The Tax Collector (GirlxIntersex) Book 1

Chapter 31

Chapter 31
Valentino POV

Guilt tortured my heart, and I couldn't forget the night I jerked off about Deja. And this is one of the reasons I couldn't look at Lucia. Despite everyone bringing up Deja's name in conversation, it has been a long time since I have thought about her.

I believe seeing her sister sparked something, and knowing I would see her at that stupid family gathering rekindled something, perhaps lust. I wouldn't say that it's love.

I couldn't look at her in that manner, especially after what she had done. Even if I was to blame. I just didn't think she would do it. I never imagined she'd fall in love with the boy. I believed I had it in my palm.

I could not quit looking at Lucia. She's incredibly attractive. If only she weren't so damaged and deluded. It would take time to make her happy. I was willing to.

"You look lovely." I mumbled incoherently, which made things much more unsettling. This is the first time I've spoken to her in days. I couldn't help but inform her that she wasn't. Her blue outfit, flawlessly applied makeup, necklace, and earrings. Her hair has been cut and gleams in the Los Angeles sunlight.

"Thanks,"

"I'm sorry..." I racked my thoughts for more words so as not to make things awkward.

"That's okay."
"I am not interested in having sex with you. I do not want it that way. Were you..." I drifted off while glancing out the window. I focused my attention back on her. "I don't want you to feel like you have to pay me for sex." I recognized the pattern; I didn't require glasses or to be a genius. If I offered her something, she immediately wanted to pull her clothes off and start banging.

I assumed this was how Martinez taught her, and I was delighted every day that I had murdered him. I have no bones to regret in my body.

"But... we can put that behind us."

She nodded.

"Are you nervous?"

"For?"
"About to be around so many people. You don't have to worry; you'll be at my side the whole time."

"That's why I am not nervous." She quietly said. "Because you are going to be with me."

I grinned, gazing across at her. "You look great."

"Do you honestly think I am pretty?" Her gaze shifted to me. I hate to say it, but her beauty was the first thing that drew me in, and I wanted her for myself. But after seeing how much she was going through, having her as mine will have to wait, but having her around won't hurt so much.

"You are."

"I like you." She blurted.

"Do you like me?" Something about the way she spoke sounded so pure to my ears. She deserved everything.

I grinned as I nodded. "I do,"

"And I want to thank you for everything you've done for me."

My eyebrows furrowed. I shake my head. "I want to do it, and saying thank you once is enough. It is everything I need. You don't need to repeat it."

"I just wanted to express my thanks."

I nodded in understanding. Simply having her nearby was all I needed.
***********
Valentino POV

She clutched upon my hand the moment we stepped out of the car. I gazed at her. "They won't do you anything, they're wonderful folks." I could hear Spanish music playing in the background.

"Are you sure?"

I gently cupped her cheek, then bent down and kissed her cheeks. "I am sure." I looked down the street and saw the several cars that had parked. I pointed to the park. "I used to visit that park every day."

"Was it fun?"

"Used to." Gangs have taken over this part of the community, so kids rarely play there."

From a distance, I could tell the playground had been abandoned, with weeds and grass replacing the sand. I could see corrosion on the swing set's chains.

"As it turns out, this generation of kids did not experience a childhood." Only the memories remain with me.
I took her hands and we went up to the curb. I will have to thank Garcia for clothing her. The blue dress was suitable since its length did not surpass her upper thighs. I know a few old aunties who linger, and they will condemn her since she is new to the family.

That was one of the reasons I was adamant that she come. I did not want them to yap their way into her brain and make her feel horrible. Lola has already done it.

We climbed up a few steps that led to the backyard. I opened the gate. And she followed me as we made our way through the tight entrance. As we came closer, I felt her squeeze my hand.

"It will be okay. Do not worry." I reassured her.