꒰ TENTACIÓN ꒱

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌 𝐖𝐀𝐒 dark and cold as Estella's eyes began to slowly open. At first, her vision was blurry only distinguishing the blurred figures of what she considered her kidnappers. I must have fallen asleep in that trunk she told herself but then felt the pain in the back of her head quickly placing a hand to somehow try and take the excruciating pain away. This entire situation felt familiar for her since the only reason she was here was due to Rafa and his men knocking her out at that gas station a long time ago. That's when she met Miguel Ángel soon forming a romance together but now she sat on some uncomfortable chair with her arms tied by some tight ropes. This time she felt even more hopeless.

This time she didn't have another alternative. She felt weak like in any second she would burst out into tears of distress. Was this really the ending of her journey within the world of the cartel? She didn't want it to be and wasn't even close to gaining some sort of accomplishment. She wanted to be Isabella's business partner and see their small plan prosper into something good. But she was not in Tijuana anymore now she was in an unknown location tied up like some dangerous animal while some gringo stood in front of her.

But Estella wasn't going to give up. She was going to do everything in her power to come out of here without a scratch on her body. She wanted to prove that she was capable of getting out of messes like this on her own. Although it would be difficult to get out of a situation with a gringo who was clearly trying to get something out of her she was determined. She was going to get out but the question was how?

Walt stood there watching the woman tied up and lit up his cigarette with no care in the world. He didn't think it was unethical to tie a woman up. In this circumstance, it was highly necessary.

"You're awake?" Walt mumbled while smoking his cigarette. Estella understood his English and tilted her head at the man.

"No puedes hablar español por tu vida, pinche gringo. ¡Tu plan es mierda y lo sabes!" Estella yelled trying to break free from the tight ropes that cut into her skin. Walt lifted an eyebrow mumbling curse words under his breath in annoyance.

"There she goes. It seems like she's awake now guys." Walt sighed getting up from his seat advising the others that it was time to begin the intense questioning.

"Los otros pueden hablar español. Y mi español no es tan horrible si eres capaz de entenderme." Walt explained leaning close to the girl. Estella turned her head and swallowed the gulp in her throat. Soon the others walked in and waited for Walt to start his questioning.

"Well, are you going to start?" Estella smirked trying her best not to show how anxious she really was. Surprisingly enough her act was convincing and the others couldn't see her fear through her fearless smirk. Walt wanted to change that and even though it might seem awful to make some woman cry in this case it was essential. It was the only way her vulnerability would outshine her aggressive side. She needed to be in a vulnerable state to give everything up about Miguel and others.

"Look I'm going to be straightforward. You have two options you can pick from. One is that you tell us everything about Miguel and help us catch him or you tell us nothing and we send you into the police station. You've been involved with a drug dealer did you really think you wouldn't be punished? Now if I were you, I would pick the second option since I don't think you would fit in with the rest of the inmates in prison." Walt illustrated the ultimatum to Estella and as they expected she wouldn't give them any answers at first. They had known it would take time before she completely lost it.

Estella mockingly scoffed but inside her mind couldn't help but notice the similar tactics Walt this new American man used to the ones of Kiki. It reminded her of him, and she couldn't help but notice the goosebumps start to form on her arms. But then again she was going to remain as unbothered and careless of this man's questions as much as she could. Surely she would be able to get out of here. She would never give Miguel up, and that was one thing for sure. Even though the two weren't on the greatest terms, she wasn't going to give him up. It wasn't right and would put her in danger. Either way, she loved the man and could never do it.

"Where's my driver?" Estella glanced to the other men she didn't recognize but assumed were additional help. That meant they were just as bad as the gringo but even then she felt more uneasy with the gringo and needed schemes to ignore Walt's heavy questions. And also since she did feel guilty for her driver who was a kind man that happened to get entangled in all of this mess.

"He's safe don't worry." Walt responded to the girl recognizing exactly what she was doing. Estella rolled her eyes and leaned her head back beginning to laugh sarcastically.

"I didn't ask you. I asked them." Estella snapped looking at Walt with so much distaste it nearly unnerved him.

"Like Walt said. He's perfectly fine in the other room." Garza spoke up causing Estella to nod her head. She looked at the three men that were helping Walt and couldn't help but smile but not in a happy manner it was more of a cold smile.

"And you three are helping this gringo? A gringo that doesn't give one shit about this country. The only reason why he's here is that his people back in the United States are addicted to cocaine. They don't care about México and let me guess he promised you what a Visa or some other promises like that? You'll never get it, and I mean that in the most honest way possible. You're going to end up dead or left with nothing after this. Either way, I'm not saying shit to any of you and especially you!" Estella shouted at Walt who couldn't help but let out a chuckle. The others shook their head in disbelief by the actions of this woman but even then they couldn't help but feel that perhaps she would go on to be right.

"No matter how many times you yell nobody is going to hear you, not Miguel or his sicarios. Now with us we can help you we can guarantee your protection for the rest of your life. We can promise you a Visa, so you can start over in the United States on one condition you have to give Miguel up. Tell us everything you know."
Walt explained his deal to Estella who instantly shook her head. Once again, she was never going to give up Miguel it was not morally right. He had given her a chance when he didn't need to and she knew one thing that Miguel had told her and that was never trust anyone including gringos. They were liars at least in her eyes.

"I don't want a stupid Visa to your damn country. I don't want anything from you if I'm being completely truthful. I'm not saying shit. Nice try I'll give you that." Estella bit the inside of her cheek and saw Walt hurry to the table to grab something.

"Okay then. Then you won't mind if we talk since you think your ex-fiancé is going to come to save your ass. Now let's start, shall we? Do you recognize him?" Walt pulled out the picture to show Estella. The picture instantly made Estella cringe in sight of it. It was a photo back from that wedding she had attended long ago there she stood her waist being held by the one and only Jackson. She noticed how in the picture she had a look of fright in her eyes it was nothing like the many pictures she took with Miguel. She and Miguel were cheerful memories of photos, but she and Jackson were pure disgust. She recalled the times where Jackson put his hands on her something Miguel would never do he wouldn't even dare to raise a finger at her.

"Yes I do. It's obviously Jackson." Estella whispered as she yet again tried to free herself from the burning tight ropes.

"Your other ex-fiancé. He was shot to death midday and there are still no leads to it. Did Miguel have anything to do with it?" Walt showed the picture once again to Estella who remembered the many events of that day. It had been some time now but in the back of her mind, she always knew it was her sister Sofía who had committed that murder. Even though the two weren't close anymore she missed her and would never do something like this to destroy her life.

"No, I don't. Now are you going to let me go? I'm not speaking and there's no point. You will gain nothing by turning me in only the press will go crazy. Other than that I'm not much a threat or target for you and all of you know that." Estella snarled wanting nothing more but to leave this dreadful place. Anywhere sounded better than here and she would much prefer to be with Isabella negotiating the business they were planning. She regretted coming with Miguel for a pointless visit to the prison.

"Nope. Next question. Were you romantically involved with Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo?" Walt questioned once again already knowing the obvious answer to his question. He needed to know if she would cover for him even after their separation.

"I thought it was obvious in the photos." Estella stated with a grin on her face.

"Estella, you need to cooperate. This is lives we're speaking about. You remember Kiki Camarena huh? He was tortured and murdered and guess who ordered that. Clearly, it was your fucking ex-fiancé but that wasn't enough for you to leave him? You're stuck in this fantasy without realizing you're affecting other damn people!" Walt exclaimed nearly causing Estella to feel intimidated. It was hard putting up a hard front especially in this situation anyone would be nervous. She felt terrible on what happened to Kiki Camarena but wouldn't give up Miguel for that sole purpose.

"Like I said...I'm not going to give any answers." Estella stared at the man while she shifted in her seat. Walt slammed his hand against the wooden table walking off with a cigarette leaving the others to watch over the unhelpful girl.

"Come on give us some answers. We promised you protection what more do you want? Look this will benefit you. Félix will ruin your life. The only reason we're being polite is because there's no record of you being present at Camarena's death. But sooner or later Walt won't give one flying fuck about being polite. To him, you're almost just as bad for protecting criminals like Félix and the others." Mejía said pointing out the obvious. She knew eventually the white American man would stop being nice to her and possibly switch to violent manners to get her to say something. However, her decision still stood.

"I made my choice. I made a promise to Miguel Ángel, and nothing will ever change my mind." Estella spoke up to the man and felt her mind take her back to that day when she used to be very happy with Miguel. She didn't have much worries then only fearing that one day Miguel would be arrested or killed for his extremely controversial and dangerous job. She remembered one specific day where she promised Miguel something very important.

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( A few months before )

AN: In this time there are not engaged yet, and this is before the large birthday party as well thanks!

It was early morning the sun barely beginning to rise. The shades of yellow and orange coming from the open peeks of the white silk curtains. Estella was sleeping in the bed while Miguel had just woken up to start his usual busy day. It had been almost two months since the death of Kiki Camarena's death and Miguel Ángel had a lingering feeling that his downfall was near and that sooner or later shit would start to change for the worse. He had a feeling that he would end up loosing trust for many of the people he cared about and once trusted.

He was worried that people would start to backstab him and try their best to destroy his hard work of this business.

"¿Por qué estás despierto tan temprano?" Estella yawned stretching and getting out of the bed. Miguel let out his cigarette and looked at Estella. She tilted her head in confusion recognizing his expression of anxiety. She knew him well enough now to see when he was overthinking something. During these times of anxiety, he wasn't able to look her directly in the eye, and Estella knew she had to get whatever he had on his mind out of him.

"Necesito ir a trabajar. Deberías volver a dormir, todavía es muy temprano mija." Miguel mumbled walking out of their bedroom. Estella was aware and concerned of his strange behavior now, and her thoughts of returning back to bed had disappeared. She hesitated if she should listen to his advice on going back to sleep knowing if she didn't he would likely become frustrated with her. Miguel wasn't known for being one to admit his true feelings especially when that feeling was worry.

"Miguel Ángel. You can't leave without talking to me first. I know you a lot more than what you think and I know at this moment you're overthinking. So please allow me to understand." Estella exclaimed lightly pulling his arm to face her. Miguel knew she would probably do this since she wasn't the one to let things go so easily.

"Fine. I'm worried that you can possibly give me up in the future to the damn gringos. I don't mean it to be rude, but my business is fucked after the death of that American. I just don't know if I will be able to trust many people when that shit starts to happen." Miguel nearly shouted with worry in his voice. Estella by instinct took a step back but nodded her head thinking of ways to approach this situation.

"You really think I would turn you in to the police? To the damn gringos?" Estella shouted despite Miguel trying to calm her down. He knew the assumption was a bad one but they had to talk these things over.

"Sorry but with Kiki you nearly gave me up-"

"That was with Kiki! That was only the beginning when I was scared of this cartel when there was no us. Now I'm with you and can't imagine cooperating with the police or gringos for that matter. Trust me when I say this. Never will I give you up at all no matter the circumstances. I can promise that shit. You helped me and now I'm with you. It's exactly what I want so please stop doubting my trust." Estella exclaimed while looking at him in his dark brown eyes. She wished that he would believe her since she was indeed telling the truth.

"I believe you. I really do it's just I've been stressed with the business. If I went to jail that would mean leaving you and I don't want to do that." Miguel confessed causing Estella to quickly wrap her arms around him. She felt her eyes water hearing this and closed her eyes to stop the tears from falling. She didn't like thinking about this but what would happen if Miguel went to prison? She would be broken without him and truly she felt scared as well.

"It's not going to happen. I won't allow it to happen you have to trust me that if anybody tried to demand answers from me that nothing would be said by me. I don't care Miguel. Prison is the last place you should be worrying about." Estella let go of his hug and looked up at him. He slowly nodded his head and leaned in to kiss her forehead as he ran his fingers through her dark hair. Estella stood there in silence as she looked off into the bright sun wondering if she would ever be put into a situation where she would have to give away answers. She wouldn't she loved Miguel too much.

Miguel knew she wouldn't give him up he always knew. In this moment he realized he wanted and needed to marry her.

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Estella sat on the chair her hands marked with rope burns. She felt one tear roll down her left eye as she remembered that moment. She missed him and now she was stuck in this situation with no help at all.

"The girl is finally breaking down. Ready to spill the details?" Walt pushed his chair towards her, and she smelled the familiar scent of smoke coming from his cigarette.

"Miguel will help me, and he won't be too happy when he finds this shit out. Kidnapping people around him won't help get justice for Kiki, and you know it. These cartels will never end and you all know it." Estella said with outrage. Panic was starting to become her main feeling now inside her head she knew there was no way Miguel could get her out of this mess. It wasn't possible.

"I don't think Miguel gives one fuck about you anymore since you two ended your relationship don't you agree? I'm done playing now Conesa will you give us Miguel or not because I don't give a shit anymore." Walt told the woman with a harsh tone. He wanted to make his point clear and knew being stern would be the only way his clever idea would somehow work out. Estella shifted in her seat once again feeling offended by this man's words but not once did it convince her to tell him anything.

"You're an idiot if you think that even if we're not together I would give him up. You're mistaken. Like I've said plenty of times and quite frankly I'm getting exhausted of repeating myself. My answer is no." Estella yelled in the man's face wanting nothing more but to spit in his face. He deserved it, and he was just a complete asshole but what could she expect from a gringo?

"Walt, we have a problem." Orozco rushed into the room having sweat dripping down his forehead. Estella tried her best to try and listen in despite the men speaking in English. Sadly she was forced to learn the basics during her time with Jackson and could pick up context clues.

"What happened?" Walt stood up glancing at Estella one more time as she swallowed a gulp in her throat wondering what the hell was going on. She could see on Orozco's face that he was worried about something.

"It's her damn personal driver. He's gone me and Mejía tried to find him and he just fled." Orozco responded instantly prompting Walt to slam his hand once again on the hard table nearby. Estella flinched making out the words driver and knew right away that he had left. She tried her best to conceal a smile.

Since Miguel knew the girl would be in risk of danger he had notified the driver that if anything would happen to her that he would quickly tell Miguel. Estella didn't know how her driver had fled but knew that wasn't her concern right now. She hoped that the driver would make his way to Guadalajara to inform Miguel that Estella had been kidnapped. If he didn't then, she knew that this was possibly her last moments on this planet. She was scared and although she didn't suspect that these men would physically harm her she wasn't going to take her chances.

"Back to you. Now that your stupid driver has fled, this is your final chance. Either we turn you into the station, or you tell us everything you know. No going easy anymore!" Walt yelled with more anger in his tone than the many times before. Estella knew she had to try and give the driver time to make his way to Guadalajara and had to play this off. She wasn't any actress, but she knew how to manipulate and lie when it was necessary.

"Fine. I'll tell you everything about Miguel just don't hurt anyone else or me. Please, it might take a while to explain everything, but it's worth it."