The Dancing Torera

31

Forgot to mention but this book takes place like in the 1960s to 1970s? So they have no technology and the cameras I talk about are the big bulky ones.

——

I wake up wedged in-between Esteban's strong arms and protective arms. I knew he would be waking up soon to train in practice. I had called Mariel as soon as the driver left to tell her where I was so she wouldn't be worried about me.

Esteban's alarm buzzes off and he stretches awake, leaning over to kiss my lips. I look up to him and he chuckled, not knowing I was awake.

"Did I wake you mi amor?" he asks through a scratchy voice.

"No... I couldn't sleep... I never can anymore" I say running my finger against the scar on his chest. He pulled the ends of my fingers into his lips and kissed each one of them softly. We still hadn't talked about...last night and everything the conversation entailed.

"So..." he says, lifting the sheets from his body.

"So?" I sighed looking up to him as he stood from the bed.

"I'm still going to fight. I'll be dammed if I let a stupid man like the Presidente steer my future." he says, opening the curtains on his window to see the peeking sun.

"Esteban ...what about your sponsors?" I sigh, sitting up to lean against the headboard.

"Hector will take care of that Anais" he curses. Just before I could protest again there was a knock on the door.

"Speaking of the devil" he grins walking out the room to open the door.

"Took you long enough." Hector cursed making his way in. "Esteban, look I know you sounded angry last night but this is perfect! Break up with Anais! She sleeps with the Presidente and you keep the sponsors. It is a win win situation!" he claps. I sauntered out Esteban's room and lean against the border of door. "Good morning to you too Hector" I waved sarcastically.

Esteban

"Oh Anais! How lovely you look! It's been so lon--"

"Save it you rato" she rolled her eyes, moving to start making my breakfast. I went to the bathroom to start my grooming but Hector quickly followed after me. "Esteban ...come on. You know how powerful the presidente is. His word is final."

"Well? Esteban La Renta does not fear his power" I explained nonchalantly squeezing a heavy glob of paste onto my brush.

"Anais will still be taken care of and you'll be free. You can date any girl Esteban!" his voice was barely above a whisper, scared to anger Anais once more. I rolled my eyes squeezing the tube onto my toothbrush again to brush my tongue. "Letting her sleep with that rat is not an option Hector" I cursed, rinsing my mouth clean.

"Come on Esteban? He's a playboy? He's no different than you? What's the difference between what he does and what you used to do?"

"I never forced a girl to sleep with me. I'm not a RAPIST. That's the difference Hector!"

"Esteban you're making my hair fall out!"

"Good! Maybe my words will be sent faster to your brain? I teased him washing my face and changing into my practice clothes. I push him out the way and head to the kitchen, hypnotized by the smell of fresh bacon and huevos. Anais cracked three eggs over a frying pan as she poured my juice in a glass.

"Huevos rancheros?" she announces, looking over to me with a smile.

"Si mi armor, gracias" I smile excitedly, rubbing my palms together as she pushes a plate to me. She gave me a hefty serving, kissing my lips with care before turning back to the stove to turn it off. Hector sat next to me eager to join me in my feast, tucking a napkin into his neck.