“I never wanted to hide the truth. I kept postponing telling you that you were Layla’s sister out of fear of losing you, but also because I didn’t want you to get hurt.”
“Because of the letter? There’s much more there that will hurt me, isn’t there?”
“There is.”
“Guillermo, regarding me being the sister of your late wife, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have no ties to those women. Sharing the same blood means nothing if you don’t do anything to earn someone’s love. To me, you’re the widower of a stranger. Regarding the other issue, the letter, I understand you wanted to spare me, but if you want our relationship to work, you have to promise never to hide anything from me again. No matter what excuse you give, I’m not fragile.”
“You have my word. Nothing but the truth between us.”
Chapter 50
One month later
“Why are we having dinner at your parents’ house on a weekday?”
I glance sideways and notice she’s restless. My little firecracker seems ready to take off at any moment. “You can barely sit still, can you?”
“Of course I can. I’m not anxious, just trying to understand.”
“Baby, you’re the worst liar in the world.”
“Okay, maybe I’m a little anxious, but only because I don’t like surprises.”
“And the lies keep piling up . . .”
“I could punish you for keeping secrets.”
Oops!
“What kind of punishment are we talking about?” Now I’m paying close attention. If it’s a sex strike, the idea of a surprise will quickly change.
“I’ll think of something, but maybe I’ll tie you to the bed and pleasure you endlessly.”
“That sounds more like a gift than a punishment.”
“God, you’re such a relentless negotiator. Now you’ve got me.”
“You should have offered something challenging because, love, being with you naked, pleasuring me, even with hands tied, is my definition of paradise.”
“I give up.”
We’re stopped at the traffic light, and I pull her in for a kiss. “The truth is, we’ll have two surprises today.”
“Oh my God! You must be trying to give me gastritis from so much anxiety.”
I drive in silence for a while, and I can see her agitation increasing. When we finally arrive at my mother’s house, before she can jump out, I pull her into my arms. “Haven’t they ever told you that the anticipation can be more fun than the surprise itself?”
“For people who don’t suffer from anxiety, maybe it works. Not in my case. Is there anything I can do to convince you to tell me?” She wiggles on my lap, teasing.
“Why listen when you can see?”
We look at each other in silence for just a few seconds, but then she cups my face and kisses me. First, very gently, and the next moment, we’re burning up.
“My God, love.” I pull away to catch my breath. “How do you do that?”
“What?” She also seems a bit dazed. Lost in our world.
“You drive me crazy too quickly.”
