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He smiles. "You are with me. You'll be twenty after this coming year, no?"
"Yes," I reply.
"There are some places in the world where age is not a factor, and some are old enough to drink at eighteen."
"I suppose you are right."
He leans back and watches me take the shot."
Goosebumps form like a rash over my arms from the alcohol. It's smooth with minimal burn. It tastes… perfect. It's why he gave it to me, so I could relax.
"Now, what can I do for you, Elena."
I place the shot glass on his desk. My hands are shaking.
My grandfather is an intimidating man. My father would lose his shit if he heard me coming to meet him without asking him first. But I'm out of options, and my grandfather doesn't ask questions. He cares about our family legacy. He made sure I understood it growing up. Like Mia, Mya and my aunt Lucy.
"I want to talk about Santiago Cortez."
He raises his brows, but I can see the malice in his dark eyes when I say his name. "What about him? I've heard he isn't very nice."
"None of the Kings are including you," I point out.
"Fair enough. You have a point. My grandson isn't a saint. Neither are the Cortez, Galiano, Montgomery, or Santos men. Even our little Russian isn't nice from what I hear."
"All a bunch of sinners and killers."
My grandfather laughs. It's deep and dangerous.
“What about Santiago Cortez?Que paso?''
I lick my lips and look at the Santa Muerte statue to the right. Dark, imposing, like she pleads for me to tell him what I want. I already paid in blood.
"I want you to sever the alliance between our families. I don't want to marry Santiago Cortez. I know that is not what you want to hear, but…" I trail off when the leather groans as he leans back in his chair.
I have thought about my decision and know it's the right one. I can be free––free to choose. In his eyes, I see this request will cost me, but I've paid the price long enough.
"You will have to learn the business. It will mean you must run in the east with the Kings."
"You mean with Maxim."
"Yes."
"He's older and is committed."
"What about Xavier? He can learn the business. Dad has been teaching him…"
"Too much risk and you know why. It's not to be discussed, and your cousin Mia is not ready. It was why we chose you and Santiago to marry when the time came. You have a loyal heart, Elena. You have your reasons; if you came to see me, it means this is serious. What I say is forged in stone,entiendes? You complete the drop with the Kings, count it, and return home. Make sure you come back with our cut. The guys will pick up theirs in the east. Everything that pertains to the Sincere name, you are entitled to know intel, information, and how much and when."
"What will you tell Xavier?"
"The truth. There is no marriage between Elena Sincere and Santiago Cortez. He isn't worthy of my granddaughter's hand. Nothing regarding you, is his business. I prepared you to not need a man. I learned that with your aunt Lucy."
"I know, but trust me, Santiago wouldn't care. If anything, I'm doing him a favor."
He smiles maliciously. "No,hija. He just lost the most important thing in his life."
"Does that mean I can choose?"
