Page 102 of Hostile Love
“Oh, do you indeed?” She bristles. “What exactly did Carlos tell you? I’m guessing it’s all speculation and weightless rumors?”
I clear my throat and raise an unimpressed eyebrow at my mother’s dismissive tone.
“All I know is Elias ruined their friendship and that you know the truth behind it all,” Dani confirms.
Mama sits and crosses her legs, setting a caring hand on André’s. She turns away from us as she speaks.
“Let’s focus on my boy getting better. His recovery is where my mind is, not indulging in idle gossip. We can talk privately, Matheus. A hospital is not where we discuss family matters. I taught you better than this.”
My hackles rise. We’re in a secured ward where there are three of our loyal soldiers to one civilian.
Our security team had already swept the room for bugs and gave the all clear. There aren’t any excuses for delaying this conversation.
“I’ve waited long enough, Mama. It’s time to tell me who my real father was.”
Her head rotates and her eyes pop wide.
“Matheus…” she whispers.
“Elias wasn’t my father. I’m sure he wasn’t. It explains why he couldn’t even look at me. Who did he see in me, Mama? Why did he hate me so much?”
Her eyes dart from me to Dani and then settle on André.
“Oh, Matheus. I don't think it was hate,” she assures me. “Regret…maybe. But from where I stood, the man was more threatened by you than anything else. You’re everything he never was. Exceptionally astute. Charming. Intuitive…verypersuasive. A little bit crazy when you have to be,” Mama laughs softly. “You’re just like him…” Her voice trails off.
I drag my hand through my hair, wishing I could light up a cigarette and knock back a shot to settle the tornado inside me.
Instead, I unhook Dani’s arm and slide my hand around her waist, pulling her closer. I exhale into the crown of her head and kiss it. The scent of her hand washed hair hitting my nostrils as a charge of ownership ripples through me.
My mother watches how Dani fits perfectly next to me in her tight black jeans, ribbed tank top, and biker boots.
“Who was he?” I ask again.
“I was waiting for the right time, son.”
“It’s the right time. Here. And now. Did he refuse to give me a ring, because I’m not a Souza?”
“You are a Souza. And equally, you’re my blood too. Never forget that,” she says firmly.
“Tommy was right. It was Angelo, wasn't it?”
“You’ve spoken to Tomás?” She rolls her eyes, defeated. “Of course you did. If there’s one thing Elias did right, it was bringing the four of you together. The bond you boys have is so special. It’s what makes this family stronger without him.”
“Mama…just tell me what happened.”
She twists a chunky diamond cluster ring on her finger and narrows her eyes, glaring at Dani.
“This is a private family matter, my dear. Could you wait?—”
“Dani stays,” I interrupt. “No one tells her to leave my side. Not even you, Mama.”
It takes a moment for her to process my words.
“How can you be certain she won’t betray you?”
“Mama,” I bite out. “She’s not the enemy. I trust her with my life, and you should too.”
After another moment of uncomfortable silence, she takes a deep breath, exhaling it down her nose slowly.
