Chapter 16
Ernesto
I end up leaving the office early, the phone call from Alejandra has my irritation sky rocketing and I can’t be taking it out on my employees right now, this event is way too important for them to get sidetracked right now.
Felipe sent the article she was talking about to my phone.
It’s a grainy papárazzi photo of Alejandra, her arms full with shopping bags, and an unguarded smile on her face as she laughs with Veronica.
The image is splashed across some worthless online gossip site, the headline screaming about ‘Tequila King, Ernesto Damos, finally found a wife? But who is this mysterious woman?’
The leak has forced my hand and a call was put out to all my siblings. The family meeting I was planning on isn’t an option now, it's a necessity.
I’m sitting in one of the armchairs in the living room. This part of the house stands mostly as a model living room–empty of life– but this evening, it feels like a boxing ring.
Across from me, my youngest brother, Julian, lounges on the cream-colored sofa, the picture of nonchalant arrogance.
He swirls a clear liquid over ice in a heavy crystal glass–Vodka.
The tasteless Russian water he favors. Julian catches my gaze and raises his glass in a mock salute, a smirk playing on his lips.
“To the happy couple. Of course, assuming que la novia te aguante,” he says, his voice dripping with insincere charm.
“Explain to me again why the press seems to have found out about your wife before your brothers? A text Ernesto, really? You think that’s the most appropriate way to let your family know you’re married? ”
Veronica is perched elegantly on the arm chair next to me, shooting Julian a look that could freeze fire.
She is the epitome of poise, her dark hair pulled back in its usual sleek chignon, today she chose a simple but elegant lilac sheath dress instead of her usual power suits.
She holds a tablet in her lap, but her attention is fixed on the tension between Julian and me.
“He told you when he needed to, Julian,” she says, her voice calm but firm. “Leave it alone.”
On the large screen mounted above the fireplace, Santiago’s expression is full of disapproval.
He’s like a ghost in the well-oiled machine that our family is part of in Sinaloa.
How he manages to keep control from Houston, is beyond me.
Even through the pixels, his presence is formidable.
The scar across his left hand is just visible as he rests his chin on his steepled fingers.
He’s been quiet, barely says a word since the call was connected, but his silence is more damning than any of Julian’s taunts.
“The board members stipulated in papá’s will are the only ones who needed to know,” I state, my voice flat. “My marriage satisfies the conditions and the company is secure. That’s all that matters.”
Julian lets out a short, incredulous laugh.
“That’s all that matters? Despierta carnal.
A picture of your wife is the top story on three different entertainment sites.
There’s no way Casimiro hasn’t seen it by now.
You think he won’t use this against you?
Us? He’ll see the fact you hid her and the marriage as a weapon.
It makes you look weak, like you’re hiding something. ”
“I’m always hiding something, Julian.” The words come out louder than I intend. “That’s how we survive this world.”
“Chido verbo, Mano but this isn't about survival, it’s about control.” He sits up, the ice in his glass clinking, his charming facade cracking to reveal the frustration beneath.
“You should have announced it properly. There should’ve been press releases, magazine shoots, and a welcome party to our society.
That is how you control the narrative before it controls you.
Business 101 or have you forgotten what you taught us? ”
“Esto ya no se trata nomás del negocio.”
At last, Santiago speaks, his thick accent clear through the speakers, and his gaze locking onto me with the cold precision only a cartel operative could wield. “This affects everything else. The legitimate side of the business should be the least of our worries.”
“Santi, don’t.” Veronica shifts in her seat. She’s never liked knowing anything about the cartel working.
Santiago continues, ignoring her. “You know the laws of our world, Ernesto. A marriage this big and to an outsider…it requires approval from La Capula. You’ve made a move without the other Jefes’ knowing. They could take it as a shift in allegiance, maybe even a powergrab.”
“Porfavor Santiago, she’s just a nurse from the lowest part of Los Angeles, not an heiress,” I counter, the tequila starting to feel less like a comfort and more like fuel to a fire.
“She’s a nobody. There’s no way they’ll see someone like her as a threat.
Alejandra is a simple solution to a legal problem. That’s it.”
“That nobody you’re talking about, is legally bound to our name,” Santiago retorts. “Even if she has zero ties to anyone, a wife is seen as a target and can be used as leverage against you, against all of us. You of all people should know that weakness, real or not, gets our people killed.”
Julian sips his vodka, a glint in his eye. “I wouldn’t exactly call her a nobody. From the pictures I’ve seen, esta buena la morra. Totally see why she caught your eye, mano.”
A low growl rumbles in my chest. ”Keep your comments about my wife to yourself, Julian. ”
I place my glass on the mantel with a clink. “Why do you think I chose someone like her? If push comes to shove they can take her, kill her for all I care, she’s worth nothing but a piece of paper.”
Veronica stands, walking over to the bar and pours herself a glass of water.
My baby sister has never been one for liquor or alcohol.
Always the level headed one in our little family.
“Well, I like her,” she simply says, her sweet melodic voice cutting through all the macho posturing.
“I’m the one who has spent more time with her and yes she may just be a nurse, but she’s definitely not a nobody.
She’s intelligent, has a sense of humor and she’s not afraid to speak her mind.
Definitely not a fragile doll and I think she’s exactly what this family needs. ”
“What this damn family needs is stability, Veronica, not another variable,” Santiago says, his voice edged with steel. “This was reckless, y me disculpas compa pero también sentimental.”
Sentimental. The word hangs in the air, an accusation.
He thinks I married her for reasons other than the contract, that I’m letting emotions cloud my judgement.
The image of Alejandra on her knees—emerald lace clinging to her, body trembling under my touch—flashes through my mind, raw and electric.
Before I can form a response, the front door swings open, the sound echoing through the expansive foyer. A flash of pink and sparkles as Camilla enters in a whirlwind of energy, her laughter preceding her.
“Tio Julian!”
She makes her way into the living room and launches herself directly onto Julian’s lap, nearly sending his drink flying. He catches her with a surprised laugh, his entire demeanor shifting in an instant from cynical to doting uncle.
“There’s my little princess! You grow bigger each time I see you.” He tickles her sides, and she erupts in a fit of giggles that fills the room, shattering the tension.
All conversation about business ceases. Santiago’s face on the screen softens and Veronica smiles. I watch them as a knot in my chest becomes loose at the sound of my little girl’s happiness.
Then, Alejandra walks in.
She stops just inside the arched entryway, and the room falls silent as she hesitates, taking in the scene. Alejandra holds herself with a quiet dignity that only someone who’s lived through true struggle can hold. Her eyes, wide and uncertain, meet mine.
I gesture with my head, a silent command for her to come to me.
She obeys, her steps slightly quick as she crosses the room to stand beside my chair.
I stand and feel the shift of the room, the sudden focused attention of my siblings on both of us.
They’re no longer assessing a picture, they have the real thing front and center.
I feel her body go rigid as I rest my hand on the small of back.
“Julian, Santiago, this is my wife, Alejandra.” I pause, noting each one of their expressions. Julian’s half smile and Santiago’s furrowed brows. “Alejandra, these are my brothers.”
Julian’s eyes travel over her, a slow, appreciative sweep that makes the muscles in my jaw clench. He’s plastered on that stupid predatory smile he uses to charm and conquer.
“Alejandra,” he purrs, his voice thick and warm like honey.
“An absolute vision. My brother is a brute who doesn’t deserve such a treasure.
Either way, welcome to the family, cunada.
” He winks at her, and I feel her shift uncomfortably beside me.
Good, I don’t need her falling for my brother's idiotic romance schemes.
Camilla, my sweet princess, is oblivious to the tension in the room as she scrambles off Julian’s lap and runs towards us. “This is my Ale! She makes cookies with me! She’s my new mommy.”
Alejandra flinches at Camilla’s declaration. She looks towards me–smoothening Camilla’s hair–and I see a flicker of panic in her eyes. No need for her to be surprised, that’s the role I brought her here to play—a mother to my child.
From the screen, Santiago’s voice once again cuts in. “We will see how long she lasts.”
Alejandra’s head snaps towards the screen, her eyebrows furrowing as she looks up and notices the severity on my brother's face.
“Es mejor que desde ahorita sepas que las mujeres que entran a nuestro mundo terminan de dos formas,” Santiago continues, his gaze boring into her, devoid of any warmth.
“Rotas o bajo tierra. You being here is a risk, and not just to yourself, but to all of us. I hope to God you don’t think this is some damn fairytale.
From now on your choices have consequences, and not just for you but for everyone in this room. ”
With a final, dismissive look, the screen goes black, Santiago ends the call leaving the room in complete silence. Veronica is the one to break it as she crosses the room and stops in front of Alejandra.
“Don’t listen to him,” Veronica says, her voice soft but fierce. “He lives in a world of shadows and to him everyone is a suspect. I, for one, am so happy to have you as my sister!”
She pulls Alejandra into a warm hug, kissing her on the cheek.
At first, Alejandra doesn’t know how to react, surprised by the gesture.
Then, slowly, her arms raise and circle around my sister, hugging her back.
I watch the exchange, and the genuine relief that floods Alejandra’s face, the way she clings to Veronica for a brief second.
A small, grateful smile touches her lips, and it's like watching a flower turn towards the sun. Radiant.
Just as the moment settles, Consuelo appears at the doorway. Her knowing eyes sweep the entire scene accessing the situation “La cena está lista.”