La Rosa Del Sur (The Rose of the south)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6
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The only lights emitting from the hotel, when we arrived, were from the lobby. I could see a tired looking woman sitting behind the desk, way too dolled up for such an hour. We'd arrived slightly later than one o'clock. Rafael was hopefully asleep right now, so I wouldn't have to receive some big brother speech about how dangerous it is to be out so late.

Luca put the car in park in front of the doors. He turned to me. "Well, unless you gave me the wrong address, I believe this is your stop." He got out of the car, walked around to the passenger's side and opened it. "Watch your step." I took his hand and hopped down.

"You know, I can open a door on my own," I said, a little amused. "You don't have to open it for me every time I get out."

"Some people believe chivalry is dead, but I don't," Luca smiled. He made a big show of bringing my hand up to his lips, and kissing it lightly. I didn't retract my hand just yet.

"Thank you," I began. "Thank you for everything you've done tonight. You and I didn't know each other at all, and yet when I told you my story, you believed me and took me to your uncle." I let out a little laugh. "My friends and my brother were worried that you might be some sort of criminal trying to take advantage of me. I'm very glad that wasn't the case." Luca laughed as well. He stopped and looked as though he wanted to say something, but he shook his head and let go of my hand.

"Well, goodnight, Roseina Santiago. I will call you tomorrow when I'm on my way," Luca walked back around the car, and hopped back in the driver's seat. I waved at him, though I couldn't see his face through the tinted windows. The engine revved and Luca drove off into the night.

"Goodnight," I whispered. I stayed there for a moment, before breathing deeply and turning around. I pushed open the door and entered the hotel.

I briefly smiled at the woman behind the desk and pulled out my room key to show her. She nodded in a forced cheerfulness, and I began heading towards the elevator. Before I reached it, however, I glanced over to my right and saw a familiar figure sitting in one of the hotel armchairs. Dammit! He had waited up for me. I stopped, gave a great sigh, and reluctantly turned towards him.

"You're late," Rafael grunted. He pushed himself up and strode over to me, arms crossed.

"Only ten minutes," I retorted quietly. I began walking towards the elevator again.

"Esperate, I'm not finished," Rafael said, jogging after me. "I told you no later than one o'clock, and what happens? You show up ten minutes late and spend five more making eyes and holding hands with the creeper from the club. ¡Sin verguenza, Roseina!" I rolled my eyes and pushed the up button. The elevator door dinged open and I stepped inside, Rafael still following me.

"Well, I wasn't actually doing anything with him," I pressed the third floor button and the doors dinged shut. "He was really quite helpful, him and his uncle. Lorenzo Marino gave me some answers and it turns out they're both connected with the Italian mafia."

"That makes it even worse!" Rafael pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ay dios mio, they could've kidnapped you, hurt you, raped you. Do you know how hard it was for me to explain to our parents where you'd gone when we returned from the club without you? They were furious! But I told them 'It's alright, Roseina knows what she's doing'. They looked ready para mátame." He let out a frustrated breath.

"Well I'm here now. Safe and unharmed," I said as the elevator door dinged open once more. I stepped out and began walking towards my room.

"That was luck," Rafael continued to trot after me. "Luck, I tell you. You might not be so lucky next time." We paused as I arrived at my door. "Seriamente, Roseina. I'm worried about you. You're the daughter of one of the most powerful mafia Dons in the world. Now that he's retired and I'm the new Don, I have to look after you more than ever."