Page 113 of Hostile Secret
Being with India these past weeks has opened my eyes to a world that he’d shut me off from.
I’ve come to realize that not living a life to its fullest is death in the waking state. I accept I’d never really be free of danger. My surname has seen to that. But I could step out of the shadows more often and prowl in the sunshine like my brothers do.
Tonight is the first night of many. An evening for the monster I am to walk among the general population forfun.
For her, I’d do whatever she asks of me. Of course, I’d make her work for it.
“Aren’t you worried?” she asks. “That people will see us together. Or they’ll recognize you?”
I tap the plain black mask on my face. “This doesn’t give much away. Slow steps, okay.”
India stares at me. “Why me? I mean, you could have any woman you want. A woman like Dr. Valderrama, who’s mature and established in her own skin. Why not her?”
“She’s not you,” I reply with a shrug. “None of the women out there are as gutsy as you. They don’t have a special relationship with my twin… or my son. They haven’t sparked my interest, earned my trust, or managed to put my dick on a leash. You, India, have done it all.”
Glancing over at her, I see her eyes shine and her lips spread to a girly smile. I keep my own smile to myself and try to ignore the rush in my chest.
I need to keep levelheaded tonight. A mask is one thing, whereas casually walking into a busy ballroom with my woman on my arm is another.
It’s time to pretend I’m just a normal guy on a date. Even with all the security I have positioned around the hotel, my stomach still churns. This is so far out of my comfort zone.
But I’m a Souza. And Colombia is our kingdom.
Only a fool would come for us at a crowded function.
35
INDIA
I’m on a high.
Giovanni takes my hand in his and escorts me along the red carpet. Entering the massive luxury hotel is like stepping into a movie. The main lobby, rich in gold furnishings and polished marble floors, is alive with excited chatter, popping corks, and orchestral music.
Tailored black suits are scattered amidst a sea of rainbow-colored ball gowns. Thornhill seniors file their way in through a set of huge doors at the far left, leading to the ballroom containing the party.
We walk through the lobby slowly, taking it all in. I don’t recognize anyone, which is partly due to not knowing all the seniors’ faces and mostly to do with the elaborate and ornate masks they all wear.
None of them pay us any attention. They have no idea one of the most powerful men in Colombia has entered the building, or that he’s my date for prom.
The madness around me becomes a little overwhelming, even though I’m enjoying the buzz of it all. As if sensing my mood falter, Giovanni turns into me, his hand firmly on my lower back and his vibrant eyes pinned to mine.
“You’re so beautiful.” He nudges my chin up with his knuckles and presses his lips to mine. “Stay beside me. Okay?”
I nod, gazing up at him. “I can’t believe I’m finally here.”
“You owe me for this.” He smirks. “Big time.”
“Oh, yeah?” I lick my lips. “How much should you be paid for the hassle of taking a teen to prom?”
He stares down at me, the right corner of his mouth tugging upward. “It’s not how much I want, ratherwhatI want.”
“Let me guess…” My heart is racing. “You want your little whore to play––”
He leans into my ear, cutting me off when his hot breath caresses my skin. “There are many ways you can repay your debt to me. One… wear your school uniform for me later and take it in the ass. Two…” He smirks. “Help me plan Leo’s next birthday.”
“Gio…” I grin, my heart racing.
He keeps his eyes on me. “Three… agree to move in with us permanently.”
