Page 69 of Fortune's Kiss
Twenty-five percent Mayté would die.
Twenty-five percent Lo would die.
Twenty-five percent Carlos would die.
Carlos.He had no idea this was all her fault.
“I’m sure you’re all wondering how we shall proceed,” Misterioso spat.“You all will split into two groups of four.”He lifted four long fingers to demonstrate.“In thisthrillinground, each group will play indefinitely until one person in each group is eliminated.Are you ready?”His words carried a timbre of excitement, as if he couldn’t wait for them to die.
None of the players responded.Dominic dabbed at his mouth with a handkerchief.Xiomara looked away.The shopkeeper glared at Misterioso, and Rodrigo flashed a crude gesture.
“Mayté,” Lo whispered in her ear.“We should split up.”
“Yes.”If they played at the same table, it would only worsen their odds of both surviving.Mayté let out a shaky breath.
Dios, if you’re listening—Abuelita, if you’re watching, please give me your strength.
“Also.”Lo nudged Mayté.“You’re worth more than anyone else here.Think of yourself first.You need to survive this round, no matter what.”
Mayté nodded.The two released each other and went in opposite directions.She headed for the table Alejandro stood at.He might not be able to help her, but still she found the game wasn’t as horrific when Alejandro was the dealer.She thought back to their time in the archery range … art studio?The silly faces he made while posing made her smile.His gentle hands and sweet words calmed her, warmed her insides.
La Sirena’s face appeared in her mind.Your heart shall be torn in two.
Dread ran down her spine, and her strides slowed.Alejandro.He was the first person who came to her mind.The way La Sirena put her finger to her lips.It was just like when Alejandro did so.What if he broke her heart?But … wouldn’t she have to give him her heart for him to break it?
Even from afar, his hazel eyes homed in on her.Face grim, he wouldn’t look away.
Had he already stolen her heart right out from under her nose?
Carlos stepped next to her.She gasped.If he played with her, that would worsen his chances.“Y-you can’t do this!”She grabbed his sleeve.
“I can’t let you compete alone.”
Her eyes filled with tears.She had tried to hide her true feelings behind anger, tried to avoid them, but now she had to face them head-on.“Carlos, you can’t.I—I don’t want you to die!”
His lips curled into a half smile, but he couldn’t hide the fear in his eyes.“I don’t want you to die either.That’s why I’m going to do whatever I can to protect you.Okay?”
“But—”
“Ever since Father … I became the person who was supposed to take care of our family.I thought I was doing the most I could do, but I’ve let you down so much, haven’t I?”
She bit down on her lip to keep it from quivering.All this time, she had yearned for her family to acknowledge her sacrifices.To validate her hardships.
“Think of it as recompense,” he finished.
Knowing that her brother saw her, that he cared for her, was a comfort.But she also felt a twinge of guilt.He had come here for his own reasons.
“Yeah, well.”She yanked his arm.“I’m going to do anything I can to protect you too, menso!”she snapped.
Carlos chuckled, and the tension melted from his face.“Good luck, Mayté.”
“Good luck.”She pulled herself together.Only one person would die in this round.It didn’t have to be her or Carlos.
The two siblings sat next to each other.
“Milagro,” Alejandro softly whispered.
“What?”She looked up at him.
