Page 30 of The Love Language of the Cartel

Ozias nodded, his expression unreadable. “As you wish. Now, eat. We have a busy day ahead of us.”

As a plate matching his was set before me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d just passed some sort of test. But to what end? What game was Ozias really playing?

I stared at the plate. The aroma was enticing but foreign. I hesitated, unsure where to begin.

“What is all this?” I asked, picking up a fork and poking at what looked like scrambled eggs mixed with chili peppers.

Ozias gestured to each dish. “Huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and there’s some chorizo on the side. Try it.”

I took a small bite of the eggs, and immediately, my mouth was on fire. I coughed, reaching for the glass of water beside me.

“Shit,” I mumbled, taking a gulp. “Do you always eat food that could double as a weapon?”

Ozias chuckled, a deep, rich sound that caught me off guard. “You’ll get used to the extra kick of spice. It adds flavor, depth.”

I eyed the plate warily. “I’m all about flavor and seasoning, but I think it might take some time for my taste buds to adjust to all this heat.”

“Take your time,” he encouraged, his voice unexpectedly gentle. “We’ve got forever.”

I looked up at him, struck by the contrast between the moment and the violence I knew he was capable of. It was jarring, and I found myself searching his face for some clue to the man beneath the monster.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Ozias warned.

“Like what?”

“Like you want me to put you on this table and eat you for breakfast instead,” he answered calmly. “Because you know I won’t hesitate.”

His comment sent chills down my spine and made my pussy tingle simultaneously. I refused to let him drive me to distraction so early. I cleared my throat and crossed my legs.

“You know, I could make this difficult for you. Scream, fight, try to escape at every turn.” Ozias’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent, waiting for me to continue. My chest inflated with a deep inhale. “But I’m not going to do that. I can either suffer and make this harder on myself, or I can . . . adapt. Make the best of it.”

A smile spread across Ozias’s handsome face, and for a moment, I saw genuine pleasure there. It transformed his features, softening the hard lines and making him look almost boyish.

“I’m glad to hear that, Demi. I think you’ll find that life here can be quite rewarding.”

I allowed a small smile to peek from behind my teeth in return, all the while thinking how he shouldn’t get too comfortable.My father will come for me. This is just temporary. I just need to survive until then.

But I kept those thoughts locked away, hidden behind a mask of cautious acceptance. Instead, I picked up my fork again and took another bite of the spicy eggs. This time, I was more prepared for the heat. Although I hadn’t had an appetite before being presented with food, my stomach welcomed the nourishment. I hadn’t eaten in over twenty-four hours, and with the hurting Ozias had put on my body the day before, I needed the sustenance.

“You’re right,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I think I might get used to this after all.”

Ozias leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes stationed on mine. There was a calculating gleam in them that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Speaking of adapting, there’s something I need to tell you, Demi.”

I paused with a forkful of food halfway to my mouth. “Oh?”

He reached across the table, his large hand enveloping mine. The warmth of his sun-kissed skin was startling, and I fought the urge to pull away.

“We’re getting married this evening,” he announced, his tone matter of fact. “At sunset, overlooking the beach.”

I nearly choked on my food. “W-what?” I sputtered, eyes wide.

Ozias’s full lips curled into a smirk. “You heard me. By nightfall, you’ll officially be Mrs. Rivera.”

I couldn’t help it—I laughed. It was a sharp, bitter sound that echoed in the ornate dining room. “You’ve thought of everything, huh?”

His expression softened slightly, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of something almost vulnerable in his eyes. Who knew the devil was such a romantic? “I wanted to make sure it was at least a little special for you.”

---