Page 49 of Hostile Love
They offered trust.
And I was grateful.
“I’ll stay close to you and Sofia until this blows over. You’re in the firing line too,” I tell him. “Toño had a video of me killing his uncle. I’m sure he sent it to everyone he knows.”
Ice tinkles when he plops a cube into a crystal cut tumble.
“Things have changed, Daniela. You’re engaged to Matheus. I’ve appointed a new head of security and employed a female bodyguard for Sofia too.”
“Wait…We had an understanding, Blanco. My job is to protect Sofia. Me…not a stranger you can’t trust.”
Blanco holds my gaze, his expression blank.
“You fitted in so well, Daniela. I loved watching you transform into my little Rottweiler, challenging men twice your size––and coming out on top. You’re a natural born killer. Then you totally took me by surprise and won the heart of your enemy. You’ve outdone yourself this time.”
He smiles and I don’t miss the pride he exudes.
“Which is why you deserve to step into your birthright. Your veins run dark with my blood. You'remydaughter, Daniela, even though you never had my family name. Therefore, I’ve taken the liberty of officially making you a Blanco––acknowledging you as my heir.”
He raises his glass in my direction.
“Here’s to you, Daniela Blanco. My daughter will marry into the Souza cartel and become one of the most powerful women in Colombia.Blancoswill rule the world. I’m proud of you,mi hija.”
My chest tightens. “My mama raised me. I was never a Blanco.”
“Your mama kept you hidden from me, Daniela. Since I found out about you, haven’t I been fair?”
I nod. “Yes, and you know I’m grateful. I’ve been loyal to you since and carried out every order you’ve ever asked, but Matheus was never part of the plan. I didn’t join The Covenant to find a husband. This isn’t a game, Blanco. It’s my life.”
Blanco smirks. “It seems clear to me that you played the game, placed a bet, and cashed in.”
I bite my tongue, knowing my place and somehow keep my voice calm and quiet.
“There won’t be a wedding.”
His spine straightens and his mood takes a turn toward the shadows.
“Matheus shook on it. If he thinks he can walk away from our agreement, I’ll have his head on a spike and used for target practice. It's a matter of respect.”
“It’s not him…I’m the one who won’t go through with it?—”
My words cut off when his eyes narrow and I realize how naive I am to think he’d listen.
“Please…don’t force me into that family. I’m begging you.”
“Oh, mi hija, I’m not asking,” he chuckles darkly. “I’m ordering you to marry him. Elias Souza was responsible for all those women dying.Hewas the real evil. A bloodthirsty monster who rotted in his own paranoia.”
He swills the liquor in his glass and takes a mouthful, swallowing slowly to savor the burn.
“Wouldn't this be the best revenge of all? A Blanco marrying the youngest son, who was never his in the first place. You two could wipe out his legacy.”
I step back, my heart thumping. “You can’t expect this of me.”
He takes a sip of liquor, quietly considering me over the rim of his glass.
“Something doesn't add up, Daniela. You say you hate the Souzas, yet you spent all of your time training next to one, and then he willingly walks into my home next to you like you’re best friends. Why did he swap your name and disregard your sister, the heir to my empire? He left power on the table and picked you instead.”
Creases furrow his brow as he thinks.
