Song: Even if it hurts by Sam Tinnez

Mekhi's PPOV:

First thing I do is call Atticus. "Hey...meet me in my office we need to talk." I throw the phone down on my desk and look through the files. I don't get why I can't find out anything about the damn guy. There is a knock at the door and he steps in alone.

"So what can I do for you?"

I motion for him to sit down in the chair in front of me. I throw him the file. "Who the fuck is this guy? How do you know him?"

He opens the file to see pictures of Kwan. My team has been watching him for weeks...well ever since he started working for Scarlett. Something just doesn't sit right with me and it's pissing me off that I just might be right about him.

"He is a friend of the family." He flips through the file, noticing all the pictures.Some even have him in them but mostly just Kwan and the people he hangs out with.

"We can't find shit on him and I just don't like him. There is something about him that doesn't set right with me and I for sure don't like him being left alone with Scarlett."

"I see. I can assure you that he means well."He closes the file and places it on the edge of my desk.

"You say that and I want to believe you but he is up to something I just know it. So have you ever heard of this place called the Underground? I tried looking it up and nothing comes up."

"That's because it doesn't exist. Only certain people know about it that is why it is Underground. I can take you there if you want."

"No need to right now however for now on you are to be with her and she is not allowed to go back there do you understand me."

"I understand. So what do you want to do with Kwan?"

"Nothing for the moment. I have some of my men on it for now. Do you happen to know the owner of the Underground?"

"Actually I do. His name is Mateo Ortega...Kwan is also an Ortega."

"Why does that name sound familiar?" I look through a few other files on the computer and find the guy. "Is this him?"I turn the screen around for him to see.

"Yeah it is. Looks like your men did their work."

"Yeah...as much as I pay them they better. I guess that is all for now. If Scarlett asks you anything don't tell her anything for now. I need to get to the bottom of this."

"I won't say a thing." He gets up and leaves the room. I wait till he is gone before I pick up the phone again. "Get me all the information you can on Mateo Ortega."I walk by the workout room before leaving and the four of them are working out. Today they are lifting weights. She doesn't see me but Atticus nods his head in my direction letting me know that he has everything under control. I leave and head down to the Master's Den.

 I find what I need and then meet the guys outside. "So the Ortega's not only own the Underground they run a sex trafficking gig her and in Mexico. The family runs a huge cartel. We also found something else that you might like to see." Steven hands me a file. As I open it up I feel the color drain from my face. Holy fuck...

"We brought him in a little over a year ago. I knew that this was going to come back and haunt us. This is the mother fucker that killed Zane...and planned on killing Scarlett. He was known as the Dark Devil. She slaughtered his ass for killing Zane. So he is connected to the Ortega's?"

"He was Mateo's brother. We think he is here just to get close to her. Not sure what he wants at the moment...but he is out for blood that is for sure."

"So how is this Kwan guy fit into the picture?"

"We believe he is a cousin more than likely. He found a way in that is for sure."

"But Atticus...Atticus acted like he has known him for a while and assured me that he was all right."

"Do you want us to watch him too sir?"

I shake my head. He is like a father to her, there is no way that he would hurt her...why in the hell would he want to. Hell she gives him everything. I don't see it. He must not really know Kwan like he thinks he does. "Yeah...let's do that. In the mean time you all keep me posted of everything. She leaves the fucking house at all I want someone following her ass you got it."

"Yes sir...on it."I get back in the car and call her first thing. I know she is not going to answer she never does. But to my surprise she does. "Where are you?"

"At home...getting ready; I just got a call to for a clean-up. Is everything ok?"

"No...I found out some things today that we need to talk about."

"Ok...we can talk when I get back home. I should only be out a few hours."

"Yeah...ok...make sure Atticus is with you and Ashton at all times."

"You sound really worried about something...what is going on?"

"I will explain later. Hey I love you."

"I love you too..." I hear her kiss the phone.

Once I hang up with her I call Atticus. "Keep her in your sight and once the job is done make sure she goes straight home alright."

"Yes sir."

Then I call Ashton. "Not sure what is all going on but I need you to be on the lookout tonight all right. I have a car that will be following close behind you guys. Don't let Scarlett or Atticus know. They are there in case you guys need it."

"I will...but you have to tell me what is going on?"

"Not sure...I don't trust this Kwan guy and I think he might do something stupid. Just make sure she comes home with you."

"Will do...I will keep you informed if anything happens."

"Thanks man...I know I can always count on you."