Page 90 of Rum & Coke
“What do you mean that Mr. Delarosa hired you to teach Colton?”
She stood and faced me. “I got a call this morning that Colton needed to be homeschooled.”
I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. “Do you know how to teach a child with autism?”
She blinked. “Autism?”
I sighed and started for the front door, hoping this lady would follow me. “I’m sorry for the confusion, but Mr. Delarosa doesn’t know what my son needs.”
“I—”
“You can go.” I opened the door and waited for her to move. It took her a few moments before she did. “Sorry again.”
“He owes me for today,” she stated as she walked outside.
“I’ll tell him.” I shut the door in her face. It wasn’t like me to be rude, but I was tired, scared, pissed off, and frustrated. Plus, Scarlett didn’t take anyone’s shit. That was how it worked at the club when I was using the persona, and I needed to keep the front up, even if Sebastian wasn’t in the same room.
Valentina walked into the room. “Ms. Tessa, I made breakfast for you and Colton.”
“You did?”
“Si.” She nodded.
“Why?”
She blinked. “Because you need to eat.”
That was true, but I didn’t understand why she took the liberty to make us food. “I can make us breakfast.”
She smiled. “It’s my job, Ms. Tessa.”
The night before, I hadn’t thought to ask what her role was when she showed me to the guest bedroom. I didn’t care, and I was still terrified of what was to come. But, I guess it made sense. “You’re Sebastian’s maid?”
“Housekeeper,” she clarified.
“And the difference?”
“I do more than clean, Ms. Tessa. I take care of the house.”
“Cook, clean, and?”
“Whatever you need.”
“Do you know why I’m here?” I crossed my arms over my chest again.
Valentina smiled warmly at me. “Yes.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
She grabbed my hands, bringing my crossed arms down. “Mr. Delarosa’s a good man.”
I sorted and stepped closer before lowering my voice. “Right. He won’t let me leave and he willrapeme tonight.”
“No, cariño. He will provide for you and Colton.”
“I don’t need him to provide for us.”
“You may think that, but he will take care of you.”
