“Shh, we can talk about it in the morning.”
I slide down until I’m lying on my back, and she is resting on my chest. Her soft body feels so right on top of mine, but I can’t even get hard because I keep seeing images of her sitting on my desk with her dress and swimsuit torn.
I wish I could bring that motherfucker back to life so I could kill him again. Feeling like steam is coming out of my ears, I dial it back to focus on my girl.
“Oni?”
“Yeah?”
“What do you plan to do with your life? I mean, you can’t steal cars forever.”
“You’re like the third person to ask me that. I don’t know. I never thought about it.”
“Have you thought about art school?”
She lifts her head and looks me in the face. “What would make you say that?”
“Pop gave me your sketchbook. You left it in his office or something. I have it here.”
She turns to look at where I’m pointing. Shaking her head, she looks back at me. Sadness fills her eyes.
“I love art. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, but I’ve always been told I couldn’t make a living off it, so I never thought about art school.”
“That’s bullshit. There are a ton of ways to make money through art. My family alone has made a fortune in art dealing.”
She scoffs. “You act as if I have the privilege you and your family have.”
“You could. In fact, I’m going to talk to Pop and see what he can do. Talent like yours shouldn’t go to waste.”
“If you say so.” She yawns and places her head back down on my chest.
My mind begins to spin with all the opportunities I plan to have opened up for her. I want Oni to have it all. This life isn’t for her.
I’m going to make this right. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to make this right.
Her little snores fill the room and bring a chuckle from my lips. I rub my hand down her back and close my own eyes. I can rest knowing she’s safe in my arms tonight.
“I love you, Oni.”
CHAPTER 21
Uncle Emilio
Oni
I gota text this morning from Fredrico Sr., telling me to be ready to head out. Rico was already gone when I woke this morning, still in his bed. I didn’t feel any way about that.
I know he gets up early to work out before he starts work for the day. I returned to my room to shower and dress. It was once I stepped out of the shower that I remembered Rico told me he loves me. I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Although I’ve tried to deny it to myself, I know I’ve been falling for him as well. I couldn’t help but say it back. I’ve been smiling so hard my face hurts.
“He loves me,” I whisper as I get dressed in gray slacks and a red button-down.
Once I’ve passed a flat iron through my edges, I head down to breakfast and to wait for Fredrico Sr. I didn’t think there was anything that could take the smile off my face. However, the moment I step into the kitchen and find Juliana standing inRico’s face while he sips from a mug, I scowl so deeply my soul feels irked with the gesture.
Juliana turns to look at me. Rico winks at me over her head as she glares right in my face. My scowl softens just a bit.
“What is she doing here? She’s not coming with us, is she?” Juliana says.
