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It’s not pretty words or promises. No.
It’s real and raw, and he’s willing to sacrifice his happiness at any time to make sure I don’t feel the pain of losing a loved one. It was putting his own desires aside so that he could eliminate every threat he felt was sent my way because of who he is.
Yet in his blind love, my papi forgot that I chose him. His life. His worries. Every part of who he is and what comes attached to his last name.
Ivan De Leon has one fault above all others, though, and it’s that he carries the weight of what isn’t his to shoulder. Not alone. Not without those who care for him just as strongly and would happily take the world on for him.
“I love you, too.” Because it’s my turn to give. To be vulnerable in this new us. Last night when he said the words, I froze. My mind and heart were at odds and confused, but today it’s clear and undeniable, and he needs my truth just as much as his healed me.
We’re not perfect, but we will be.
I won’t hold this against him.
But I do demand swift justice to those who sought to break us. That’s non-negotiable.
His seatbelt is unbuckled, and Ivan kneels at my feet seconds after my confession, his smile wide. “Are you sure you’re ready to say it back? You don’t—”
“I’ve loved you since we were kids, papi. That’s never changed.”
“I’m going to spend the rest of my life worshipping you, my little sirenita.”
“Only if you let me spoil you, too. We’re even in fuckups and celebrations.” Cupping his face with both hands, I lean my forehead on his. My smile wide and eyes watery; I let him see me too. “A team, Ivan. Nothing and no one will break that again.”
28
WE LANDED IN Cuba six hours ago with a quiet Jaime in tow and another body bag. This one belongs to Jasmin Davila after a quick encounter with Amberlyn where no words were exchanged between the two before the body slumped forward.
My mermaid hugged Mom like she hasn’t seen her in years, both giggling a bit. They’re wearing matching expressions, a mixture of relief and joy that my father basks in while her parents watch off to the side.
And when a second later my girl gives him the same embrace, I understand. He sees her and Luna as his flesh and blood, the Daddy’s girl he never had, and thought she’d be upset with him over this.
“I’m sorry,” they said in unison before wearing matching grins of relief.
“No, kid.” The amusement dies for him then and my viejo kisses her forehead before pulling away, arms holding her at length. “You have nothing to apologize for. I know how stubborn that one is and should’ve surmised you didn’t know. You are my child as much as he is, and I protect those I love. Never think differently, Amberlyn. We all adore you.”
“Thank you.”
“I also have a gift for you.” Grabbing her by the hand, Dad walks my mermaid outside to where the Davila female kneels. “Her future is yours to decide.”
“Dad, I don’t—”
“A team, papi. Always.” She also doesn’t hesitate to grab my Glock and empty three shots into the woman’s head without pause. Then she shrugs as if it’s nothing. “Lesson learned, don’t talk shit. Flies don’t enter closed mouths.”
“That’s my girl.” Her father and mine say in unison. Their smiles proud.
“He’s going to kill you, De Leon. Mark my words.” Jaime’s trying to get under my skin. To play mind games, but in reality, is frustrating himself. My lack of engagement angers him. “We’ll take turns using her holes, too. Right over your body.”
“I’m sorry,” my sirenita whispers and walks to where Israel walks with him. She smiles at my guard, all sweet, and asks that he breaks Jaime’s teeth. Moreover, when Israel bashes the butt of his gun into the asshole's mouth repeatedly, Uriel cries, and I laugh. Hard. “What’s so funny?”
“Not funny, love. I’m in awe of your ruthless tendencies.”
She shrugs. “He’s annoying.”
“Agreed.” I cut my eyes to Jaime once and what he sees quiets his sobs, leaving him a whimpering idiot while we continue to walk.
The city is awake and waiting. Demanding blood as retribution for what they’ve endured.
I hear the call. Embrace the darkness.
