Page 114 of Ethan's Sky

Fuck me. I’m going to need to relieve some of this stress when I get back to the house, or I’ll never be able to get any rest tonight.

“So, what’s the story with you two anyway?” Santiago is intimidating with his broad build and his fitted Armani suits. The women go crazy for him at the Pearl, even those who work there. We all talk about his olive skin and his Adonis like body we all know is under all that fabric. He has a hard look about him when he’s working, but to us girls, he’s as sweet as they come. Ever the gentlemanly protector.

If you aren’t his woman and don’t break a rule, I guess. Then apparently, he becomes a kinky fucker with a penchant for punishment.

“It’s a long story, and unfortunately not one I want to tell. It doesn’t have much of a happy ending.”

“Well, that’s disappointing.” He chuckles. “I figured after you broke your own rules and fucked him mindless at the Pearl, there would have a better ending.”

My eyes grow wide as saucers. “How?”

“Cameras.” My eyes close. My cheeks heating up. “Relax. Archie asked if I knew you were in there, and with who---I had him shut the cameras down. Figuring you didn’t want everyone to know. But when you came out of the room looking freshly fucked, and he left looking like the cat who ate the cream, I figured you worked things out.”

“You and me both, Santiago. You and me both.”

When we pull up to the house, Santiago is quick to grab my door and my bag. I raise my brow at him, and he shrugs. “It’s part of the job, Sweetheart. Get over it.”

I punch in the code Xander text me for the new security system and open the door.

“Where do you want this?” He asks, lifting my bag.

“I can take it.”

Santiago gives me a look that saysyou’re not getting itand waits. With a deep sigh, I give in because I really don’t have it in me to argue.

I’m so tired.

“My room. Last one on the right. He nods and leaves toward my room while I rummage through the fridge for something to cook for dinner. I’m lost in thought. The night at the Pearl. Almost getting snatched at the diner. Telling Ethan about the baby we could’ve had.

My mind is anywhere but on food when Santiago leans over my shoulder and asks, “What do we got to work with?” I nearly jump out of my skin.

“Jesus! Wear a bell or something would you?”

He laughs, putting his hand on my shoulder, moving me out of his way.

“Sorry, Sweetheart. I thought you heard me come in.” Santiago studies my face for a minute then suggests, “Why don’t you go sit down and I’ll make us something to eat, yeah?”

I sit on the edge of the island and watch as Santiago removes his suit coat, placing it over the back of the barstool, then starts pulling food out of the fridge laying things out beside me.

“You cook?” I don’t know why the thought surprises me.

Again, he chuckles, shaking his head. He grabs a knife from the block on the counter and a wooden cutting board. Placing an onion, tomato, and two bell peppers placing them to the side of the board.

“Believe it or not, Sweetheart, there’s more to me than a pretty face and rock-hard body.” His brows wiggle. “I’m pretty good with a gun and yes, I cook too.” His smile widens. He reaches back into the fridge and pulls out a small package of chicken breasts, placing them on the counter beside the vegetables.

“My mama taught all us kids our way around the kitchen. Said she didn’t want us dependent on anyone else to take care of us. It makes us weak. She also would never accept anyone else could cook like she does, so she took to teaching us herself.” His face lights up as he speaks of his mother.

“She sounds like an amazing woman.”

“Yeah, she is. But don’t be food by her kindness.” Santiago looks at me seriously. “The woman is as ruthless as she is sweet. She will gut an enemy and not think twice about it.” My surprise must show. Santiago points his finger in my face. “We make sure our women are cared for, which includes making sure they can defend themselves should something happen to us. Every woman should be able to protect herself.”

Cross my arms over my chest. I don’t know why I feel indignant at his words, but I feel like I need to remind him I’m not helpless.

“I’m well equipped to handle myself. Cash and the guys have trained me for years in Krav Magra, knives, guns, and general self-defense. I know how to handle myself, but sometimes, I hesitate. I don’t know why. I guess I don’t really want to take someone’s life. It’s a huge responsibility. A weight I’d rather not deal with.”

“Yeah, but that Matthews fucker deserved what you did to him and then some.”

I freeze at his words.

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