Before The Sea

Before The Sea
Orely

It is true that during last night's party, after he had confessed his feelings to me, Andrés suddenly appeared in my thoughts and I felt a little uncomfortable, especially as I remembered that he was engaged. Do you realize that two brothers have declared their love for me? I am going to tell him, I can't keep it to myself any longer. How will he take it? Lord, help me! I take a deep breath and jump in, telling him it is about his brother.

Of course, he is surprised and annoyed, given the firm, dry tone he used to ask me.

"Well, when Diego died, he came to see me and offered to take care of the formalities, and in those moments of weakness I accepted without flinching."

Calm and attentive, Santiago asks me to continue.

“After a few days, he came back to see me, and at first I thought it was just a courtesy call, offering flowers. I had not realized that it was actually to tell me how he felt about me.”

"What? Are you really talking about Andrés?"

"Yes, himself, in the flesh and blood."

"And what did you reply?"

"Well, I told him his four truths, that I am not interested in him and that, on top, he just got engaged! What were you expecting? That I would come up to him, caress his face and say 'Oh, how cute, me too, I...,' I replied angrily."

"And what happened next?" He asks, placing his finger over my mouth.

"He was surprised by my behavior and it is on a note of disappointment he left more than he came, repeatedly apologizing with regret and sadness."

He says nothing, but I can see that the tension is easing and his face relaxes slightly. Unable to hold on any longer, he even lets out a laugh.

"He took it right in the face!" he mocks in an amused tone.

I cross my arms and watch him writhe in laughter. What an idiot!

"If I had told you I liked him, you would not be laughing so hard right now, would you?"

"For sure I would not! I was even going to kill him!"

Nothing of the thought of hearing what he just said chills me to the bone.

"You didn't mean it, did you?"

"Don't worry, I was joking."

"But your joke was not funny, you big idiot." I reply, frowning as he places his hands on his hips. He approaches me, his face neutral, and looks me straight in the eye.

"You belong to me now. No one has the right to court you, let alone touch you, except me. With you, I broke all the rules when it came to relationships with women. I have broken them all because of you. You have really bewitched me and I am glad to hear you are not attracted to Andrés, because I get very jealous when anyone touches what is mine."

"And may I know when you made our relationship official?"

"As rebellious as ever, but I like it, because it is you," he urges, cupping my face in his hands. Since yesterday, if you must know, we are not going to kid ourselves that we feel the same way about each other.

With a sudden movement, he pulls me towards him, pressing me tightly against him so I can feel his erection through his pants.

"You see the effect you have on me!"

"Hmm. Well, Don't forget you have got some explaining to do as to why I am here in Italy with you right now." I retorted, trying to change the subject.

"How did you know you were currently in Italy?" He claims, surprised.

"The other day, I heard voices, Italian accents I presumed, behind the door of my luxurious cell, and that is when I realized I was not in Mexico.

"Hmm, I see, in addition to being a rebellious flower, you are also very intelligent. Indeed, you are in Italy and don't worry, I'll tell you how and why you are here."

"And why don't you tell me now?"

Not just yet, I have got some business to take care of first. But what I can assure you is that here is my network, La Domina, so we are safe. So enjoy the villa and you won't be locked in because I am here now.

"Did you have me locked up?"

"No, La Domina made this decision so you would not be in danger. But I will explain, okay?"

"If I understand correctly, will I always be in danger when I stay by your side? My old life no longer exists? I also have my own affairs to manage, I would like to point out." I said bitterly.

"Don't bring it up again. It is for your own good and you know it. We are not going to stay here forever, it is only temporary. All right, sweetheart? Any questions, comments, suggestions?" He suddenly jokes and I nod a no.

"Well, let's go home."

After this serious discussion, which lasted almost an hour, we stood on the warm sand, our feet sinking lightly into the soft texture. I nod and we start walking, leaving footprints in the fine sand that quickly disappear behind us. Santiago pulls his hands out of his trouser pockets to grab me by the waist. With the sound of the waves in the background, the smell of salt and sea air surrounds us and gives us a sense of well-being. 

In this heat, we finally arrive from the villa. The idea of a good cup of coffee is most welcome, as I can smell the ground beans from afar. I pull on Santiago's hand to get home as quickly as possible to enjoy some.