Now her smile reaches her eyes as she goes on her toes to give me a kiss. What begins as a peck goes much further when I wrap my arms around her and deepen it.
“Daddy, we have to get going. The door is open. Your father and cousin will wonder if something went wrong if we don’t hurry.”
I shoot her a guilty look as I shake my head. Her eyes widen.
“Oh, God, Pablo! They’ll think we’re having sex, and that’s why it’s taking us so long to get off the plane. We have to go.”
The shock, embarrassment, and urgency in her voice make me chuckle.
“We’re going to be around people for the next few hours. I intend to make the most of our last few minutes of privacy.”
“You make it sound like it’ll be days even though you admit it’ll only be hours.”
“Yeah, well, it’ll feel like years. I’m spoiled after days of being able to touch you whenever I want.”
“Well, you’ll just have to survive. If you do, maybe I’ll give you a reward.”
My hands slip down to her ass. My right one squeezes as my left one spanks. She knows this is purely for our enjoyment. I help her with her bag. I hold her hand as we go down the steps together. The attendant follows us with our luggage.
There are five SUVs waiting for us on the tarmac.
“Daddy!”
She hisses the word as her hand clutches mine. She didn’t notice them as we landed. There’s one for each side of us, and our SUV will be in the middle. It’s more than justPapáand Alejandro waiting for us, so I know she’s worried all the men will believe we were fucking.
“Did Enrique or Luis believe this much security is necessary?”
“No, but I do.”
“Is this an overabundance of caution, or do you think they aren’t taking the threat seriously enough?”
“It’s me being insanely controlling and a pain in the ass to everyone, but I don’t feel an ounce of remorse if it protects you.”
Alejandro andPapástep out of the SUV, and Alejandro goes around the trunk. He nods as we take the last step, and they walk toward us. Flora hangs back a moment, unsure what herrole should be now. I hug my father as she offers Alejandro a tentative greeting. He’s as unsure what to do as she is. They settle on a handshake. When I let go ofPapá, I move to hug Alejandro.
We aren’t a family who shies away from affection even in public. It’s no secret to anyone that we’re a super close family who’re dedicated to each other. We see no weakness in showing that. It reminds people you never get just one Diaz; you get the entire family. It also reassures families who work for us. They know they can depend on us and that we’re reliable. There are no internal squabbles that could distract us from our responsibilities. I glance at Flora asPapásteps forward.
“Hola, Señor Diaz.”
“Hola, Señorita Aguilar. It’s Luis.”
“Florencia.”
There’s another moment’s hesitation as my father considers what to do. I know he doesn’t want to overstep, but he wants Flora to understand he’s not there out of obligation to me. He opens his arms, and she takes a wary step forward as he hugs her. I watch her eyes close, and her body relax. My father tightens his hold, and she wraps her arms around him.
I’m certain she’s getting the hug she’s always wished she’d had a father for. It’s a reassurance I can’t give her even though she calls me Daddy. I’m not a paternal figure to her. I hope she letsPapábe one. They step apart, and an understanding passes between them asPapágives her a warm smile. She’s tentative but returns it. I didn’t realize how anxious this made me until I see their silent agreement, and I relax.
Alejandro watched me as much as he watched my father and girlfriend. He smirks at me and leans forward to whisper. It makes me want to elbow him in the throat.
“Should I make an appointment at the same jeweler the other families use?”
“Shhh,cabrón.”
He means the Kutsenkos, the O’Rourkes, and Mancinellis. The men have entrusted the same jeweler to create engagement and wedding rings for every couple. I already know I will go to the man, but I’m not ready to discuss that with anyone.Papásaves Alejandro from my elbow in his gut when he speaks.
“Florencia, we can head to your apartment now unless you want to see yourmamáinstead.”
“No, let’s do that first, please. I still want to get all of that out of the way. I don’t want to have that lurking in the back of my mind while I’m withMamá. I don’t want to worry about whether I’m taking too long with her.”
