Page 117 of Arturo's Temptation

“And you’ll never speak of this again, you get me?”

“Secret’s safe with me, bro.”Good man.

“Cheers, Ty,” I turned my back to him, making my way to find Bella.

“Wait… Is that why you didn’t let me come to the wedding?” he asked. “Because you’re gonna be smooching and banging and shit?”

“Watch your filthy mouth!” I frowned, pointing my finger at him. “I wanted it to just be the two of us without us havin’ to worry about who’s watchin’ us.”

“You sure weren’t worried who caught today though, were ya?” I was about two seconds from decking this kid before he chuckled. “Geez, take a joke will ya? In all seriousness, can you answer one question in exchange for my silence?”

“Shoot.”

“Do you love her?” I heaved a sigh.

“Ty, you keepin’ our secret cements what a stand up guy you are. But all you need to know is that I’d give my life for that woman.”

“Good… Just be careful, Unc won’t take kindly to knowing you’re getting hot and heavy with his only daughter.”

“There ain’t a thing he can do to stop me bein’ with her.”

Tyler gave me a genuine smile before holding his hand out. I narrowed my eyes in caution but took his handshake all the same.

“Hey, uhm, I hope this isn’t weird, but… I’m like sorry for bugging ya all the time. I just… Shit, dude, I want to be like you.” I stiffened and dropped his hand.

“Trust me, kid. You don’t wanna be anythin’ like me.”

“You kidding? You’re strong, smart, feared, respected. Hell, half the guys here think you’re a god.”

“I ain’t no god. Just a man with a bag of regrets and a load of mistakes to show for his life. I don’t deserve her. I know that.”

“Look, I’ve sorta always been treated like the punk kid around here, but, man, I’m tired of no one taking me seriously, you know?”

“What you askin’ me, Ty?”

“Will you like be my mentor or whatever?” He scratched the back of his head, making the blue strands stand on end.

“Fine. I’ll teach you everythin’ I know?” Warmth bloomed in my chest as a smile broke out across his face. “But you have to fuckin’ listen, no pissin’ about, got it?”

“You got it.”

“Good fella,” I patted his shoulder. “You’re a good kid, Ty, don’t let any fucker ever tell you any different.”

After that I turned on my heel to head to find my woman.

Too cowardly to tell her?

Go fuck yourself. Fuckin’ wankers.

Running scared, aren’t ya?

Shitting yourself that she won’t love you back…

I don’t give a shit if she doesn't love me back yet. But when I do tell her that I love her, it will be fuckin’ special and not even you will ruin that.

Well, well… Arturo Ramos finally grew some balls… How special.

Shame you’ll never deserve her love… or anyone else’s.

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