Page 83 of Liar
“If Ignacio knew the real truth about why I killed El Calaca ...” He rolls to his feet. “You deserve a life different than what you’ll find here.”
“That’s my decision to make.”
“You’re seventeen.”
“You’re ancient.”
“I’m drunk and you’re relentless.”
“That I am.”
“You deserve so much better than this place, than a killer like ...”
Like me.
I lift up onto my toes and steal a kiss from his lips before he can slam the invisible wall down between us. His message is clear. He loved someone, lost them to violence, and doesn’t want that to happen to me. That’s understandable. Unacceptable but understandable. “Have it your way.” For tonight. Only for tonight because you’re drunk.
He blinks.
I fight back a smile.
“That’s the last kiss this seventeen-year-old will be giving you. Goodnight, Hayden.” With a toss of my hair, I make my way across the room, feeling his eyes tracking me as I go. I should leave him hanging, I really should after all the times he’s pushed me away. Except, I can’t.
“See you tomorrow, when I officially turn eighteen.”
* * *
“Come take a seat, Luciana,” Hayden’s voice greets me as I enter the main room the next day.
“What is this?”
“A poker game,” Javier replies. “To celebrate your birthday.”
My eyes go to Hayden, the only person in the room who knew. He’s at a large, fold-out table and surrounded by our extended Lobos family, familiar faces I’ve come to know. He’s wearing another expensive suit and a slight green tinge around his handsome face. Hiding the nights effects well, though he must have a wicked hangover.
I’m in a fluffy white sweater, tight-fitted black skirt, and heels. Very adult, very intentional.
“Bring her a sangria.”
I clap my hands together. “Sangria?”He remembered my drink.
He pulls out the chair next to him.
I slip into it with little effort toward containing my excitement.
A margarita glass is placed on the table. Pieces of orange decorate the rim, and to my delight, there’s even a cherry dropped in.
“Thank you for the drink.”
He offers me the faintest of nods, but his reserved manner doesn’t put me off. This is more than a fruity drink, this is him, caring about me.
I lift up the glass, take a sip, swallow, then moan deep in my throat.Heaven.
The room is oddly quiet. I glance around the table to find everyone watching me. I roll my eyes. “What are we playing?”
“Our version of five-card draw, except with more players.” The Lobo at the head of the table offers me an ear-splitting grin.
“Let’s play,” Hayden orders. The empty seats around the table are quickly filled. The Lobos seem almost as delighted as I am to be drinking and playing cards in the middle of the day. It’s a reward for fighting well. A welcome reprieve from everything going on outside these walls. Kindness from a man whose more than earned his nickname.
