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“You will tell me everything about yourself. And I do mean everything.”
“I think…that will be very strange for both of us.”
It sounds as if we’ve been shitty siblings all these years, which isn’t the case. But each one of us hid something from the other, so there was always this invisible wall between us.
The time has come to crush it.
“It’s only fitting. We’ll mend what got broken because of the person who kidnapped me.” He pulls me to him, and his strong arms capture me in a firm hug that speaks volumes about his internal turmoil. My brother isn’t a hugger and barely tolerates touches. He makes an exception only for his wife. “We’ll be okay. So don’t you worry.” He pats my stomach. “And don’t stress the little one anymore.” He grins, and this time, it’s genuine. “I’m going to be an uncle soon. That’s…something.”
“On both sides,” I whisper because he’d be an uncle to Florian’s children regardless.
His warmth is gone, and he straightens. “Just on one side, Jimena. I’m going to pick you up tomorrow at noon. Get some sleep and be ready. Wear something comfortable and warm.” He kisses me on the cheek and starts walking toward the hallway, but I stop him.
“Santiago…he didn’t seduce me. I was the one chasing him, not the other way around. Lying to you killed him, but he couldn’t say anything. There are multiple reasons.” We all saw him throw away his ring. “You don’t have to give up the Four Dark Horsemen for me. They lied because I wasn’t ready to tell anyone.”
“If he proposed, would you have been ready?” My silence speaks volumes. “That’s what I thought.”
“He’s your oldest friend and he’s been there for us all. Please, Santiago—”
“Do you really love him? Like Cortez-style love him?”
Once someone has our hearts…they have it forever.
“I do.”
An unreadable expression settles on his features. “I’m sorry, Jimena. I’ll never be able to forgive him. The sooner you accept that, the less hurt you’ll be in the future.” He walks away, leaving me standing there as my heart breaks once again.
And at this moment, I want and need only one person.
Florian.
Florian
“Here you go, buddy.” Dropping the steak hanging off the fork in Zeus’s bowl, I watch him flash me his teeth before diving into his food, barely sparing me a second glance. “You’re really hungry.” He huffs, munching on the steak, but I don’t blame him.
I usually come earlier and feed him, but tonight we had a sudden change of plans.
In the form of my father ripping me a new one when he called me and ordered me to come to the family mansion.
I wince as I discard the fork and reach for the whiskey bottle, guzzling the burning liquid, the conversation with my father playing on my mind over and over again.
“Sit down.” He points at the couch in his office where Grandpa is seething, glaring at me as he plays with his rings. “Now, Florian.”
“I’d rather stand.”
Grandpa huffs, “Smart choice. You come near me, and I’m going to cuff your ears.” He slaps his hand on the couch. “I’ve never been this humiliated.” He yells the last part as Dad pours himself a drink. “Lucian’s father was my best friend. Best friend! And his kid just kicked me out of their family home.” Another huff followed by him scanning me from head to toe. “You’ve made a mess, grandson.” A beat passes. “However, I approve of your choice.” A smile finally cracks across his face, deepening his wrinkles. “Couldn’t wish for a better granddaughter. Juan would have approved.” He looks up at the ceiling. “Did you hear that, my friend? Our grandchildren are going to have a baby together.” He winks. “Don’t worry. He was raised by his father, so he is not a cheater.”
I’d find the whole exchange hilarious if it wasn’t for the tension polluting the air.
“I’m glad you’re happy.” My father’s curt reply makes Grandpa frown. “Because Lucian will turn our lives into hell.” His splayed palm stops whatever Grandpa wants to say. “I know him better than anyone, and I can’t say I blame him.” He shifts his focus on me, and I feel like the six-year-old who constantly pulled some shit that drove him insane once again. “Do you have a reasonable explanation for me, son?”
Ah, hell.
I forgot about my dad’s character. He would never allow anyone else to hurt me, but in the privacy of our family home?
He won’t hesitate to tell me exactly what he thinks, and with that question alone, he lets me know he absolutely doesn’t approve of my behavior. In fact, he’s as angry as Uncle Lucian.
“I do.”
