Page 54 of Drawn Together

“Angel is the last word I’d use to define you, Marfil,” came my father’s voice behind me.

I tensed, my natural reaction to him.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to greet him. He gave me a hug, and I inhaled the familiar scent of his cologne.

“How are you?” he asked, stepping back to get a good look at me.

“Good, good,” I responded.

My father stepped toward Sebastian. “It’s good to see you, Sebastian. How’s it going?” He slapped my bodyguard on the back. “I hope my daughter hasn’t given you too much trouble.”

Sebastian smiled.

I was surprised to see that they already knew each other. Then I remembered the day Sebastian had ratted me out to my father, getting my ballet classes canceled, and my mood shifted.

“Everything’s in order, Mr. Cortés, although there are certain matters I’d like to discuss with you.”

My father nodded, smiling. “Of course, of course! We’ll have a meeting with Logan tomorrow, don’t worry. But call me Alejandro, I’ve told you a thousand times.”

A thousand times…

Ugh, I didn’t like this chumminess at all.

“You two already know each other?”

Sebastian and my father exchanged a glance, and I knew I was being intentionally left out. I expected it from my father, but not from Sebastian.

“You don’t think I’d send just anyone to protect you, do you?” my father responded jovially.

I didn’t answer, but I did change the subject. “When is Gabi getting here?”

My father frowned at the mention of my little sister.

“In three days.”

I nodded and went to pick up my suitcase, but Sebastian got to it before me.

“I’ll help you with that,” he said politely.

I let him walk me upstairs to my room, eager for the chance to be alone with him. It felt strange having so many people around, accustomed as we were to always being alone together.

“I didn’t realize you knew my father…” I said as we reached my bedroom door. I opened it and stepped inside, waiting for him to follow.

He didn’t.

“He hired me. Of course I know him.”

“Logan Price is in charge of security, not my father, but you two seem very friendly…”

Sebastian looked at me from the doorway, unfazed. “He likes me, is all.”

Yes, clearly… But Alejandro Cortés didn’t like most people.

“You must’ve really impressed him, based on the way he treats you.”

“The fact that I’m taking care of his daughter doesn’t seem like enough of a reason to you?”

I forced a smile. “He isn’t usually pleased by anything that has to do with me.”