I lower the peak of my cap, resting a hidden gaze on the swift rise and fall of her chest. This fascination will die. Although a powerful swipe of a machete blade would barely have the force to hack it out at the sprawling roots. Our undeniable, ferocious connection doesn’t belong in my world. Once she’s occupied with employment, I’ll finally be able to reserve all the wasted energy spent in the shadows by her window at nightfall.
Doubt slithers over my skin like I've fallen into a seething pit of vipers. Handing her over to Sal, when her place is with me, tests my limitations. My jaw aches from working too hard behind gritted teeth. “Give her the rest of the day off out of respect for the dead.”
“Yes, sir.” Sal nods.
She licks her lips, squares her shoulders, and carefully pads the wound covering the expanse of her jawline. It’s knitting together nicely. In a week or two, the scar will grow faint, as if nothing ever happened.
But it has.
Her presence has scored a thorny slice through my willpower. The cut runs deep. The damage even deeper.
I step away from them and don’t turn around, bounding over muddy wood chips. The necklace gripping my throat tightens until I gasp for air. An incredible helix of sadness wrings out my gut. There’s no point imagining a queen on her throne beside her king. It’s lunacy to wish for forgiveness. And unwise to assume she’d ever be loyal to me. In my quest for the truth, I’ve raided the woman’s soul and tricked us both into believing she’s insignificant.
A hammering pain advances across my brow. I’m done with this bullshit. With the disturbance of an unusual accent so cock stirring and unique, feminine softness in harsh terrain, and an inner vigor to rival a lioness.
I rule alone.
Not lost in a deadly obsession that leads to war and misery.
I’ll stuff these surreal feelings under a trap door and cover them with a basket of poisonous banana spiders. And while I’m at it, I’ll slam the delete button on her fervent moans of satisfaction. I’ll wipe out the memory of a euphoric, heart-stopping release as she lay peacefully unaware.
Trust isn’t given, it’s earned.
By demanding hers, I’ve neglected to offer her the same privilege.
I settle into the helicopter and quickly hunt out my pretty little hummingbird making her way to an adjacent aircraft. Perhaps in another universe we would’ve been compatible.
The only thing that truly matters is the life I’m scheming to end. Three, to be exact.
Retribution for an unpaid debt.
“Let’s go.” I order to the pilot.
* * *
Five Years Ago
“Dante,thanks for your hospitality. I hope we can do this again.” Miguel shakes my hand with a strong grip.
The evening went well. My sister's new guy kept his hands to himself and didn’t pry into my business. “Sure.” I shrug.
Gabriela trots to his side, with her high ponytail swaying and cheeky smile reaching big eyes. She’s happy. And that’s all I could wish for.
“Well? Are you guys best buddies now?”
Miguel smirks and leans down to kiss her temple. “I was just saying we should do this again sometime.” He matches me in height, and that's about it. It’s obvious I’d beat the guy in a wrestle if it came down to it. I’m rougher around the edges with a five o’clock shadow and unruly hair, whereas he’s clean cut and well presented. A pretty boy with an unshakable stare. I can’t say I’m enamored with the guy. Hopefully, this relationship fizzles out soon. My instincts are on edge, or maybe I’m too overprotective.
“Yeah.” I wink at her, then look back to Miguel. “What did you say your job was?”
He slots a hand into his slacks and nudges Gabriela closer. “Import and export. A purveyor of goods. Nothing special.”
Gabriela juts out her forearm. “Look, he gave me this bracelet.” A thin golden chain loops her fragile wrist and a tiny diamond twinkles in the light. “I’ll see you to the door, Miguel.” She tips into him and blinks wildly, totally smitten.
Fuck! This is happening too fast. I can tell by her doe-eyed gaze she’s falling for him. It had to happen one day.
I let her guide him to the exit while I clear the table. Maria was pissed when I told her not to show up at my house unannounced. Last night, instead of listening to my request, she landed on the doorstep wearing fishnets, a long coat, and nothing underneath. I let her in. What guy wouldn’t? It was fun at the time, but afterward, I wanted her to leave. The only connection we have is sex. Outside of that, there’s no spark or interest.
“What are you thinking about?” Gabriela springs into the kitchen on a high.
