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As the head of Los Cubanos, my father was incompetent, and his failures are the reason El Lobo has become so powerful. I remember countless conversations where I tried to point out his mistakes, but he always dismissed me, saying I was just a woman who didn't know anything about mob business.
But with Giovanni, it's different. He's made me his assistant and includes me in his business meetings. He actually listens to what I have to say. And yet, thinking about how he treated me yesterday... Yes, it was hot, but his controlling nature makes me so angry. The contradiction between his actions and his words leaves me feeling frustrated and confused.
My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven't eaten since last night. I decide to get up and head to the kitchen, but as I step towards the door, an unfamiliar noise stops me in my tracks. I look around the room until I find the source: my burner phone.
My heart races as I pick it up and read the text message from an unknown number.
Hey, it's Ethan. Really enjoyed meeting you yesterday. Was wondering if you wanted to get together sometime? I'd love to take you out for a proper meal.
The adrenaline rush from defying Giovanni, coupled with the attention from another man—even one I'm not particularly interested in—sends a thrill through me. I quickly type a reply.
Would love to. I'll meet you around lunchtime at the store on Tuesday. We can grab lunch somewhere in the mall.
Can't wait!
I close the phone, switch it off, and search for a hiding spot. Finally, I tuck it beneath my mattress, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Then, I make my way to the kitchen, eager for some breakfast and a moment to clear my head.
* * *
I wander the halls of the Maldonado mansion, the fancy decor and endless rooms doing little to alleviate my restlessness. Giovanni is nowhere to be found, and I wonder what he's up to. As I turn a corner, I spot Teddy leaning against a wall, scrolling through his phone.
"Hey," I say, approaching him. "Any idea where your brother is?"
Teddy looks uncomfortable as he glances up from his screen. "Uh, I think he's with Primo, handling some business."
"What sort of business?" I ask, curiosity piqued.
"It's nothing you need to worry about," he replies, attempting a reassuring smile.
I bristle at his words. I hate being kept in the dark. Teddy seems to sense my rising irritation and quickly changes the subject.
"Got any plans today?" he asks.
"Plans? I'm a prisoner here, remember?" I snap, my frustration bubbling over. "What kind of plans could I possibly have?"
He laughs, the sound light and carefree. "Okay, okay. But since Giovanni's not around, maybe we can have some fun. Just wait and see." His eyes sparkle with mischief, and for a moment, I see Teddy as the big brother I never had.
Intrigued, I follow him down a flight of stairs to a large storage room. Teddy hands me a set of equipment, which resembles riot gear. "What's this for?" I ask, bewildered.
"Don't worry about it," he grins, then hands me a paintball gun.
"Wait, what?" I exclaim, surprised by the unexpected item. "You want to play paintball? Here?"
"Ever played before?" Teddy asks.
"Never," I admit. "I wasn't even allowed near guns, let alone shown how to hold one."
"Perfect. I'll teach you the rules. We'll play in the gardens."
"Won't we make a mess?"
"Who cares?" he asks, shrugging off my concerns and sprinting towards the gardens, laughter trailing behind him. I can't help but laugh too as I follow him, excitement building within me.
Once we reach the gardens, Teddy sets up a soda can for target practice.
"Alright, this part rests against your shoulder, and this part you hold steady with your other hand. Now, close one eye and use the other to look through this little piece right here."
I do as he says, seeing the can in the crosshairs.
