I strolled around to the driver's side of the cab, tapping my knuckles on the window. Pulling out a crisp hundred-dollar bill from my wallet, I held it out for him. “This is for your troubles,” I said.
He took it, his hands shaking slightly, but I paused just a moment, keeping the bill anchored between us. “And to keep your mouth shut.”
His eyes widened, and he stammered, “Yes, sir,” as he finally accepted the money.
I waited until his car disappeared, and walked down the road before I made my way back. Just as I reached my vehicle, Miguel stepped into my path.
“Yelling at her isn’t going to win you any favors,” he remarked.
I couldn’t control it. The woman made me feel insane. Her defiance and attitude triggered a storm of emotions inside me, stirring up fierce and chaotic feelings like a violent tornado. Gigi consumed me and ignited a desire to obliterate everything in my path.
“Mind your business, Miguel. I’ll see you back at the house,” I replied.
“Yes, sir.”
Taking a deep breath, I marched toward my angel, who was fuming. I curled my fingers around her soft chin and turned her face toward me. “You will pay for the little stunt you pulled back there.”
She yanked her face from my hold and stared straight ahead. Knowing this wasn’t going to go anywhere, I slammed her door.
I threw myself into the driver’s seat and skidded off without bothering with my seatbelt. I was too worked up, and having something restraining me wasn’t going to hold back the beast inside that was full-on raging.
For ten minutes, there was nothing but silence. I turned to glance at her occasionally, silently pleading for her to say something, anything at all. But she remained quiet, simply gazing out the damn window.
I wanted to tell her how I admired the way she commanded every situation and how she held power over me. But the truth was that she had taken a big risk by leaving without me or the guards. The idea of someone snatching her away again sent a chill through my bones. I couldn't bear losing her again. Didn’t she understand that?
“I think you’re making a big deal out of nothing,” she said nonchalantly, breaking the silence.
I didn’t know what to say. Deep down somewhere in my black soul, I might agree with her, but that day was not today.
There was a pause for another beat until she spoke again.
“I want to go home.”
“I am taking you home,” I replied, turning right at the light.
“No, Nico. Not your home.”
I looked at her. “What are you talking about?”
“My apartment.”
I sighed and rubbed my hand down my face. It was going to be another fight, and I was too fucking tired to deal with that shit. “Not happening.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so.”
“That’s not good enough.”
“Tough shit,” I snapped. “Your home is with me. End of discussion.”
“Fine. I’ll just order an Uber home.”
I started to laugh even though I was pissed. “No, you won’t.”
“You’re such an asshole.” She chuckled softy but it came out sounding angry.
“That’s nothing new,” I muttered. “Just spit out whatever you want to say to me.”
