Chapter 39: The Saga Goes On

Orely

My suspicions were well-founded, but I am shocked by what he has just told me about what he has become. This revelation explains so many things, people disappearing in strange ways and this obsession for secrecy, his behavior of remaining silent, keeping his distance of being on the sidelines to perhaps prevent me from snooping around. When I thought that at first I imagined he was not like his father, I was far from the truth. The mafia is a whole different level, and suddenly I realize the gravity of the situation, to the point that I almost didn't make it. I'm caught up in an endless war over a matter of land.

"My kidnappers made that clear to me when they tried to force me to sell my land at any price until they locked me up in a damp, dark basement. All because you are a bunch of fucking Mafiosi!" I sneered in disgust.

Santiago does not even dare look at me and seems truly sorry.

"I am so sorry, believe me. I did not think it would take on such proportions. To tell you the truth, it has never happened before that a civilian has become so involved in our problems. I don't know why it got so screwed up."

For my part, I knew why. It is simply because I've been saved several times, and maybe they think I have seven lives like a cat. My encounter with Santiago is undoubtedly the trigger, and my curiosity has intensified it, especially his father, who didn't hesitate to kill Diego. Lacking evidence, I find myself overwhelmed by the events.

All I wish for now is to get back to my monotonous, safe life with my garden and my workshop. To do that, I have to get rid of this man sitting in front of me.

"I want you out of my life, I want you to leave me alone. I don't want anything more to do with you and your network", I command.

Santiago stares at me for a moment and I can see the hesitation in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, that won't be possible." He says.

I am dreading what comes next, slowly understanding what's in store for me.

"The Mexican mafia has now realized, since we arrived armed to the teeth to save you twice, that you are not just another stranger to me. That is why I had to bring you here to ensure your safety, at least for a while."

"So if I have understood correctly, I am still in danger and the situation is worse than before?"

"Yes, that is it, you got it, that is it in a nutshell." He replies, looking apologetic.

"Orely" he tries, and I glare at him.

"Our paths should never have crossed and you should have let me die."

My words are harsh, but I'm overcome with cold anger.

I get up and rush into the bedroom, slamming the door and throwing myself onto the bed. I screamed, forcing my face into a pillow to muffle my screams. I needed to get this anger out.

When I finally manage to calm down, or at least stop screaming into my pillow that if it had ears, it would probably have gone deaf by now, Santiago enters the room. As calm as ever, he stays back with his eyebrows furrowed and his cold eyes staring at the floor. I can see he is not sure what to do or say to ease my anger. It was the first time I have seen him lose his self-confidence. Nevertheless, his silence exasperates me even more, standing like a vase of flowers right in front of me. Annoyed, I suddenly got up from the bed to approach him. Without giving him time to react, I slap him with all my strength. His face turns in shock and his cheek immediately reddens.

I think I have deserved it" He murmurs with an embarrassed smile.

I say nothing and stare at my hand for a moment. I'd never imagined hitting someone so hard in my life, but my rage has never reached such heights either. Then I raise my eyes to look into his eyes, which seem uncertain. He opens his mouth hesitantly as if he wants to say something before closing it again immediately. My gaze lingers on his lips for a moment, at which point my fury slowly transforms into a much more illusory feeling: desire.

I grip his white T-shirt and suddenly crush my lips against his, and he seems to like it as he lets himself go, because in the seconds that follow, I expected him to push me away, but nothing happens. On the contrary, I feel his mouth respond to mine, his tongue breaking through the barrier of my lips. One of his hands grabs my neck while the other slides down my back to bring our bodies together.

Our lips part for a few seconds, just enough for me to notice that her reticence had given way to a wild glow.

Suddenly, he lifts me like a bride and carries me to the bed. He literally tosses me onto it before joining me. He positions himself right above me, his legs on either side of my body, and takes off his t-shirt. As soon as I catch sight of his abs, I prop myself up on my elbows, looking at him with desire.

I bend slightly to run my tongue over his abdominal shelf and he lets out a grunt. He lays the full weight of his body on me, kissing me passionately. His hands go to meet my body, trying to remove my clothes to reach my warm skin more easily. He moves within seconds to rub his pelvis against mine, his excitement tangible, which in turn inflames me.

I moan against his mouth and there is nothing gentle or slow about our entanglements. I bite his lip and he kisses me fiercely, pulling my hair back to reach my neck. My nails scratch his back and he growls as he gets harder.