Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
I’ve never been one to worry when the men in my family go off and “run an errand” as they like to call whatever it is they’re off doing in the shadows. They’ve always come back, mostly unscathed.
Emilio left about an hour ago. I have no idea where he went or what he’s doing, and it’s starting to make me anxious. I don’t like this feeling. I know he’s fine. His family literally owns this country. What could possibly go wrong? And why am I even worried? So I kissed and dry-humped the guy.
This is why I avoid relationships. I don’t like being this kind of clingy or needy. I like independence. And yes, I get how I’m only independent on my father’s money. I know I wouldn’t have the life I do if it weren’t for my father and the things he does to make sure I’ve never gone without.
“You look like you’re about to throw up.” Eliana plops down next to me on the sofa.
“Thanks?”
“It wasn’t a compliment,” she says.
“I’m aware.”
“You know he’s fine.”
“Who?”
She rolls her eyes. “Emilio, he’s fine. If anything had happened, you’d know because this place would be a beehive of activity and you’d see men with big guns running around like chickens with their heads cut off.”
“You’ve seen that before? So something has happened before?”
“It’s the cartel, Frankie. Something is always happening.” She shrugs.
“I know.”
“I’m supposed to apologize for being a bitch to you,” Eliana says.
I laugh. “Supposed to? You don’t need to.”
“Well, if Emilio asks, I apologized,” she tells me.
“Right.”
“You know I don’t hate you. I’ve always liked you. I just don’t like that my brother has been pining after you for years and you’ve been ignoring him.”
“It hasn’t been a walk in the park for me to ignore him—trust me.”
“So now that you’re here, are you actually here? Or have you still got one foot out the door?”
“How does everyone in your family seem to know about Emilio and me?” I ask her.
“We don’t have secrets in this household. Also, a blind dude could see the tension between you two whenever you’re in a room together. Why are you scared? You know he’s a good guy. He would never hurt you,” Eliana says.
“I’m not scared of Emilio. I’m scared of hurting everyone else. I’m scared of ruining the family and our fathers’ friendship.”
“My papi isn’t friends with anyone who isn’t my mom and us kids. He tolerates people. So don’t be worried about him.” Eliana laughs. “Trust me, if he had to, he’d cut ties with anyone in Vegas in a heartbeat without a backwards glance.”
“That’s… probably true. But my dad does value their friendship and I don’t want to come between it.”
“At the cost of your own happiness?”
“Putting other people’s happiness above your own is noble.”
“No, it’s stupid,” Eliana says. “Also, pointless. You came here with Emilio, which means your icy heart towards him is melting.”
“I’ve never had an icy heart towards your brother.”
“Well, whatever it is, I hope you guys work it out and get your shit together. I know my brother really loves you, Frankie, and I know you love him. So, just do whatever it is and get over your hang-ups. Also, you guys will have adorable babies.”
My entire face scrunches up. “Not you too.”
“My mom told me to say that part. Sorry.” Eliana laughs as she stands and leaves the room.
I haven’t moved from this spot. I chose this living room because I can hear the front door from here, which means I’ll know when Emilio gets back. I’m aimlessly scrolling through social media, trying to take my mind off everything.
The fact that all of Emilio’s family seems to be accepting of a relationship happening between us is weirding me out. I honestly expected more hostility or disgust or something. They all really are rooting for Emilio to get the girl.
When I see a black suit walk past, I look up. It’s Esterio, another one of Emilio’s million siblings. “Hey, Esterio!” I jump up and run after him.
With a smirk that I’m sure melts panties off a lot of women, he tilts his head at me. “Frankie? Need something?”
“Where are you going? And can I come?”
“I’m going to a bar. You don’t want to come.”
“Actually I do. Please? I’m bored.”
“Where’s Emilio?” Esterio asks. “Can’t he entertain you?”
“He went on an errand with Elias. Just let me come. You won’t even notice I’m there,” I tell him.
“You can come on one condition,” he says.
“What?”
“You do whatever I tell you and you fucking listen. Also, you need to act as my wing-woman. I can’t have women thinking you’re with me with me.”
“I’ll be the best wing-woman you’ve ever seen. Also, no one would think I’m with you,” I tell him.
“Why wouldn’t they think that?”
“Because I have standards.” I laugh.
“No you don’t. Pretty sure you turned up here with my brother.”
“Exactly, standards.” I raise a hand above my head to show just how high my standards are.
“Whatever. Hurry up before I change my mind,” Esterio says as he types something out on his phone, probably calling his driver or something.
I’ve learned two things in the half hour I’ve been at this bar with Esterio. One, tequila really is disgusting. And two, Esterio really is a manwhore. I didn’t realize just how much of a wing-woman he’d make me be. But I think I’ve spoken to at least twenty girls by now.
Although I doubt Esterio needs any help picking any of them up. The minute he walked in, heads turned in his direction and women all over the bar started fixing their hair and pushing up their cleavage. Then they started flocking towards him.
“What about her?” I ask, nodding to a short blonde woman on the opposite side of the bar. The only woman who hasn’t been eyeing Esterio like he’s her next meal.
“Not her,” Esterio says quickly.
“Why not? Can’t get a woman who’s not throwing themselves at you?” I challenge him.
“Please, I can get any woman in my bed, Frankie.”
“Not true. You couldn’t get me.” I laugh.
“I wouldn’t try to get you. Unlike my brother, I’m not into the whole kissing-cousins thing.”
“We are not cousins,” I grunt.
“Sure, tell that to my parents.” Esterio laughs.
“Stop evading the topic. You can either get her or you can’t. Prove it. If you are all-powerful in the seduction game, go and get her number,” I tell him.
“Fine. Give me two minutes.” He slams his empty glass down on the counter.
Then I watch as he gets up, sits next to the woman, and turns towards her. She still hasn’t looked in his direction, and I smile wide when I see him frown in confusion.
I don’t know what he says, but the woman turns around slowly, and then she picks up her glass and throws it in his face before raising her hand and slapping him. The entire bar goes silent. That doesn’t stop the woman from standing and walking right out the door, though.
Esterio puts his phone to his ear and says something in rapid Spanish before he comes back and sits next to me, holding his hand up to the bar staff for another drink.
“That went well.” I laugh.
As if on cue, people relax and the chatter picks back up. “Don’t ever mention this again,” Esterio grunts.
“So, did you get her number?”
“Does it look like I got her fucking number, Frankie?”
“You’ve never been turned down before, have you?” I ask him, shocked at how badly he’s taking this rejection.
“Why would anyone turn me down? I’m a fucking catch,” he says, and scarily he’s serious.
“Sure you are.” I hold my hand up and get another drink put in front of me. “Well, here’s to firsts.”
“Firsts?” Esterio raises a brow in question.
“The first time you’ve been turned down, and the first time I’m actually going to do something I want,” I tell him as my eyes connect with a pair of dark brown ones, belonging to the man who just walked through the door.
Tossing the drink back, I stand and run around the bar. My arms wrap around Emilio’s neck. He catches me as I jump at him. And then my lips press against his.
Right now, I don’t care who’s watching.