Page 97 of Wishing for La Luna
She removes her hand from mine. “It matters to me, Rio. I’ve never been paid like this.”
She doesn’t get it. And that’s what has me clenching my teeth. “They’re using you and what happened months ago to bring them publicity and manage that asshole.”
“I’m using them too. I’m building my career from them. I want to see my hard work pay off. I need to make this money on my own. I’m good at this.”
“I know. You’re amazing at everything you do. I’ve just been in this world so much longer. Thierry is not the first guy to see an opportunity and try to take advantage. Others have, and they will continue trying. You’re a challenge to him.”
“He can think what he wants. I’m there to work, and that’s it.” She runs a hand over her neck. “I don’t know what to say to you to make you understand.”
A weight falls over my stomach, and I don’t know what I can do to make her understand, but I do know this is her career. I know what it’s like not to have control. I hate it, but I can try for her. “I don’t know if there’s anything you can say, Luna. I hate this. I’m never going to be okay with it, but it’s your career, and I understand your drive. I’m here for you.”
She throws her arms around me. “Thank you.”
Her voice shakes, and I press her against me. The knock on the door doesn’t tear us apart. Her arms tighten around me.
“I don’t want to lose you.”
Something cold blows over my chest. “You won’t,” I whisper. “I haven’t yelled, and you didn’t black out on me. Is this even a fight?”
She doesn’t laugh, and there’s another knock.
“One second,” I call out.
She pulls back, and there’s something sad in her eyes. I can’t stand it, so I kiss it away.
“Don’t be sad,mi Diosa. We are okay. I’m not going anywhere.”
She smiles, and as always, my chest tightens. I take her hand, and we head to the door where Tito stands outside.
“Let’s go,” my cousin says.
But Sel’s gaze bounces back and forth between us, with the eyes that miss absolutely nothing.
* * *
Rio
There’s a nervous energy in the car on the way to theFichaparty at Star Island. Outside, evening falls, and the road to Star Island is blocked by fans lining the entrance to the road. It’s a beautiful parking lot of luxury cars with access to the view of the sea and million-dollar homes across the water.
Inside, Luna is sandwiched between me and a dozed off Sel in the back of the Escalade while Tito rides shotgun in the front with the driver. Though our shoulders are touching, we haven’t said much to each other since we got in the car. Our earlier argument is a ghost, a silent presence sitting between us, keeping us apart—mentally, at least.
As much as I try to get over it, my head is full of Luna’s job and her new assignment to work with Thierry. I want to put it away, but it’s messing with my head. It’s really frustrating because I’ve been waiting all week to be with her. I couldn’t wait for her to get here and be with her, and now we’ve got this shit to deal with.
Are you going to let that get in the way?She’s going back to New York the day after tomorrow. Our time together is short these days, and we won't see each other again for two weeks. I’m going to let this go, because she’s mine, and I trust her. No one is going to get in the way of that, least of all that asshole.
I turn, and our gazes meet. Tension is there, lingering in her eyes, and it tugs at my heart because I hate seeing her worried. So, I lean and kiss her lips. A smile curves her mouth against mine, and I drape my arm around her shoulder. Her hand secures me to her as we pepper kisses on each other’s lips.
“Damn, Sel is knocked out,” says Tito from the front seat.
“She might as well be. We’re not going anywhere for a while,” adds our driver, an older man with the thickest mustache I’ve seen in my life.
“So the fans are lining up out here and won’t even get to see you guys up close?” Luna asks, looking out at the crowd gathered outside.
I kiss the side of her forehead. “Yeah,Fichawanted an exclusive party with only people they vet. Some artists letreally looseat these events, and they want to make sure there are no leaks to the media. Phones are confiscated at the door for the attending fans.”
“I get that, but these people are here to show their support.” She points to them outside. “They should at least get to see you guys.”
It makes me smile because her heart is so big. “You’re so sweet,Mami.”
