Chapter 51: The Hiking
Santiago
"In fact, it's quite the opposite! And you haven't seen anything yet, my lovely!" I continue and she approaches me.
I can be a classy, sophisticated man, but I can also be a self-reliant person. Life is not about doing nothing when you live easily, because that's not my case. I learn simple things with Petra when I do have the time, like cooking, cleaning and ironing. In front of others, I'm bossy and heartless, but deep down I am someone different.
"Listen, I'm going to tell you what I think. At first, I thought that since you come from a high social class, you would be not only pretentious and arrogant but also someone who can't do anything. However, these past few days I have spent with you have opened my eyes to the fact that you are not. So if I just hurt you, I apologize, it was not my intention. Deep down, you are a good guy who does not reflect your personality in the way others think of you."
Wow! What a remarkable woman! No comparison with the other idiots I've known. She is totally different. I didn't expect such a reaction and revelation from her. As direct and frank as ever, she amazes me every day.
"It is the first time that someone's ever praised me like that, and I thank you for your sincerity. Don't worry, you didn't hurt my feelings.” I reply, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.
"I know you're someone who does not talk much, but who proves it through action, and I must admit I admire that quality," she says, looking me straight in the eye.
I can see she's figured me out, and understands me perfectly. But it's my secret. Without saying a word, I take her face in my hands and we kiss passionately. Our tongues intertwine more and more intensely, making the kiss deep and ardent. Unfortunately, as soon as I run my hand over her back, she stops me dead in my tracks and tells me we'd better hurry up and leave. I shake my head in annoyance with a disgruntled grunt, and we're off to change our clothes.
She can't help laughing at me and I sigh. To keep the mood up, I tease her by tickling her waist as we head for the bedroom.
While Orely chooses which bikini she will wear underneath her clothes, I call Cecilia to tell her to clean the bungalow and prepare dinner for us when we get back at the end of the day. Orely chooses a women's slim fit outfit featuring shorts, a waterproof jacket, a backpack, and tennis shoes, while I am wearing a t-shirt, a protective jacket, pants, and sneakers.
As we had breakfast quite late, we'll be looking for something to snack on along the way or in the wilderness. Forty-five minutes later, we leave the place to finally breathe the fresh air, bringing water bottles to stay hydrated and the monobrins poles for the hike.
Cascadas Potosina 12:30 p.m.
Orely
The sun is shining brightly in the sky. Fortunately, I didn't forget to bring a hat. Today, Santi asked his driver to take us there, and we made the journey in a jeep. We are currently at Cascadas Potosina. As soon as I set foot, it is already heaven on earth, with the scent of the mountain that does not go unnoticed, accompanied by the songs of the birds that echo through the valley. It's simply magnificent. Santiago takes my hand and we follow a winding path lined with wildflowers, spreading their delicate fragrance. We exchange knowing glances for a moment and continue on our way.
After an hour of walking, we finally discover the magnificent waterfalls, originating from a stunning cascade that rushes down the rocks with a soothing sound. In a brilliant blue, the water is clear and sparkling under the rays of the sun, giving the impression of a wide silver ribbon. The view is even more striking with the large green carpet of mountains that surrounds it.
All excited and with the temperature continuously rising up steadily, Santiago suggests that we approach the base of the falls to cool off, while I, fascinated by the wild beauty all around me, take out my camera to record the experience.
Everything seems perfect, and we take a moment to embrace each other against the rocks while admiring this idyllic tableau. Catching me off guard, Santiago takes off his clothes, to keep only his swimming shorts on, kisses me fiercely before diving into the water flashing me a mischievous grin. The atmosphere is light, beating to the rhythm of nature.
I cross the veil of water from the waterfall to enter the cave, and the light fades immediately. Suddenly, I hear footsteps and a shadow appears from nowhere. Unable to react, everything goes black, I feel my body no longer touch the ground and I fall. I land in powerful arms before I have time to scream. I'm grabbed by force and, in a wild panic, I realize I'm once more a victim of yet another kidnapping. Shit, not those damn mafia guys again!
Did Santiago even notice that I'd disappeared? He was doing everything to make sure I was safe. I shouldn't have wandered off, but it's not as if I'd gone to the other side of this immense forest anyway. Damn, when is all this going to stop? I was looking forward to having a great day. We were supposed to be on private property, how could this have happened?
Suddenly, I hear someone calling me and I recognize among a thousand voices that it's Santiago's voice.
"Orely! Orely! Where are you? Can you hear me? If this is a joke, it's not funny!" he shouts angrily.
I try to fight with every ounce of my strength, kicking, struggling against my kidnapper, but it's of no use, I'm too petite.
Without warning, a handkerchief is placed in front of my nose.
"San...Santi.." I try to call out, but under the effects of chloroform, I'm too weak to cry out for help.
Santiago
As I lounge in the lake without a care in the world, I'm lulled by the sound of the flowing water, enjoying the rays of the sun on my face. The muscles in my body tense from ensuring Orely's safety. While she's taking photos, I take the opportunity to dive into the cool water to refresh myself. The water’s nice and I feel so good. But as I surface, I realize that Orely's gone. I scan my surroundings with my eyes and anguish wells up inside me, feeling a shiver run through my body. The heavy silence sets my nerves on edge, making me realize that this isn't right.
As she's taking photos, I take the opportunity to dive into the cool water to refresh myself. The water is nice, and I feel so good. But when I come back up to the surface, I realize that Orely's no longer there. I scan the surroundings with my gaze, and anxiety rises within me, a shiver running through my body. This heavy silence puts me on edge and makes me realize that something’s not right.
"Orely! Orely! Where are you? Can you hear me? Orely? If this is a joke, it's not funny!" I scream at the top of my lungs, angrily.
I shout so loudly that my voice echoes between the rocks, unfortunately scaring the birds away. When she doesn't answer me, the situation becomes increasingly alarming.
As I scan my surroundings, something catches my eye. A red scarf with a bow resting on the thick roots of a gigantic old tree. My gaze immediately changes to that of the devil himself. This piece of fabric is Ignacio’s symbol and signature. Ignacio is my sworn enemy, trying everything he can to harm me the day my father refused to integrate him into the Mexican cartel. This scarf is a message that war has been declared.
He doesn't know that I'm so powerful that even my father doesn't stand a chance against me. Let me introduce myself as the godfather of the Italian mafia, La Domina, and known as Gabriele El Drago, aka "The Tiger".
For the moment I'm keeping my name anonymous to surprise all those who thought I was a nobody, starting with my daddy, and the rest will be a piece of cake. He wanted to join the Mexican cartel so that he could eliminate me, but since I'm the godfather, I'll make short work of him.
"Oh, don't worry, dear Ignacio, I'll be happy to let you know who I really am," I whisper through my teeth, looking for Orely in every corner.
This asshole dared to trespass on my private domain, and he's going to pay for kidnapping Orely. For now, he's come to challenge me, to hit me where it hurts, but he hasn't seen anything yet.