Page 109 of Shadowed Obsession

“No,” I admit.

“See? You kept secrets to protect your family. and so did he. Gotta respect it,” she advises as she presses her foot on the gas to enter the on ramp.

I suppose she’s right.

“I plan to hire him to help me find out what happened to Cidro, but him being in love with you is a conflict of interest. And before you argue, watch this,” she adds with a devious grin.

Aretha’s “Think” blasts through the car, and she shares a knowing look before speeding up and changing lanes until she’s in the fast one.

Touché, Regina. Tou-fucking-ché.

43/

left on read

César

12:05 a.m.| 2 hours and 37 minutes after ‘the last incident’

I never meant to hurt you.

I didn’t know how to tell you, but that isn’t an excuse.

I am so sorry, mi beba.

Deirdre?

I miss you and I am so sorry.

I’m not giving up on you.

44/

prométeme

César

8:48 p.m. | 6 days after ‘the last incident’

Everything has been a blur since we flew to San Juan the other night. As much as I’ve kept this in the back of my mind, the time has come.

I’ve kept myself busy around the house, staying out of the way as the rest of my family arrived. She woke up today wanting to talk more than usual and has been requesting alone time with everyone. She’s asked for me a few times already, but I’ve been encouraging others to go instead.

The day winds down and almost everyone is asleep, but my racing mind is up washing dishes.Abuelais in her room speaking to my cousin Elías.

It isn’t until he enters the kitchen with his head hung low that I know it’s my turn to see her. I grab a towel and dry my hands, turning to face him.

“She sent me for you. Said I can use force.” He chuckles weakly. “You gotta quit dodging her,primo. C’mon, man.”

“Coño,” I breathe.

“I know,” he assures, spreading his arms for a hug.

When I hug him back, he sobs quietly, and my heart lurches. I do my best to remain strong, but he’s like the brother I never had.

Of all my cousins, Elí is unfortunately the most familiar with death. His mom passed away when we were kids andAbuelaraised him. A few years back, he became a widow when his wife died in a car crash, and he walked away from his boxing career to raise their daughter, Solena.

Abuela’spassing will be another heavy blow, but we’ve got each other.

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