Page 68 of Black Wave

“Well, no, but that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. It’s just a band fan page where we all talk about band stuff—nothing else or really personal information is given. The band has a huge fan base, and everyone here only talks about the band or gives info about the playlist for the band. Things like that.” I can see the concern in his eyes. I lean in to give him a small kiss on the lips. “I won’t give out information about myself. Don’t worry.” He brings me close to him and nuzzles into my neck.

“I love you, Emma, and just want to keep you safe. I know I say that a lot, but it’s true.” He always reminds me of this. It’s as if he is trying to make me understand. He says the very words I repeat to myself when I become paranoid about being controlled by another person. Julian controlled me and everything I did.

I lay my head on his shoulder, breathing in the comforting smells of his body wash. The same body wash I used in the shower to have his scent with me all day.

“I know, babe. I promise. It’s okay.”

We are interrupted from our moment when the airline staff call out on the speaker that we will be boarding soon with a direct flight to Tamaulipas, Mexico. We get up and stretch to board the plane after the three-hour layover for a small flight over the border. We contemplated driving, but then we would have to drive through or around Brownsville. I vowed never to return, so here we are, taking the long way around to see my family in Mexico, a few miles over the Texas border.

I pull my backpack over my shoulders and follow Eduardo to board first. He extends his hand and holds onto me as we board the plane. We have the second row in first class, so only two seats exist. I place my bag underneath the seat and have my Kindle out so I can read on the plane. The flight is short, with the duration being a little under two hours. I figure it’s just enough time to get through the rest of my book. Who doesn’t love a good dark romance book, right?

I buckle my seat belt and begin to watch other people board the plane. I love watching people, imagining what their lives are like. I wonder what people think when they see me or what they think of Eduardo and me. Do they know who we are? Do they know what I want to do, especially to the man who took so much from me? The girl who pretends always to be so happy but is dying on the inside. Maybe one day I can genuinely be happy, and I hope it’s soon.

The flight takes off, and I start to chew on a Twizzler. It’s one of my favorite candies, and I get a ton of crap for it too. Eduardo said it tastes like wax, and he’d rather not waste time eating it. I pop the rest in my mouth and open up my Kindle. Eduardo lacesour fingers together, and my eyes start to get heavy. I yawn, and Eduardo kisses my head as I lay it on his shoulder.

“Why don’t you take a nap, Emma? By the time you open your eyes, we’ll be there.” I nod in agreement and decide to take his advice. As soon as I relax into his shoulder, he wraps his arm around me, pulling me close to him in a solid embrace.

I must have fallen asleep because I hear a commotion on the plane and feel someone shaking me.

“Baby, it’s time to get off the plane.”

I open my eyes and see everyone standing. I immediately wipe my mouth, self-conscious that I am drooling. Eduardo catches that and smiles. He tilts his head to the side, indicating for me to look at his shoulder, and then I am mortified.

“Oh my god, no!” I bring my hand up to my face, and he chuckles.

“I couldn’t bear to wake you up. You even snored a little. It was cute.” He smiles at me, and I cover my face, throwing my Kindle in my bag.

“Now I know you love me because that is not sexy at all.” I shake my head and he grabs his bag. His brown eyes sear into me with lust.

“You are sexy as fuck.” He reaches around my neck and kisses me hard. I pull away and hit his arm. I hear a girl giggle and I look over at her. She smiles at us with hearts in her eyes as she picks up her Colleen Hoover book, tucking it under her arm.

Not exactly my type of romance book, but hey, to each his own.

“Stop, just stop.” I pull away and we both laugh at my expense and join the people walking off the plane.

We walk straight out of the terminal without going to baggage claim. Eduardo and I will get everything we need and keep it at the house. I still have clothing there from when I lived with my uncle, and Eduardo said he’ll grab a couple of items ifhe needs anything else. Everything he has is in a carry-on. It’s a personal trip, not business, so he doesn’t need anything fancy.

I’m on my phone and smiling when we see Adrian pull up to get us in front of the door leading into the airport departure and arrival area. He puts the car in park and jumps out, much to the airport security’s displeasure.

“Prima.” He picks me up and kisses me on the cheek. God, I've missed him. He clasps hands with Eduardo and does a one-sided hug. He opens my door to the back, and I jump in as he and Eduardo get into the truck.

He looks in his rearview mirror before pulling out into the airport traffic. It’s a small airport but has a lot of traffic and security. Now and then, security increases depending on the amount of crime in the area. I would say that now would be one of the high crime times, especially with increased travel between families around the holidays.

We make the twenty-minute ride to my uncle's house, and as we pull in, I am glad to be back home. I consider this my only real home filled with so many great memories. Our voices echo through the house as Adrian closes the door. Soon, I hear Uncle Andrés come in through the house from the kitchen.

“Mija, how are you?” He kisses the top of my head and hugs me tightly.

“Tio, I am good.” I motion with my hand for Eduardo to grab onto and bring him closer. He wraps his left arm around my waist.

“Andrés.” He puts his hand out to shake hands with my uncle. “It’s been a long time.”

I listen to his words, but there isn’t anything inhospitable about it—nothing that expresses contempt.

“Yes, it sure has, Eduardo, but I am glad you are here now.” He looks at me and claps his hands together.

“Well, Emma, you guys go freshen up from your trip, and our family will be coming over this evening for a party. They are all looking forward to seeing you and catching up. Your cousins will be over to set the band up, and we will start the barbeque pit in about an hour. Please help yourself to anything that you’d like. This is your home, Emma.” He squeezes my arm and walks away.

I lead Eduardo up to my room. Since they didn’t specify if we would sleep in different rooms, I will let that go for now. I open the doors to the balcony, allowing the light breeze in. It’s cool, and I love this time of year. I can wear my hoodie right now and be comfortable. I look out at the landscape and enjoy the view.

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