Vera

Chapter 22

Vera

That afternoon we had lunch with Stella and Matteo. I learned a lot about the both of them.

Matteo is good at everything. Literally. I'm not exaggerating. He is one of the smartest kids I know, he plays every sport, has been on honor roll every grade of his life, and the list goes on. He told me out of all of it he likes playing video games the most, but not necessarily playing them. Picking apart their code.

Stella loves hosting and decorating. She even has a New Year's party she's planning. She insisted I attend and I said yes. She told me to wear black which brought a smile to Santiago's face for some reason.

Once we got back from lunch, we watched Rio with Matteo. He gave us an amazing performance with every song. I gave him a standing ovation which Santi reluctantly joined.

We soon after went to bed, beat from the day. I fall asleep immediately, but I wake up at 1 am feeling Santi is gone. I pull myself out of bed and come out the room. My steps halt when I hear voices.

"¿Por qué está ella aquí?" I hear a man say it's not Santiago or Matteo. (Why is she here?)

"She's with me, but that's also none of your concern." That was Santiago.

"It is when she is causing trouble with the mafia." I think it's his dad. Cade.

"She's not causing trouble. It's just some idiots who forgot their place." Santiago's voice because harder, like steel.

"No me importa con quién te folles, but when it messes with my business it's a problem, she's a problem." (I don't care who you fuck)

"No hables de ella." I reel back from Santi's tone. I know there relationship is bad, but it sounds like, if it came to it, Santiago would actually kill his father. (Don't talk about her.)

"Because of her storage 17 was burned to ashes, 1.5 million along with it, you were stabbed, your men have been killed and branded with their symbol. And you haven't done a damn thing about it." He told me it was a trade gone wrong, not to mention everything else.

"I have told my men to be vigilant and alert. To tell me if anything new happens. There is something in the horizon, but I am handling it."

"No está en el horizonte. Está en tu maldita cara. Arreglalo." I walk back to the bedroom hearing enough. I sit and stay up until Santiago returns 30 minutes later. (It's not on the horizon. It's in your fucking face. Fix it.)

"Why are you awake, love?" He places a hand on my hands that are laid in my lap. I don't move into his embrace like I normally do. He notices. "What is it?"

"You lied. I don't like being lied to," He looks at me confused so I fill in some more blanks. "I heard the conversation you had with your dad." He goes still, caught red handed.

"Vera," I shake my head not wanting to hear it.

"You were stabbed because of me. You lost 1.5 million dollars because of me. People are dying because of me. Why, tell me." I plead for him to help me understand. He takes in a deep breath before answering.

"A gang called the Reapers are trying to go up in the ranks. They are just trying to make a name for themselves. They've been threatening me and you since a week after we met. That guy that mugged you was a part of the gang. It was just a test they were curious of what you would do, what I would do." I nod trying to take in all the information.

"Vera, look at me," I look up into Santi's eyes that hold regret. "None of this is your fault. I promise." A tear slips from my eye, but I wipe it away quickly. The action is pointless because another falls and another. Santiago pulls me into his chest and rocks me.

"It's ok, mi luz. It's okay." He holds me all night even while I sleep.

...

In the morning we say our goodbyes and leave, but on our car ride to the airport, we take a detour. We go to a giant field littered with cars and people. As far as I can tell there are cars for miles. We pull in to an empty, off to the side spot and Santiago looks at me.

"Do you remember when you told me your favorite car?" I nod. It is a Maybach Exelero. There is only one and the person who owns it has had it for 20 years.

"What about it?" I say halfway paying attention because of all the gorgeous cars around me. Ferrari 250 GT, Bugatti Type 57, Pagani Zonda. Every single one, gorgeous. And then my eyes see her. Maybach Exelero.

"Oh my god. You brought me to see it. I've never seen it in person before." I subtly rush over to the car, trying not to alarm people. She's sleek, shiny, and beautiful. Santiago appears at my side trails his fingers on the door.

"Are you insane don't touch it with your greasy fingers. It's not ours." I say slapping his hand away from the car. He fakes hurt and smiles.

"You're making me want to return it." I snap my head to him.

"What the hell are you talking about." He smiles wider and reaches into his pocket, from his finger he dangles keys. The keys.

"You're joking." He shakes his head and puts them into my hand. I squeal drawing many eyes our way, but I don't care. "Oh my god, I could fuck you right now." I rush to the driver's side but Santiago stops me by pining my front to his.

"No digas cosas que no puedas respaldar, amor." I laugh and wiggle myself out of his arms to the driver's seat. Santiago gets in and I start her up. Her engine comes to life with the most lovely sound. (Don't say things you can't back up, love.)

"Why do you love cars so much?" My smile doesn't waver as I tell him.

"My brother. He taught me all about cars." For the first time in 7 years, I'm happy when I remember my brother. I look over at Santiago and smile. I lean over and give him a slow, soft, meaningful kiss.

"Thank you," I say, the car being second on my list for saying thank you.