“And what? You felt like you had to bring your guard dogs with you.”
“Don’t be like this, Bastian. They came to help, and that’s it.”
Bastian stalks across the living room until he’s standing in front of us. Jorge shifts just enough that if he needs to, he can step in front of me.
“Bastian, don’t make this harder than it needs to be. We’ll pack up my clothes and be out of the way. My mom and sister will get the rest of my stuff in a few days, but I warned you already that you need to leave. I’m not keeping the lease on this place.”
Bastian leans toward Jorge’s face. The last thing I need is for this to devolve into a fight since there’s no way Bastian would win, even if it were only him and Jorge without Alejandro and Joaquin here too. It would be a bloodbath even though I’m certain none of the men would let it go that far.
When I step in front of Jorge, his hands immediately go around my waist. He’s gentle but moves me out of the way. He leans in to whisper to me, and I clench my ass as his warning rings loudly in my ear.
“Never step in front of two men who’re ready to fight. Do that again,chiquita, and I’ll spank you.”
Bastian gasps since I’m certain he heard Jorge, but I merely look up at him and mouth,Yes, Daddy.Alejandro and Joaquin step forward, placing themselves in front of Jorge and me without even touching Bastian. They convince him to back away until he reaches the sofa. Joaquin leans toward him until Bastiansinks onto a seat. Joaquin’s and Alejandro’s expressions clearly tell Bastian it would be wise for him to not try to get up.
Jorge and I head into the bedroom. My suitcases are stored at the bottom of one of the closets. Most European homes aren’t that large, but many have more than adequate storage. This apartment is just like that. I point to things and give Jorge directions as he packs one large case, and I pack the other.
By the time we’re done, all of my clothes are in those two cases. I lift my teddy bear I’ve had since I was born out of a drawer. It’s not like I look at him or touch him every day, but it’s always been reassuring to know I have him since he was my favorite. Mytanteandonkelon my dad’s side gave it to my mom during her baby shower, and I apparently gravitated to it from the very beginning.
I close the case I packed while Jorge does the same. He walks over to mine and lifts it off the bed before I can. He always helps me with my luggage without giving it a second thought. Then he goes back to the one he filled and lifts it down. As we wheel the cases out of the room, Bastian’s expression shows he finally understands I’m serious. He knows my entire wardrobe must be in those cases.
“You’re really going to go—with him.”
“Yes, Bastian. You knew that when I arrived.”
“Were you fucking him even before we broke up?”
Jorge practically snarls, and Alejandro’s and Joaquin’s hands fist as Bastian leans forward to stand. He notices the men’s reaction and realizes staying seated is his safest bet.
“No, Bastian, I was not. I remained faithful to you until you failed me. Instead of cheating, I broke up with you. I may have been attracted to Jorge from the moment I met him, but I had no intention of acting on it. But he’s the man I’ve needed all along, and you only proved that. You pushed me into Jorge’s arms. It was inevitable you and I would’ve broken up, even if I didn’twind up with Jorge. If I could have thoughts about another man, then I never should’ve been with you. We didn’t have a future together once I realized that. I may be angry and hurt by you, but you don’t deserve someone who can’t give their whole self to you. You deserve someone who only wants you and doesn’t doubt her feelings toward you. Goodbye.”
Jorge walks over to Bastian and stares at him until Bastian shifts in the seat. He leans forward, forcing Bastian’s back to press against the chair. Jorge’s hands land on the armrests, boxing Bastian in. Alejandro and Joaquin stand on each side of Jorge, their arms crossed and flexed. If I were Bastian, I’d be pissing myself right now.
“You get to live because Liesel hasn’t asked me to change that. You get to keep your hands as they are because you save children when you perform surgery. Your face won’t show any signs we’ve ever met. But in your mind—” Jorge taps Bastian’s right temple. “—remember I can find you anywhere. There isn’t a fucking place on this earth where you can hide. Come near my woman again, and I will make sure only God and I know where you end up. Stay away.”
Bastian’s face flushes with anger, but he remains quiet. The only smart decision he’s made since I asked him to come to the hotel. Alejandro takes a suitcase Jorge was wheeling, and we leave. When we get to the ground floor, I stop Jorge.
“I’d like to go into the office and see about breaking my lease.”
I speak to the property manager who observes Jorge, Joaquin, and Alejandro in the lobby, along with the large suitcases. When I explain my ex-boyfriend and I broke up, and I’m moving out, he understands why I’d like to stop the rental agreement. I’m not sure if the three men waiting for me intimidate him into honoring my request without argument, or he simply takes pity on me over the breakup. He agrees to endthe contract within a week rather than require the thirty days’ notice.
I reassure him my mother and sister will be there in a couple of days to sort out the rest of it and to clean. I forewarn him that he may need to convince Bastian that he must leave, that I’ve already tried. I suggest that if Bastian wishes to take over the lease, then he should be able to do that. Since the property manager knows Bastian as well as my family, I think they’ll work something out. Bastian is no longer my problem. If he doesn’t want to comply, then oh well.
We head back to Hisham and Noor’s house. It surprises me when Noor tells Jorge and Joaquin that she’s spoken to Luciana.
“Your mama asked me if the three of you have been eating properly while you’ve been away. I said all three of you look to be just as healthy and fit as you always have. She’s so proud of all of you, and she can’t wait to meet Anne properly.”
I look forward to getting to know her too.
I glance up at Jorge. He’s beaming at Noor after what she shared. I slide my gaze over to Joaquin and Alejandro, and I see their expressions match. It’s clear the brothers love their mother and that their cousin’s very close to his aunt as well. I recall the elegant woman I met at the restaurant weeks ago, and a moment’s worry flashes through me that perhaps I won’t live up to her expectations for her son.
As though he perceives my worry, Jorge slides his arm around my waist and kisses my forehead. “I’m certainMamáwill steal all your attention from me. I shall be very jealous.”
I giggle, and he gives me a quick kiss on the lips. Friedrich gains our attention.
“I spoke to my father, and we’ve lined up a safe house in Essen for your family. Clyde and his wife and children will meet us there. We need to go to our own places and pack as well, but we wanted to be here when you returned to fill you in. We’ll bein Essen for at least a few weeks until we’re sure everything’s resolved.”
I glance over at Heidi. “What about your work? Can you really take off that long?”
