Chapter 10 #6
By the time I reached the top, he was nowhere to be found, so I followed my nose.
His aroma left a trail that led me right to the bedroom I’d been occupying.
The bed was made with fresh linen and a candle flickering on the nightstand.
My phone was even on the charger next to the candle.
I would have preferred it to stay dead because I had nothing to say to the man who helped give me life.
Unfortunately, I knew if he couldn't communicate with me, he would show his face, and I didn't want that. Ines Ledesmas showing up here would more than likely end this—whatever this was—and ship me on to Rodríguezes. I wanted to hate my father for selling me off; I’d even tried to will myself to no longer care for his approval. However, the little girl in me held onto the beautiful memories we’d created, and that alone kept me from wishing him harm.
At least he cared enough to send me here to get some kind of help, even though I didn't think Shio could help me in any way. One thing that would come out of my time in America is that I’d leave in the best shape of my life.
I didn't know how I felt about that, considering I was set to become Mrs. Rodríguez.
The sexier I was, the more that horrible man would want to hump me like a stray dog.
Shio’s scent filled the entire room even though he couldn't be seen. I slowly moved into the bathroom, past the open closet door, and found him with his back resting against the dresser in the middle of the walk-in. Despite being a guest bedroom, it was modest in size, and the closet was larger than the one I had in my father’s house and my apartment.
Shio was texting on his phone as if the closet hadn't changed since earlier this morning.
There wasn't a piece of clothing on the racks, and now one side of the closet had been filled. Threads in a variety of colors hung from the hangers, and shoe boxes were stacked on the shelves above the clothes.
“Shio. You didn't have to do this for me.”
“I didn’t…”
I gasped at his reply.
“But I did. Your workout days are every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I go to church on Sundays and prefer to do my work outs alone. I’ve laid out the schedule, so drill that, along with everything I showed you today, into your mind.
I hate tardiness, Solana. Find a way to be up and ready without me having to wake you.
” His eyes drifted from the phone to me, even though his head was still facing his phone.
“Listen… You can enjoy your time here, Solana. As long as you don’t cross me, we’re good.
And know that hiding shit from me is the same as crossing me.
As long as you don't do that, you’re good.
I’ll teach you what I know, and you’ll go on to your fiancé. ”
Licking my dry lips because that one bottle of water wasn't enough, I cocked my head. “You’re going to teach me how to be a good wife?”
Shio pushed off the dresser and walked the three paces it took to stand in front of me.
He was much taller than me, so to speak directly into my ear, he bent slightly.
“I’m going to teach you how to survive. Lesson two.
Preparedness. Be aware enough and alert always, so nothing catches you by surprise.
Start with waking yourself up and being ready for workouts.
Once I see you can do that on your own, we’ll discuss heavier tasks like knowing when someone is conning you and how to act with your right hand while your left stays still. ”
I dropped my head and picked at my nails.
He was literally teaching me how to be a woman, and I felt shame for the first time in a long time.
My papa didn’t speak to me the way Shio did.
My papa didn’t think it was necessary for me to know much beyond knowing I was meant for another man.
I felt small, and for the first time in a long time, I wished for a mother.
Straightening to his full height again, he stared into my eyes. “You’ll need to know how to stand on your own two feet. You’re going to need that knowledge when dealing with the cartel. Breakfast will be ready in twenty. Get cleaned up.”
With that, he exited, and I took a moment to look at the new clothing.
Wondering how the hell he managed to get these clothes in here within just two hours, I found the perfect lounge dress to go eat in.
I turned and grabbed my purse, pulling out everything I needed after my shower.
My papa truly made a mistake by sending me here.
Shio sensed my fears and my weakness, and, in short, he was planning to make me strong.
I had no idea how effective his methods would be, but since I had no other plans or obligations here in America, I decided to try his way.
Once I leave here, I’d be handed over on a golden platter to the Rodríguez Cartel.
Hopefully, I’ll be a new woman by then. While I didn’t know how long I’d be here in the States, I planned to enjoy the time away from my current family and my future one.
Being here was about Solana the woman, not Solana the daughter of a cartel boss.