Page 96 of Hostile Rival
“Mat…” Her breathing picks up as if she's nervous. “I care about you. A lot. More than I should. And what I said back at the club wasn’t a lie. I’d never bring you here if I thought your life would be in danger. But Blanco, he knows things. That’s whyyou’re here, not because I was carrying out an order. You gave me closure, and you deserve the same.”
In the dark side of my mind blooms a hint of doubt. I’d let her get under my skin and focused on building her trust. At no point did I imagine she’d lead me straight to my enemy’s front door.
“Do you actually care about me, Dani?” I almost laugh. “Or was that your last push to get me inside of Blanco’s mansion without a fight?”
Her eyes glitter and a hand sails through the air, harshly slapping my face. “How dare you question my feelings for you, Mat.”
My jaw ticks as we stare at each other in silence. I should tell her I feel the same and bring her in for a hug, but right now, I’m too damn angry.
I can’t stop thinking Eduardo was right. Maybe I am the weakest link, and my father knew I didn’t have what it takes to succeed. He’d never fall into a trap like this––because of a woman.
Whether she’s telling the truth or not, I’m still outside Blanco’s mansion and the gates have opened to let us in. The old fucker knows I’m here, and I won’t give him the satisfaction of thinking I'm a coward.
“Let’s get this over with.” I climb on the bike and start the engine, too pissed off to look at her.
My heartbeat thrums, wondering what the hell I'm entering.
37
DANIELA
“Daniela!” Sofia trots down the glossy white staircase and launches herself at me. “I’ve missed you so much.”
We hug and I pull away first, smiling. This girl is the single thread that had kept my humanity intact.
“Oh my God, you’re…Matheus Souza.” She gazes up at him, blinking sweetly. “You haven’t posted a video on TikTok in ages. Your fans miss you.”
Stupid flutters go wild behind my ribcage. I clear my throat. “…This is Sofia. Blanco’s daughter,” I introduce her, doing my best to kill a zap of jealousy when he offers her his typical sexy smile.
Although his mouth curls at the corners, his eyes don’t sparkle. His head cocks to the side and he studies the slight dusting of makeup she wears, paired with glossy pink lips.
Sofia Blanco is eleven years younger than me, naturally attractive and the heir to an established cartel empire. One day she’d be in charge, whereas all I’d ever be is the woman responsible for keeping her alive.
Today she’s wearing her rich brown hair in a swishy, high ponytail and a strappy floral dress that makes her look every bit the virginal princess her father expects her to be. As myhalf-sister, we’re nothing alike. I’m kitted out in blood-stained combat gear and Sofia dazzles in one of her many designer outfits. This girl is sunshine and I’m shadows.
When I first arrived, she was just a kid who wouldn’t stop asking me questions. Eventually, she chipped away at my icy exterior and we grew closer.
There’s a sweetness to her, but lurking beneath that angel face, Sofia has a taste for violence. I guess that's the only thing all three of us have in common.
Matheus shakes her hand. Their touch lingers longer than I’m comfortable with. I can’t tell who’s doing the holding, but it has me on edge.
“She’s off-limits.” I step between them and glare at Matheus, my stomach flipping when he smirks like a cocky, hot asshole.
“Where’s Blanco?” I ask Sofia, grabbing Matheus by the elbow and pushing him backward. “He’s waiting for me.”
When Sofia makes a face and sighs heavily, Matheus’ eyes drill into her face. “Cute scowl,” he points out, his own forehead creased in thought.
Sofia’s cheeks flush and my stomach churns. I hate how he’s flirting with her, and she’s clearly affected by his charms.
I curse myself for keeping this a secret. If I'd told him the whole story from the start, maybe then he’d understand why my loyalty lies with these people, even if I’ve extended that devotion to him too.
Instead, I had buried the truth and lived in the moment with him because I knew we’d fall apart, eventually. Was it wrong of me to hold on to that rare glimpse of happiness for as long as I could?
And now that he’s worked his way into my lonely little heart, all I want is to be loved…byhim.
For a woman who prides herself on strength, I’ve let him become my weakness.
“Papá is in the breakfast room. Why does it always have to be business first, Dani? Can we at least eat together? I haven't seen you in weeks. I have so much to tell you.”
