Page 71 of Hostile Rival
27
DANIELA
Rather than leave through the guarded front entrance, Matheus slides his hand to the base of my spine and leads me to the right.
I frown, but keep walking. “Why aren’t we going that way?”
“Because we need a ride and I know where to get one.”
“Seriously?” I rub my temples and sigh. “Pulling up outside the villa in a chauffeur-driven car won’t make us stand out or anything.” He cocks a brow at my sarcasm. “Why don’t you put a flashing light on the top too while you’re at it?”
I’m desperate to get out of here, and this just feels like a stalling tactic. “Don’t worry, Dani. I rarely use chauffeurs. That’s Tommy’s thing. Not mine.”
Together we wander through bright hallways, passing high arches, elegant statues, and rooms full of fancy furniture. The only people around are busy service staff, who respectfully nod at me and practically bow in reverence when Matheus strolls into view.
Some of the younger girls gawk at him as if they’re infatuated with the guy. Unfortunately, I’m stricken too.
Reaching the end of the hallway, Matheus ushers me through a hefty wooden door and follows me into a newer section ofthe mansion. It smells of lemon essential oil and the room temperature is higher.
It’s not very Sicilian, with exposed brickwork, heated ceramic tiles underfoot, and high exposed beams. More modern and contemporary, like an exclusive hotel spa.
On the opposite side of a glass wall, there’s a huge swimming pool. And it’s occupied.
“Matheus…” I slow down and stare at the tattooed man devouring a dark-haired woman, both of them neck deep in water.
André and Sinéad Souza are making out, and I’m glued to the way he owns her with just a kiss. How obvious it is that he adores her, and she can’t get enough of him either.
They’re in love, if that’s possible for evil criminals to feel such a thing. I know I’ll never fall in love and have a family. Besides, I’m better off on my own.
Thisthingbrewing between us is simply me having an off-season blip. A short hiatus from reality. All I need to get by are my wits, skills, and a hunger for justice at the end of my blade.
Anyway, my so-called father had never loved my mama. She was only a mistress for as long as he needed her. Their relationship amounted to sex and money. She had shown up at his request and he paid her.
After he’d had his fun and moved on, that’s when she found out she was pregnant. He had no idea, and Mama preferred it that way. She didn’t need a partner to help raise me and I didn’t need a man in my life, either.
However, my heart feels hollow when I think about the last decade. Loneliness and bloodshed are all I know these days and the only things that are certain in a sicario’s life.
What if I wanted something more?
“You said we were leaving,” I mutter, curling my fists and digging my short nails into my palms.
“Relax,” Matheus assures me. “We’re only passing through.”
Diverting my eyes, I pick up the pace despite the growing ache in my side and shirk off the stupid notion of him being my something more.
I’m tired and the pain relief is wearing off. The sooner I have my own space, the quicker I’ll be able to sort my head out.
It doesn’t take long to navigate the relaxed daybed area, passing a steam room, sauna, and massage tables. Eventually, we hit darkness and the temperature drops.
I falter, unintentionally freezing on the spot. Matheus vanishes into black nothingness and hits the lights. Immediately, LED bulbs blink awake overhead, revealing an insane collection of custom sports cars, Jeeps, and motorcycles.
He stalks ahead and grabs a glossy black helmet from a wall shelf. “You up for a bike ride? Or maybe you think I have an ulterior motive to assassinate you. Maybe I’d go too fast, so you’d have a heart attack?”
I scowl at his mischievous smile. The lazy,we should fuckexpression that heats my veins.
“You think speed scares me, smartass?” I reply snarkily. “I bet you drive like an old lady.”
He chuckles, puts on the helmet, and flicks up the tinted visor to align his playful stare with mine.
