Chapter 36
My hands cradle my midsection,the memories causing my stomach to lurch sickly. I inhale deeply, then exhale, willing my nerves to settle, and force my mind back to the present.
Nothing good comes from dwelling on the past. Taking heed of it and using it as a continuous lesson? Absolutely. But letting it continue to drag me down? Hell no.
Though I’ve come far, I can also admit that I’ve reverted in some ways. I’m still walking a fine line to preserve my life. To prove myself to Santiago.
The main difference is that I don’t recoil when he touches me, nor has he willingly hurt me. Has he intimidated me? Without a doubt. But he’s never drawn blood from me.
It’s sad that it’s something to be commended, but such is my life.
I can’t help but wonder if the universe is messing with me, though. The dinner, the man, the dress. It wouldn’t be so bad if it were any other day. But it’s not.
My stomach roils more violently, and I know there’s nothing I can do to stifle it. Because today is the day I was born.
It’s also the day I died.
Pinching my eyes closed, I drag in a deep breath, forcing myself to refocus on the dress and heels lying on my bed.
I almost miss the note tucked alongside the sleek black heels, but when I withdraw it, my heart stutters at the undeniably masculine scrawl.
Dinner’s at eight.
Wear the dress or don’t wear the dress. Your choice.
Panties are optional.
Panties are optional. Only Santiago Hernández would have the audacity to write that.
Tossing the card on my bed, I pad into my bathroom and shut the door. I step in the shower and allow the water to spill over me, silently pleading for it to wash away every ounce of my stress.
Once I step out and wrap a towel around me, I face the vanity mirror and a dawning realization hits me.
A part of the note illustrated the tiniest difference between Santiago and…him.
Wear the dress or don’t wear the dress. Your choice.
Your choice. Those two simple words ricochet inside my mind. Your choice.
I was never granted that before. Not until I made my final escape.
Yet now, Central America’s most notorious cartel leader is giving me one.