Page 75 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
“Now that I know I’m here and not there, I feel better,” I say, reaching out and squeezing her hand. “Might steer clear of day drinking for a while. It seems the alcohol loosens my mind and lets things through.”
My sister nods in understanding.
24
ZOE
Tomas walks into the theatre room.
Gracie and I are curled up on the couches with a big bowl of popcorn between us. “What are you two doing?”
“We’re watching Mateo,” I say. This show is my new guilty secret. I won’t lie, watching Mateo kissing and fake fucking all these women on the show stings, but I’m still addicted to it. It’s so bad it’s good.
“I’ll leave you both to that. Mateo is painting in the studio. I have some work to do in my office, and Enrique has had to fly back to Barcelona for work.”
I notice Gracie sit up a little more at this information.
Tomas smiles at her. “He will be back on the weekend.” I think he has clicked that someone has a crush. He kisses my temple and walks out of the room.
“Spill, what is going on between Enrique and you?”
Gracie looks shocked and digs into the popcorn. “Nothing, nothing has happened. He is the perfect gentleman, which is frustrating. Who knows how long I’m going to be cooped up in this house that oozes sex from all its pores and I must sit alone in my room fiddling with myself?”
I roll my eyes. I love my sister, but her TMI can be out of control sometimes.
“Don’t act shocked. Seriously, those men ooze sex and so do you. It’s disgusting to the people on the outer.” She huffs.
“I’m sorry. So, is there any reason you like Enrique or is it a matter of convenience?”
“Zoe, I’m not like that. We spent a lot of time together before I arrived here. I mean, it was a shock that he turned up on my doorstep and told me about what happened to you—as much as he could.” She pops some more popcorn into her mouth. “He’s intelligent, funny, that accent, that body … plus he chases bad guys for a job. He’s kind of the whole package.”
“So, I’m guessing you tried something for him to act like a gentleman?” I know my sister, and I’m pretty sure she would have made a move.
“I got a kiss last night when we left the dinner table. Well, he went to kiss my cheek, and you know the Spanish thing about kissing twice? Well, I might have accidentally turned my head at the wrong time and landed a kiss on his lips.”
I laugh because she has no shame.
“And then I may have grabbed him and pushed him up against the wall, and you know ….”
My eyes widen. She is absolutely scandalous.
“And he kissed me back, and it was wonderful, but then he pushed me away.” I can see the disappointment on her face. “He told me that nothing can happen while he’s working on your case, that your safety and bringing those men to justice is his main focus.”
“So, he hasn’t ruled anything out in the future then?”
She gives me a smile. “He needs to hurry up and catch the bad guys. Mama needs to get laid.”
I just sit back and shake my head at her. For such a smart girl she can have a one-track mind.
I’ve been putting off this phone call to my parents. How the hell do I explain to them I was kidnapped and sold by the mafia?
“I’m coming to get you. We will be on the next flight to Spain,” Dad says.
“No, please don’t. You’re not safe here, not until Nikolai is found. You are much safer there in the middle of the ocean.”
“But …” Mum begins.
“No, Mum, I mean it. Please, I have enough people to worry about here. I don’t need you two as well.” I sound like a bitch, but it’s the truth. It’s for the best, even though I want nothing more than to wrap myself in their arms.
