn't an innocent angel who only owned a large hotel he smuggled drugs across the border and Ana couldn't see how that was attractive.

"I wouldn't want to have a drug smuggling boyfriend but you do you. I'm staying home." Ana stood up about to walk out but Sofia pulled her arm.

"Look the only reason you're saying that is because of what happened to you at that warehouse. Rafa treats me good, and Miguel appears to be treating Estella well. So why not? You just haven't found the person yet. Come on don't you want to be a trio with narcos as boyfriends." Sofia giggled her green eyes widened and for a second Ana thought she had snorted the cocaine Rafa had been using.

"I'm only going to apologize not to find a "narco boyfriend." But I'm here to say it sooner or later Rafa is going to do something extremely disgusting I mark my words on it." And with that Ana walked out leaving Sofia to think. Rafa and Miguel clearly did kill people for business, but they wouldn't ever go too far or would they?

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The club was full and the colored lights flashing nearly blinded Estella as she walked in. But it all felt ideal and she was hectic to dance and drink the night away. She wanted to get her mind off of Miguel Ángel knowing what had happened between them earlier couldn't go on again unless he got a divorce and she knew that the possibility of that happening was low and she hated that. She didn't like how she felt something for him and wanted that feeling to temporarily disappear tonight.

Estella had decided to dress in a sexier way than she usually did. She always preferred to be a little more modest when it came to clothing but this time thought sexy was better for the event. Her outfit was revealing exposing her stomach and the black skirt being short. She didn't want anything to happen tonight only dancing and drinking and had only dressed to feel confident.

"Estella?" She recognized the voice to be of Rafa's and instantly grinned. They weren't exactly friends after he had purposely kidnapped her but understood that in a way he had improved her life by doing so.

"Rafa I got the drinks- Chapo stopped in his tracks realizing that the girl Rafa was talking to was, Estella. "Aye, aren't you the girl who stood up to Benjamín and Ramón? That shit was wild." He laughed passing Rafa a shot.

"Yes, that would be me I guess. But anyway it was good to see you but I should go buy myself a drink." Estella nodded her head to the two guys and began to walk away.

"Wait. Have you seen Sofia?" Rafa inquired looking around the club to try and find his somewhat girlfriend.

"No saw her the last time you did. I don't know if she'll be here tonight I wish you she would but I wouldn't get my hopes up." Estella shrugged seeing Rafa's face drop. She knew that he cared for Sofia and strangely enough thought that they should stay together.

"Aye, you should come to hang out in the VIP with the rest of us. I don't think Miguel Ángel would appreciate you being alone." Rafa