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He’s incapable of hurting me, so I push despite knowing better. “It’s important for them. Could you please try to control your temper?” The muscle on his jaw tics, and I take a deep breath. “It would mean the world to both of them, especially Mom.” I use the one leverage that always works in my favor.
Once upon a time, my brother chose Dad as his punching bag to have an outlet for the constant rage existing in him, but Mom is a different story.
For her, he tries as best as he can, and for a monster like him…that’s the highest display of emotions. “I’ll do my best. That’s all I can promise.” I open my mouth to argue, but he shuts me up. “Enough.”
My insides clench at his order, so letting him go, I nod, casting my gaze down and hoping he won’t see how much those words hurt me.
I gladly would have known my place if he and Dad weren’t a ticking time bomb ready to erupt at any moment and ruin everything around them.
“I’m going to grab a sandwich,” Luna whispers. Patting me on the back, she rushes off to the dining room.
Exhaling heavily and preparing to play the charade, aka the perfect daughter who controls the entire situation so everyone can be happy, I straighten up. Only to freeze when my eyes clash with green ones, looking so intensely into me like he wishes to memorize every part of me.
Florian.
The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. “You’re still here.” I expected him to go with everyone else and avoid me at all costs. At least that was my plan for the evening, which shouldn’t have been so hard.
We rarely mingle in the same crowd during such events and haven’t seen each other for over a year. Not that it means anything to my traitorous heart that does several flips inside my chest, crying out in joy at seeing him. Warmth envelops me, the fire igniting my veins.
What exactly made you think I’d want it, Jimena?
“Maybe I’m waiting for my hug.” The deep and husky voice tears me away from the painful memories, and a raspy breath escapes me at the mockery in his tone while a burning sensation slides over me, a bitter taste filling my mouth and reminding me that what we once had is truly over.
I ruined the only bond that ever mattered in my life, so I guess I have to face the consequences.
Plastering an even wider smile that hurts my lips, I lift my chin and internally applaud myself for keeping my voice even when hurtful waves hit me all at once. “Don’t worry, Florian. I’ve learned my lesson.” Surprise flashes in his eyes, so I continue, wanting to get it all out. Only then will I be able to focus on what’s important.
My family’s celebration and watching Santiago like a hawk.
Besides, hiding my head in the sand and pretending our kiss didn’t happen would have been childish and cowardly. Bravery has many shapes and forms in this world.
Sometimes it’s understanding that the love that consumes you is not wanted or needed, and you have to fix your mess. “I apologize for crossing the line. It won’t happen again.”
One rejection was enough, thank you very much. Some might argue that I’ve been rejected all my life in different forms, not that anyone would ever admit to it.
My whole existence is one giant mistake and coincidence, and somehow everyone expects me to function normally with that knowledge.
The air hitches in my throat when he steps closer, his masculine scent mixed with tobacco washing over me. Goose bumps break out over my skin when he leans closer, his hot breath fanning my cheek. A tremor travels down my spine, awakening every hair on my body when he whispers into my ear, “You shouldn’t do that, princess.”
His voice, akin to silk, glides over my skin, leaving tickling sensations in its wake and wrapping around my throat, forcing me to listen to it even if it has the power to drag me to my doom.
For there is no reprieve from him.
Licking my dry lips, I ask, “What?”
“Make promises you can’t keep.” My gasp rocks between us when he kisses me on the cheek, his burning touch leaving an invisible print that would haunt me for days. “Welcome back home, princess. You’ve been missed.” A chuckle rumbles his throat, sending me deeper into the maddening spiral. “Everything will change now.”
He straightens up and walks off toward our parents, wrapping my mother into a tight hug and twirling her around as she laughs. Aunt Calliope slaps him on the back before he gives her a hug as well, while I’m still frozen to the spot.
The earlier tremor I felt intensifies for a different reason.
Because what Florian just said?
It’s a warning of an upcoming war or vengeance that will be hideous and horrible.
The simmering anger lingered on every syllable he spoke, and his signature easygoing smile was nonexistent as his emerald orbs blazed with fury and hatred, which meant only one thing.
He hasn’t forgiven me, and he intends for me to suffer. After all, no one fucks with a Price without expecting retribution, right?
