Page 16 of Black Wave

He was a couple of years older than me, and I am sure my crush was all me. Still, I can’t help but think that there could have been more if we had been around each other in our teenage years. Unfortunately, I never found out. I am sure he is married with many kids. I’m sure any woman would be happy to bear his children, if he grew into the man I suspect he did. Perhaps even an arranged marriage to benefit the organized crime families.

Our families were always together, especially our grandfathers, long-standing friends, or alliances formed between families. I didn’t know the ins and outs of my grandfather and uncle’s business, but I knew enough to understand that it wasn’t strictly legal.

I knew much more than my parents suspected. Still, while I should have been frightened, I always felt safe and protected here. I knew that no one could ever hurt me because I was part of a well-connected family; nobody would dare to so much as attempt to harm a hair on my head without retribution from my uncle.

I felt the same way about Eduardo. I could see how he was so protective of me from a young age. I thought he was like an older brother I never had, but that year, on my twelfth birthday, I started to feel something different for him when he looked at me. When he gifted me that necklace, I had more confirmation of it. He promised me that we would go out on many dates one day. I laughed at the absurdity of that thought. He was going into high school soon, and the idea of him waiting for me was laughable.

“Welcome home, Mija.”

I turn to the voice that startles me from my stroll down memory lane. “Tio,” I answer back in greeting. I smile for the first time in months.

I make my way over to meet Uncle Andrés as he descends the stairs. He looks refined in his fitted trousers and dress shirt. The sleeves rolled up like he was busy working all day at the office.Despite his widow status, he never remarried, claiming he found his true love once, which was all he could ever hope for.

He pulls me into an embrace, and I hug him back. I feel him kiss the top of my head and breathe in his scent of whiskey and cigars. I hug him tighter and fight the tears threatening to fall.

He pulls me back to look at him face-to-face. “Emma, we will get revenge on the ones who took my sister and niece away from me. I will protect you, and know that you will always have family and a physical home here with us.”

I melt at his words and seek comfort in them—this formidable force of a man who promises to seek vengeance. Just as I am going to ask how we are going to get revenge, he speaks up.

“Emma, first, get settled.”

He lifts his hand, stopping any further argument from leaving my lips.

He shakes his head, expecting a protest from me about how I’m not tired.

“You have had enough excitement for today. We will get you settled in, and you need rest.” He nods to my cousin. “Adrian, show Emma where her room is, please.”

With that, he touches my shoulder, squeezing it gently. He begins to walk away as I stare at his back, but he stops to face me again. “Tomorrow, we will talk.”

He must have noticed that I needed to hear those words. I relax and believe the conviction of his promises about seeking revenge. Footsteps slowly disappear around the corner and down the hall, where a door closes. The room is quiet as his men return to their protective posts, clearing the space.

I turn toward Adrian. I shrug, and he holds his hand out for me to take. “Come, cousin. I’ll take you to your room now.”

As my free hand trails along the wrought iron banister, we slowly walk up the winding staircase. The railing feels hard andcold under my touch. We continue up to the second floor and along the corridor to get to where I'm told is my room. Adrian pulls out a key from his pocket and opens the door. He turns and hands me the key.

“You’re safe here, Emma, but this is the key that locks your room. It might make you feel safe…” he trails off. “Here.”

He drops the cold metal key in my hand, and my fingers involuntarily clasps over the item meant to help me feel safe. The irony is not lost on me that I know how unsafe I truly am. I must rely on my uncle to protect me, praying that Julian doesn’t find me. Or worse, make me return to his form of imprisonment. If he finds me this time, the punishment will be much worse.

Adrian opens the door to expose a splendidly furnished large bedroom decorated with soft feminine colors. He opens the double doors that lead to a veranda overlooking the property.

The warm breeze comes in, and I wince when I hear the sound of thunder. I walk in, following him out onto the veranda. I don’t see anyone out there, but I know they are, just like the real threats that lurk in the dark, waiting for me to unknowingly walk into their trap.

The breeze picks up, and thunder and lightning erupt in the clouded sky, preventing the stars from shining through.

Adrian brings me back inside, closes the doors, and locks them behind him. He studies my face. I have no idea what he is looking for, but he won’t find it there. I have learned to control my emotions and show people what I want them to see.

He smiles at me, and it isn’t a happy one. It’s filled with sadness and something far worse—pity.

He clears his throat.

“If you need something, please let us know, Emma. The bathroom has toiletries, and your closet is filled with suitable clothing.”

He turns to leave, and I stop him.

“Adrian?”

He turns around, giving me his full attention. “Yeah, Em.”

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