Page 45 of His to Bedevil

“That’s good to hear, Mamá. Now, I do have to go. Take care of my fiancée for me.” I head back inside to find Juanita and talk to her about a new staff.

Then it’s time to be the Cuban mob boss I was born and raised to be.

Irma

Stretching out like a feline when I wake up in the morning, I remember right away that Alejo is gone for a few days. Off to Russia to do who knows what. Doesn’t matter, though, because he’s not here to keep an eye on me twenty-four seven.

Events from last night begin to invade my memories. The way he was so attentive and caring the moment I woke up in pain. He didn’t belittle me, making me out to be a wuss that cannot handle menstrual cramps. Men have no idea what they feel like, and some women don’t even suffer from mild cramping. But he reacted quickly and was overly concerned to the point that he thought about calling the doctor.

I’ve always suffered in pain alone ever since I got my first period and experienced cramps for the first time. But to have someone there to bring me medicine, a heating pad, and even blot my face with a cool washcloth? Yeah, that was nice.Hewas nice.

Sitting up in bed, I mentally shake off admiring thoughts of Alejo. He cannot go anywhere near my heart, and he most definitely cannot fill any part of it.

He is a dangerous man who runs illegal businesses.

He captured me and tortured me.

He has Matches. My one and only person in this sad world.

I don’t do love.

I repeat those words in my head over and over like a mantra as I head into the bathroom to wash up. I take my time standing under the hot water, trying to dispel and wash away the burgeoning emotions within my mind and body. I always thought of my fortitude as an impenetrable fortress. Too restive and unshakable to let anyone make my walls tremor. But Alejo has them slowly crumbling, and unless I get away from him and soon, I fear he’ll plunder and pillage until every piece of me belongs to him.

When I get out of the bathroom, not at all any less confounded, I head into the closet and pick a flowy maxi dress. I’m feeling so bloated, I cannot imagine wearing anything else.

When I come back out, I’m surprised to find Benita sitting there in the sitting area. Just like in the other two encounters I’ve had with her, her hair is beautifully done, her makeup is perfect, and her clothes are elegant and sophisticated. “Good morning, Irma. How are you feeling?” She looks at me with concern.

Did he seriously tell his mother that I’m having period cramps?Ugh, he is so annoying!“Good morning,señora. I’m feeling just fine, thank you.” I run my hands through my damp hair, feeling inadequate in her presence like this. Shit, I could never even pretend to be as regal as she is.

“Come sit.” She gestures to a chair. “Juanita is bringing up some breakfast. Do you mind if I join you?”

I shake my head and smile lightly as I take a seat. “That would be nice.” And I actually mean it. Yesterday, I opened up to Benita more than I have to anyone, really. I told Matches about my life shortly after we first met because I was still young and vulnerable. I hadn’t yet let my past go. Not until I begged him to erase it for me. Let me be born again as Fynn Ryan.

“I thought maybe after lunch today we could go lounge by the pool. Would you like that?”

Even though I hate the idea of being in a bathing suit today, the chance of getting out of this room is too good to pass up. My eyes light up, and I nod my head like a crazy person. “I would love that actually.”

She giggles. “I wasn’t sure if you would because I know all too well how you are feeling today, but Alejo has had you cooped up in here for too long.” She beams in adoration. “He’s too protective of you.”

So, I assume she still doesn’t know everything. She thinks this is all for my protection, which it is most definitely not. It’s because he doesn’t trust me not to try and escape, or possibly even hurt someone. I wonder what she would think of me if she did know, or when she finds out because I’m sure she will eventually. I return her smile, but I don’t lie to her and verbally agree.

Juanita comes in seeming a little flustered and frantic. The two women exchange words in Spanish, and from what I catch of it, Juanita is explaining that they’re having a staff turnover today. Benita is confused as to why and asks if anything has happened. Juanita says it was upon Alejo’s request, so Benita drops it and asks for her to have breakfast and coffee brought up to us.

Knowing that Alejo really is firing the maids to hire new ones, I should feel even a meager amount of repentance for getting a bunch of women fired because of my disavowable jealousy. But I don’t feel bad at all. I feel satisfied and that my feelings might be more efficacious in getting what I want. It seems that I do hold some power in this weird and twisted relationship. Give my censure and maybe throw in some crocodile tears and I could get myself out of here.

I honestly enjoy my breakfast with Benita. We keep the conversation light, and I find myself smiling a lot and eager to learn more about my betrothed and my future brother-in-law. I laugh as she tells me a story about the two boys when they were kids, and she laughs along with me as she reminisces. I can see the sentimental twinkle in her eye as she thinks about her two sons whom she so clearly loves.

“Those two.” She smiles with delight, shaking her head. “I thought they would be the death of me many times, and they know it. It’s why they take such good care of me now.”

“I’m glad they do.”

“And Alejo will take great care of you too,chica bonita.” She seems to be convinced of it, but I’m still not so sure. There’s a monster lurking inside of him. He’s no alligator, where he is a vicious predator yet courts and woos the female before mating. And definitely no gray wolf, a fierce predator who mates for life.

We finish up breakfast, and when Juanita comes to collect everything, she brings me some painkillers to take. I resist the urge to roll my eyes and thank her with a smile instead. Benita tells me that Lucas will be by shortly to escort me out to the pool, and she takes her leave, saying she’ll meet me out there.

I debate trying on another swimsuit as I stand in front of the mirror in the first one I picked out, but I know no matter what bathing suit I wear, I won’t feel so confident in it, even with the weight I’ve lost. Periods really suck.Thanks, Eve.

Throwing on a pair of shorts and a tank top over my suit, I hear a firm knock at the door. “Coming!” I call out as I grab the small bag I put sunscreen and sunglasses in. Placing a baseball cap on my head—it’s not the Yankees one I had, but it was the only one they had at the boutique—I head for the door. When I open it, my chin hits the floor.

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