Page 101 of Hostile Love
But she tried her best to make up for his failures.
She takes a silent second to run her eyes all over my dark denim jeans, snug navy shirt, and messy bangs.
I could have worn combat gear to the hospital, however appropriately is me playing the role of a powerful Souza visiting his brother. A well-dressed man who wasn’t here earlier sporting a balaclava while I’d murdered a few assholes.
Immaculately presented as ever, Mama holds out her arms and waits for me to reach her.
Her long black hair is slicked back and tied in a low ponytail, and tiny gold hoops hang from her earlobes.
She cups my face in bejeweled fingers and studies me closely.
“Are you okay, my beautiful boy?”
A frown follows her fingertips as she brushes a fresh mark on my cheek and then, very slowly, her green gaze slides to Dani over my shoulder.
“I’m fine, Mama. I promise.”
I take her hands in mine and kiss her forehead.
“What about you? Are you okay?” I ask.
“I’m always well protected. You know that.” The corners of her mouth curl into a knowing smile. “Who have you brought with you?”
I glance over my shoulder and smile, full of pride.
“This is my girlfriend, Mama.”
Dani stands by the door, her muscles tight—every part of her body tense.
“Your girlfriend,” Mama repeats, her gaze settling behind me. “And where are you from?”
I let go of my mother, turn away, and prowl back to Dani. Sticking my arm out for her to latch onto, I hold her gaze.
My woman is brave and strong—ruthless even, but right now, I can tell she’s totally out of her comfort zone.
One by one, she’s met each Souza in turn. And being introduced to the other important woman in my life must be daunting.
“I’m from the North coast.” Dani takes my arm. “Colombia.”
Mama’s brows pinch together, her shrewd gaze lingering on Dani’s arm tattoos.
She folds her arms and cocks a brow.
“How did you meet each other?”
I clear my throat and roll back my shoulders.
“Mama, this is Carlos Blanco’s eldest daughter. We met through business a while ago.”
“His eldest daughter?” Mama palms her chest as her frown deepens. “I thought Sofia was…”
“I wasn’t raised by him,” Dani clarifies. “My father knew nothing about me until I was in my early twenties. I went to him after my mother died. Blanco welcomed me into his home. Only recently, he surprised me by changing my surname to Blanco.”
Mama looks at me. “Is this a serious relationship?”
“Yes…very,” Dani replies for me. “I may be Daniela Blanco, Mrs. Souza, but my father didn’t start this rivalry between our families. He told me you know who did, though…right? And from what I’ve heard recently, I think there’s something you need to discuss with Matheus.”
Mama swallows and looks between us.
