I opened my mouth twice, but nothing but air slipped past my lips for several seconds. "But you believe my father had something to do with it."
"Perhaps. Something to be explored. I'll leave you to your music but keep in mind that we leave precisely at six. I don't like to be late."
"Yes, sir." I could see just how troubled he was, as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
He lowered his head, pressing his lips against my forehead. There was such sadness in his actions, an odd resignation that certainly didn't seem like him in any regard. He lingered, his fingers brushing across my skin, for a full minute before moving away. I caught a single glimpse of his eyes.
They were haunted.
He stopped in the doorway, his fingers tapping on the doorjamb. When he tilted his head, I could swear I noticed moisture in his eyes. "Thank you for such an incredible gift. I will cherish your CD always."
His words rang of such truth, even after I'd been the one to destroy his original copy. When he finally walked out, his feet heavy, I sagged down in the chair.
If I didn't know better, I'd think he'd resigned himself to the fact he was going to die.
Murdered.
And all because of me. Miguel
Deals.
Secrets.
Lies.
Revenge.
They'd been four words I'd known from the time I was small. My father even used them in various orders he'd given the soldiers, as if it they were part of a mantra for him. For me, they were the straw that might break the camel's back. Was my father's retirement an actual strategic move? I was beginning to believe so.
I couldn't get over the feeling that a deal could have been struck between my father and Santiago, only I couldn't figure out for the life of me what that could be or why. The deals my father was talking had to do with money in exchange for loyalty, not some jaded situation with a man who'd grown into a full blown enemy. Then again, Santiago had truly strengthened his level of power in the last twenty years, taking over from his father during that time. Perhaps the deal had been established long before.
I'd find out one way or the other at the meeting with Santiago and this time, the man would answer me without his usual bullshit and lies.
I wanted to exact revenge on far too many people. Sadly, my list was getting longer. I'd given Elena a call. Her anger had been directed toward me and would be for some time. Winston had kept his promise, packing up the essentials and leaving, promising to make the separation and divorce amicable. While Elena had accused me of ruining her life, I knew in my heart that one day she'd thank me.
The moment Sylvie had told me about Valencia disobeying her orders, I'd almost gone ballistic; however, I knew that she needed to hear the truth from her father. What he'd said to her was cold. And calculating. I didn't buy what he'd said to her, at least not completely. Still, the fact that someone had been following Valencia meant whatever was about to go down would happen sooner versus later.
From the description of the average Joe, as Sylvie had stated, he could be almost anyone in the city. No discernable marks. No obvious signs that he'd planned to hurt Valencia in any manner.
Then there was Castillo, who'd yet to report in and the clock was ticking.
I took a deep breath, trying to push aside my need for vengeance.
The moment I'd walked in the penthouse, the incredible music filtering into my mind, I'd realized how much in love I was with Valencia. Perhaps I had been from the very second I'd laid eyes on her. Hearing about the man who'd been following Valencia from Sylvie had been incentive to end this charade as soon as possible. At least I had a plan.
What Santiago had said to Valencia had honestly surprised me, but I had yet to hear an actual account from the lovely woman who would share my life.
As long as you can keep her alive.
Hell, I realized I couldn't think that way but damn it, everything seemed to be spiraling out of control.
As we walked into the restaurant, all eyes were on us and tonight, the admiring glances had nothing to do with me. She'd never looked so beautiful, seductive yet sophisticated, the scarlet dress hugging every curve, molded against her body to perfection.
I felt like the luckiest man alive as we were led to our table overlooking the ocean. The early evening sun had cast a glow on the water, the shimmer dancing like diamonds. She kept a smile on her face as the waiter took our drink order. Tonight, I'd ordered champagne.
Tonight, I'd take her in my bed.
Tonight, I'd push her over the edge, requiring her to surrender to me entirely.
Tonight, I'd share at least a portion of my heart.
She stared out the floor-to-ceiling window, taking deep breaths as she studied the ocean, swirling her finger around the rim of the crystal stem. "The music is beautiful."
I knew she'd enjoy the piano player, the music a mixture of big band and various popular tunes. "I thought you'd enjoy."
"Do you come here often?"
"I've been here a few times," I said matter-of-factly. Elena's rehearsal dinner had been here. Maybe I'd selected the wrong place.
"Of course. Do you bring all your dates here?"
I leaned over, sliding the champagne closer. "You're the only woman I've ever brought here. You're the only woman I've ever wanted to bring here. Family obligations introduced the restaurant a few years ago."
She dropped her eyes, her face turning red. "Well, I appreciate the gesture and your honesty."
I maintained silence, giving her needed space. While she enjoyed the view of the beach, I preferred to concentrate on her exquisite bone structure and voluptuous lips.