When Bud found her, he rushed her to the hospital. Angela held her hand, and the nurses prayed, but it wasn’t enough. Her last breaths became my first.
Cihuateteo. That was the name the Aztecs gave women who died during childbirth. They believed these women entered the highest realm of heaven, reserved for their strongest warriors. That’s the only place she exists now. I have no pictures to compare to, no family to ask questions about her. Nothing. She told Bud and Angela my name and about my father, and that was it.
“So then why didn’t you take me to my father?” I ask, my voice shaking with anger.
“We were worried. The Consuelos had a reputation, and I didn’t want to put our family in danger if it wasn’t true.”
“So you didn’t believe her?”
“I didn’t know what to believe, Efren!” Bud shouts, his eyes glossed over.
That had been the last of our conversations. I wish I never knew the truth. Never knew about the Consuelo family. Something in me grew to resent them, especially the asshole stepping into the elevator with me.
Patricio Consuelo.
He and his younger brother, Enrique, are both dressed in designer suits, holding briefcases. On their left hands, where you would find wedding rings, there are large black rings with a raised golden skull in the center instead. Some type of family heirloom I assume, though I’ve never seen Adrian with one.
“What could go wrong with another arranged marriage?” Enrique says sarcastically before answering his own question. “Let’s see, Patricio, first, Olivia and that piece of shit cop everyone thought would be a good fit. Then there’s Thalia and Silas. Thank fucking God Silas didn’t seek revenge.”
Patricio adjusts the cuffs of his suit, not a care in the fucking world. It’s the first time I’ve been around him. Enough to notice the features of his face, light eyes like Olivia’s with a strong jaw and high cheek bones. He could easily pass for fifteen years younger than he is.
“I’d say Preston Cuevas is our best chance at redemption for this family,” Patricio says before noticing me and giving his brother a shut-the-fuck-up-we-have-company look.
But I already know about Ariella Reyes, the cartel princess and youngest daughter of Aurelio Reyes and Adriana Consuelo. In Calavera Hotels, secrets hide in every corner.
“Efren! ¿Cómo estás?Patricio, have you met Adriano’s friend?” Enrique says after recognizing me.
Patricio extends his hand. I stare at it then meet his grip begrudgingly.
“He’s the one who’s been creating all the new specials in the restaurant and helping Olivia with the weekend brunch. Our ratings have almost doubled.”
“I’d expect nothing less from someone who’s freeloading off my nephew,” Patricio says, his hand still firm in mine.
I hold his weighted stare and release a brief chuckle through my pressed together lips. Dropping his hand, I move in close. This asshole thinks he’s everyone’s father. The high and mighty protector of the Consuelo family name. And his tone suggests that I’m a threat.
Good.
I am.
At least to him. In fact, I’d lay him out cold and dead inthis elevator if Enrique wasn’t here watching us. We stand there staring each other down before the elevator stops at the third floor. Enrique pushes Patricio out of the elevator and chastises him under his breath.
I turn, and our eyes stay locked as my fists clench at my sides. The doors finally close, and I make my way up to the thirteenth floor. I have more important matters than Patricio Consuelo.
Chapter 14
Alma
Mireya
Alma. Are you still mad at me?
I told you sorry like a zillion times. Adrian told him to leave and he refused.
Thalia
I’m not in this.
Alma
