Tristano
Iam used to carrying an abhorrent amount of stress on my shoulders. Not only because I’m the eldest and the head of the family, which comes with a lot of responsibility, but also because I want to see wrong things made right and justice served.
In my personal life, this became a hell of a lot more prevalent.
My mother disappeared almost twenty-five years ago, and now there’s a woman here who could very well be her twin or much younger sister.
When Octavia Cortez first appeared at the top of the plane’s staircase I thought she was my mother. Logically, I knew that wasn’t the case. The woman was too young and her hair color was a couple shades darker. But her face and the way she carried herself?
An exact replica.
Upon closer inspection I noticed the minor differences between Octavia and my mother, but that didn’t remove the chill from my skin. Their resemblance to one another is uncanny and that, in and of itself, makes me wary and highly suspicious.
My last memory of my mother was from the viewpoint of a ten year old, so I could be mistaken in my evaluation. However, I looked at photos of her all the time, until every curve of her smile and every smooth plane of her face was tattooed in my memory.
While Octavia is not my mother, I’d bet my life they are related in some way. Their similarities, plus the text I received, were enough proof to enable me to make a decision. I’m going with Octavia because I can’t dismiss the opportunity to find out more concerning my mother and her mysterious disappearance all those years ago.
I wouldn’t be able to stand not knowing or trying to obtain more information than I’ve had, which is practically nothing. My mother became a ghost. It’s most likely why I looked at Octavia as though she were a spectre of sorts. I’m still not over the shock of things, but I can internalize all of it while traveling.
After I retrieve Violetta from my car.
She nods in response to me informing her how I intend to keep her alive. I might’ve come on too strongly or harshly, but I don’t have time to coddle her. I won’t allow Violetta’s age or lack of maturity to hinder me in any way, which extends to her hesitation.
Or could it be rebellion?
In the end it doesn’t matter. She will do as I tell her or suffer the consequences of her actions.
I take a step back from the vehicle, giving Violetta the chance to obey me. She does. Only it’s with her gaze fastened to mine, her blue-green eyes sparkling with temper. They’re a beautiful fusion of oceanic hues and framed by a dark blue ring, making the colors more stark against the surrounding white, as well as the long ink-black lashes she has. In short, they’re lovely.
And a distraction.
As soon as she’s on her feet, after ignoring my offer of assistance, I turn toward my men who are standing right behind me.
“Benito, you’re coming with me. Enrico you’ll stay here and assist Arturo in managing my operations and keeping me abreast of everything during my absence. Maximus will need your council until Rafael’s well-being is secured, and you’ll do whatever they require.”
Enrico nods, but from the way he works his jaw he’s not pleased with my decision. It doesn’t matter as long as he follows my orders.
“I hope they have a Wal-Greens wherever we’re going because I’m going to need a toothbrush and some condoms,” Beni says.
Then he grins at Violetta. Though this type of behavior from him isn’t unusual, it’s irritating on occasion. Like right now.
“Keep your focus, Benito, or I’ll remove your cock so you don’t have to worry about it.”
The smirk falls from his face at my threat, as it should. There’s no time to be fucking around.
I head toward the aircraft with the assumption Violetta is following. Octavia watches me from the base of the stairs and doesn’t try to hide her curiosity concerning Nardone’s daughter.
“Who is she?”
I halt and a muscle in my jaw ticks from me clenching my teeth in irritation. “Let me be clear about a few things before we go any further, señorita. I am not here for any other reason than to obtain the information you’ve promised to give. Anything outside of that is my personal business and I won’t explain myself to you, or anyone else for that matter. If that’s going to be a fucking problem, I suggest you say so before we find ourselves tens of thousands of feet in the air while in close proximity.”
Octavia’s mouth tilts up, making her bottom lip fuller-looking. “Not a problem. Just make sure your friend behaves and knows how to keep her mouth shut. Then there won’t be an issue.”
“You needn’t worry about my affairs.” I hold out my arm and gesture toward the aircraft. “Shall we?”
She gives me a curt nod and ascends the slim staircase with her two men right behind her. Only once they disappear from view do I place my foot onto the first stair. As I make my way up I listen for the sounds of Violetta’s heels striking the metal platform and they’re easily heard.
At least I don’t have to make good on my promise to haul her into the plane.
