The Promise He Made.

Chapter 16

I walk out of school and get into Gale's car. Violet looks at me. "Any sign of him?" She asked. I look out the window.

"What do you think?" I asked.

"I'm sorry Aria," Gale said.

"It whatever," I mumble.

"It's not whatever. What guy asks you to be there girlfriend and then isn't around for two weeks?" She asked. I get out of the car.

"Where are you going?" Gale asks.

"I'm gonna walk home," I said. He sighs.

"Be careful." He said. I nod and put my headphones in. An arm goes around my shoulders and I look over. Rico smiles. He pulls out one of my headphones.

"Hey, sexy." He said as we cross the road.

"Save it, Rico," I said.

"What? I can't flirt with you anymore just because you're with Miguel?" He asked. I looked at him.

"Where is he?" I asked.

"I told you before I can't tell you." He said.

"So he left you here to watch over me while he does what? Goes on a business trip?" I asked. He looks down.

"I wish it was that simple." He said.

"Well just tell me," I said.

"I'm not supposed too." He said. I roll my eyes and walk ahead of him.

"Whatever," I said.

"Where are you going? The house is back that way?" He asked.

"I'm not going to my house," I said.

"Then where are you going?" He asked.

"You can't tell me where he's been then I will find someone who can," I said.

"Aria you aren't allowed at the house without him being home." He said running in front of me.

"Tell me where he's been or I March right in there and tell them exactly who my dad is," I said crossing my arms. He sighs.

"He's home." He said. I was shocked.

"Ok? What aren't you telling me?" I asked?

"He isn't alone." He said. I stopped walking. "His ex Alex is with him. He doesn't want her knowing about you." He said.

"You mean to tell me he's dodged all my calls and messages because he's been with his ex this whole time?" I asked.

"I'm sorry." He said. I scuffed.

"You tell him I said shove it. I don't want to be his damn girlfriend." I said turning around. A car pulls up and I could tell Oscar was in the front of it.

"Aria, don't get into that car," Rico said with his hand on my arm. I looked at him. I yank my arm away from him and walk up to the car and get in.

"Disobeying my brother's pets I see." He said. I look at him. He starts the car.

"Why do you keep following me?" I asked. He chuckles.

"My brother hasn't been around much has he?" He asked.

"Something tells me you can tell me why?" I said. He chuckles.

"Her name is Alexandra Lopez. She was his first love. She was the reason he and I are the way we are. She played us both like fools. She would whisper something in my ear and then run along to Miguel and say something completely different." He said.

"Sounds great," I said sarcastically. He scuffs.

"She was working for a man who wanted Miguel dead. But I was the one standing in the way. He sent her to drive us apart so he could shot Miguel and become the next Leader of the cartel. But Alex told Miguel it was me who was trying to take over." He said.

"And let me guess getting laid meant more to him than his own brother?" I asked.

"If you mean he believed her over me then you are correct. He disowned me and forbid me to ever talk to him." He said.

"I'm having a hard time catching up. Why is he still in touch with her? What happened?" I asked.

"All that happened last year. She told Miguel that her boss wanted to make an agreement that would expand his empire so to speak. But Miguel doesn't want Alex knowing that he's using her. I've seen the way he looks at you Aria. You aren't just some girl he wanted to bang. No, you're something g different to him." He said. I scuff.

"Please," I said. He pulls up to my house. "Wait, hang on? Do you know who her boss is?" I asked.

"Yes, I do." He said. "He is my father." He said.

"So why does your dad want his kid dead?" I asked.

"Because he wants to make a lesson to the other people who are trying to challenge Miguel. If you kill the leader of the cartel you become the leader. And it shows your strength." He said.

"Hang on, weren't you talking about killing Miguel?" I asked.

"Alex has been following up on Miguel and I. I want her to think my father is winning. I want Miguel to think I'm out for blood. That's the only way we are going to take him down for good." He said.

"So what does this have to do with me?" I asked.

"I needed to find out where your father is." He said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because he's going to help me take down my father." He said. 

"Even if he did agree, which he won't who's to say he won't lock you up? Or Miguel?" I asked.

"He did agree to help. And it was part of our agreement for him to lock me up." He said.

"What?" I asked.

"He said by the end of this its either Miguel or me and I choose me. Your father's business here is helping me take my father down." He said. I turned my head.

"He doesn't even know about Miguel being in my life," I said.

"That's on you. But I need both of there help and you can talk to both of them." He said. I look at him.

"I broke up with Miguel. I'm not talking to him. You want to take your father down find another way." I said getting out of the car. I ignore his calls and run up to my room sitting on my bay window.