Page 7 of Hostile Love
A family resemblance, although faint, I saw it as clear as day. I’ve studied Dani’s beautiful face, her naked curves––every little quirk and subtle expression she wears.
I can read her body language and sense her moods shift. In my gut, I knew those two women were related, and I took a risk trusting my instincts.
“She didn’t tell me anything. I saw the signs, Blanco. And changing the contract sealed Dani’s future with me. She’s mine now…a Souza.”
“You’ve actually fallen for her. Such a shame she’ll never trust you.” His hum vibrates in my ear. “The plan has always been to hand over my empire to Sofia when I’m ready to retire. And now it’ll be extremely rewarding to have my eldest daughter established in a rival cartel. My patience paid off in the end.”
A slow crackle follows the sound of a lighter striking.
“While you thought you were being smart, you didn’t take the time to read my terms. You may have changed their first names, but Daniela will have my surname. If you’d kept reading, you would have realized that your new wife was never going to have your family name.”
I can tell by the tone of his voice he’s smiling.
“She’ll remain Daniela Blanco, and any children from your marriage will have her family name too. That’s what you signed up for, Matheus.”
My spine goes rigid. “Fuck you, Blanco. There’s no way that would ever happen.”
“For a guy who graduated in law, you should have studied the small print. You’ll marry my daughter and take back your father’s organization––with a Blanco by your side. The Souzas reign has come to an end, Matheus, and you’re going to help me finish it.”
3
MATHEUS
PAST
“Papá,”
I move further into his home office.
“I want to be involved. I’m ready to learn. Please.”
His eyes narrow, but his expression stays blank.
“Be involved with what exactly?” he asks.
“The family business.”
He frowns. “Are you wearing a wire under that shirt?”
“No!” I shake my head and hold up my hands. “Of course not.”
My father sighs out his annoyance.
“You’re worthless to me, Matheus. I have plenty of money to pay a good lawyer, which means I don’t really need you. If you want me to take you seriously, kill Tommy, and maybe then we’ll talk—if Dré and Gio keep you alive, that is. Tommy is next in line and you, you’re at the bottom of the list.”
My insides wither. Nothing is ever straightforward with Elias Souza. Everything is a test since he’s so damn paranoid.
I back up, ready to leave, accepting defeat.
You can’t reason with the devil.
“Not so fast. You think you could handle running an empire, muchacho?” His calculating gaze follows my retreat. “Here…take my gun.”
Papá rounds his desk and pulls a handgun from behind him. He holds the weapon out toward me and gestures to it.
“You heard what I said, didn’t you?” I nod. “Then do it. Kill Tomás. Then we’ll talk. Unless you really are a spineless cunt.”
He shoves the gun into my sweaty hand, turns and opens a gilded box on his desk, plucking out one of his favorite Cuban cigars, unfazed by his cruel request.
