Chapter 15: An Awkward Moment

Orely

Embarrassed by the conversation and making me lose my temper, I try to change the subject.

"Why didn't you tell me you were a Rivera?"

The expression on his face becomes quite different.

"Didn't I tell you? Perhaps it's because I didn't think about it, then there was the tragic event of your husband. And how did you know?" He tries to persuade me.

"This very evening with the guests at our table. They have a lot of admiration for you despite the fact that you're not very sociable by the looks of it."

"That's what they say," he boasts. Sorry, I can't help it.

Intrigued, I stare at him. Suddenly he stops laughing and we watch each other in silence. Santiago's eyes shine with uncertain desire, as if he's trying to penetrate the mysteries of my soul. With an almost shy delicacy, he reaches out and brushes aside a lock of hair that had escaped from my bun, letting it slip through his fingers as if it were made of silk. I lose myself for a moment in the contemplation of his face, every detail, light curve of his lips inspiring thoughts of tenderness. I realize that this simple gesture, though seemingly banal, is loaded with meaning. It's a silent declaration of affection, an invitation to get closer, to share something deeper. Oh my God! My breath becomes ragged, while my cheeks redden further.

"Am I disturbing you, Orely?" he murmured, gazing down at me.

"A little, but I'm surprised you're wasting time in my company," I breathed, my eyes shining.

"Why do you say that?"

"The fact that you're an irresistible casino executive

and I'm a simple widow."

"It's flattering that you find me irresistible.” Santiago jokes charmingly.

"As if you didn't know."

"I won't lie and say it isn't, but hearing it from you makes it all the more enjoyable. Why do you think I wouldn't stay in your company despite the fact that you're a widow?"

Half the women in this room will devour you with their eyes, and all it takes is a snap of their fingers to fall into your arms. You have a wonderful choice of models and actresses, who in my opinion are much more in tune with your social milieu than I am.

"You are mistaken. Women like that don't belong to my 'milieu' as you call it. You're much more charming and attractive than they are," retorts Santiago, casting an icy glance around us.

"Attractive? We hardly know each other."

"Not to be vulgar, but sometimes you need time to assimilate things, don't you?" He quips.

Santiago takes a step towards me, violating the limits of social conversions, and leans into my ear.

"I don't like detours, and I'm going to be direct. I've liked you ever since I bumped into you when you were running away from those men chasing you," he bellows in a voice laden with envy.

My senses are heightened, amplifying every touch, every breath, every gesture. My experience allows me to recognize this desire in your eyes. I'm convinced that you and I are on the same wavelength. You want me as much as I want you. I can't deny it, because in front of him I'm on fire.It awakens long-buried sensations in me. I feel an intense heat, a surge of adrenaline that makes my heart beat faster. Suddenly, my thoughts are interrupted by an imposing, square-jawed figure with a shaved head who approaches Santiago and whispers something in his ear. The latter's gaze immediately darkens before he waves the colossus away.

"I'm sorry, Orely, but I have to go. My responsibilities are calling."

I murmur a small "yes", unable to hide my disappointment. He reaches into his trouser pocket and pulls out his phone.

"Let's exchange phone numbers so we can keep in touch."

Without a word, I take his phone out of his hands, to give my number while he enjoys it, sliding his fingers over my skin.

"See you soon."

In his last words, he swivels and walks away, leaving me standing there completely bewildered.

I join my mother, who obviously hasn't left her machine, but who immediately stops playing as soon as she sees me. And me, my mind is a little elsewhere.

"Are you all right, dear? You're as pale as an undercooked flour cake."

"I crossed paths with Santiago."

You've seen him with a woman, haven't you? Now you know he's a Don Juan," she snaps, completely out of line.

"But no, Mom, not at all. He told me he likes me. We exchanged phone numbers."

My mother's face immediately lights up.

"Seriously? I knew it! So, why the long face?"

"But you just said he's a Don Juan.."

"Forget what I said. He's handsome, he's rich and he's interested in you. I also know you want him. You're my daughter, and I know you like the back of my hand.

"He's also a Rivera, have you forgotten that already?"

So he's a Rivera, so what? It's not the father who's interested in you!

"Do you think it's a good idea? We hardly know each other and there's something about him that disturbs me. At times his gaze is so cold, as if he's devoid of emotion."

You'll just have to get to know him when you see him, and I suppose a manager sometimes has to display a certain difference. It's not like you're looking for a wedding."

"You're so reckless, Mom," I sighed, overwhelmed by her enthusiasm.

She's always been my confidante. She's both my mom and my best friend.

"Enjoy life, my daughter. It's far too short to worry about the little things. If you see afterwards that it's worth it, go for it."

She's probably right, and given her age, she has more experience than I do. Her wisdom acquired over the years enables her to navigate the world of relationships with ease. After going through the trials of loss and loneliness, she has learned to appreciate every moment, to savor the small joys of everyday life. Her life, once marked by sadness, has been transformed into a quest for happiness and discovery.

“I'm going to try and see where this takes me, because I'm not finished with her father yet.”

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” My mom replies.

Santiago

I have to admit that she really caught me off guard when she found out that I'm a Rivera. With the tone she used, I felt like I had a sledgehammer to the head. I can't think straight when she's standing in front of me. All of a sudden, I tell her I like her. What the heck was I thinking? I've never felt that way about any chicks. Sergio, my bodyguard, came to tell me that an infiltrator in our notorious network had tried to steal our coke from the members of our mafia circle, thus sealing his fate. I had to settle the matter by abandoning Orely, despite the fact that our conversation was becoming interesting. In my office Sergio explains the situation to me from A to Z. In a risky operation, he had slipped into the dark and dangerous world of organized crime. He pretended to be one of us, hoping to collect as much as he could and hand it over to the enemy on a platter. At first, everything seemed to be going according to plan. This cleverly disguised asshole had won the confidence of the mafia members, posing as a small-time drug dealer eager to prove himself.

He had managed to establish contacts, participate in transactions and observe the inner workings of this illegal enterprise. However, the temptation to seize some of the merchandise, in the hope of handing it over to the opposite camp, proved to be a fatal decision. When he finally tried to steal the drugs, he underestimated the vigilance and brutality of my mafia team. In a matter of moments, his plan collapsed. Betrayed by an accomplice, he found himself trapped, surrounded by armed men, ready to defend our territory at any cost. This traitor then realized that his audacity had taken a blow, plunging him into a perilous situation where his life is now in my hands.

I already have an idea of how to make him pay. As for my father, he was very pleased with the way I handled the Code A case, which was our dear Antonio.

However, he remains aloof and I can't get used to the metal-cold stare he gives me, reminding me that I'm to blame for his past misfortunes. It's like a feeling of deep resentment, an emotion that has gradually built up over the years, fueled by disappointed expectations and unfulfilled dreams on her part. Every day I feel misunderstood, even neglected, and this growing frustration turns into palpable resentment.

This rejection of feelings only aggravates, becoming fertile ground for future conflicts,misunderstandings and an emotional distance that could prove difficult to overcome.