Page 44 of Hostile Love
What do I really want out of this life?
Exhaling down my nostrils, my mind fucks me over. It welcomes thoughts of my little firecracker and those silver eyes of hers. How they were filled with anger and fear when I’d left Blanco’s mansion.
The woman is such a conundrum. She cares about me, but won’t walk down the aisle to be my wife.
Isn’t that ironic?
I’m not completely ignorant either. I get how the whole contract thing is macho male bullshit and Blanco didn’t tell her about his plan beforehand.
There wasn’t an opportunity to buy a big diamond ring or get down on one knee and propose. Yeah, I understand all that…
But it’s not about Blanco, or even her becoming a Souza.
It’s about her wanting to be withme. Putting her full trust inme.
I told her she was mine well before I signed the contract. Naturally, a wedding would have followed in time.
However, she made her choice.
Eventually, I fall asleep, only to wake up with a jolt when the passenger door opens and sunlight pours in.
“We’re here, sir.”
I clear my throat and return my sunglasses to my eyes before climbing out. The main doors to the hospital lay straight ahead and there’s a bustle of activity all around.
Sirens wail, and the public steps out of my way when my guys move into position around me before I move inside.
Checking my wristwatch, I stroll to the reception desk and nod at the young brunette behind the glass screen.
“I’m here to see my brother. André Souza.”
Her lashes flutter and her cheeks heat.
“Ah, yes, Souza. He’s in the ICU, sir. I can show you the way if you like?”
“No thanks.” My smile is fake, but she eats it up with a big grin of her own. “These guys…” I jut my thumb at the guy next to me. “They don’t like it when strangers get too close.”
She smiles sweetly and points over my shoulder.
“You’ll need to take the elevator to the fifth floor.”
“Matheus.” A familiar voice tugs my attention away from her directions.
Tomás strolls up next to me and throws an arm around my neck, dragging me into him. The musky scent of his cologne reminds me of the nights we’d hit the clubs.
All four of us. Doing what rich cartel princes do. Long before life became so serious.
“Good to see you again, brother. Did you get my message?”
“Yeah, sorry, Tommy.”
I return his hug and hide the emotion bubbling in my chest.
“I couldn’t sleep on the plane and fell asleep in the car. Where’s Shane?”
“He’s in Bogotá, managing a few things for me. Did the woman fly back with you?” he asks, pulling away.
“Not this time,” I say vaguely.
