When my father doesn’t continue, and the casino emerges in the distance, I lick my lips. “Father, I don’t understand.”
He growls, irritation rolling off him in waves, and I cringe.I don’t like disappointing him.
“We all have an important role to play—yours is no less valuable than Mateo’s.”
“Because we’ll be partners.” It’s not what I want—I’d rather prove I can run the business on my own—but I also don’t want to take Mateo’s birthright away from him.
“Because your brother will need someone he can trust completely to do what needs done in order to make things run smoothly and successfully.”
“But I thought?—”
The car comes to halt, the tires squeaking. “You were allowed to think whatever you wanted because you were a child. But you’re not a child anymore, Valentina. You’re a young woman—a Reyes—and it’s time you learn your place in this family.”
Tears instantly form along my lash line, and I blink furiously to keep their descent at bay.
“Do not cry,” he snaps, and I close my eyes quickly to hide the evidence. He’s so much harsher than he’s ever been, and something about it terrifies me.
“I want to help our family,” I choke out.
“And help you will. By serving those who need you.”
I nod, defeat filling every cell in my body. Maybe I’m overreacting. Father always says that’s something I could make an Olympic sport. I’m sure once I prove I’m right for the job, I’ll get what I was born to inherit.
Opening my eyes, I inhale and plaster on a small smile.I can do this.
“I’m not saying any of this to hurt you—you are now and always will be my princess—but the world is a cruel place, and showing weakness will do nothing but make you a target. Reyes men, and women, have no weakness.”
“Yes, Father. I understand.” I reach for the handle, ready to get as far away from this conversation as I can.
Before I can open the door, a valet comes forward, opening it for me before extending his hand. He’s a younger man, barely a few years older than me, his skin so pale, the freckles on his cheeks look like they were drawn on with a Sharpie. His blond hair flops to the side in a cute but very boyish look. He smiles at me, a genuine expression, and small butterflies erupt in my stomach.
I slide my hand into his as I stand, and he squeezes softly. I gasp at the intensity of it all. I crave this feeling—being wanted—and even though he’s far too old, far too beneath my station, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to kiss him. I bet it would be both thrilling and dangerous.
Is that wrong?
“Valentina,” my father barks, and I rip my hand from the valet’s, turning to face him. My cheeks heat as embarrassment blossoms through my chest, quickly followed by shame as I’m met with a glare that could kill. “Let’s go. Now.”
I nod, starting toward the entrance without a backward glance. As my father passes the valet, I hear him whisper, “If you even look at her again, I’ll have you fired and blacklisted at every place from here to Las Vegas. Do you hear me, boy?”
I don’t hear the valet’s reply, but I don’t have to.You never disagree with Mario Reyes.
We near my father’s office, and I notice voices filtering out, a variety of deep laughter and gruff words.
“Valentina.” My father’s hand wraps around my upper arm, halting my confident strides. His touch sends instant fear coursing through me, and I turn, wide eyes flicking up to his hard ones. “You will serve these men today; they are extremely important to our business, and I’ve told them you were coming. They’re excited to meet you.”
I nod, steeling myself for whatever comes next.
He lowers his voice a fraction, and I strain to hear him over the machines and voices filling the smoky casino. “No matter what it is, you will serve them. Fear is a weakness?—”
“And Reyeses don’t have weakness,” I finish, my voice firm even as my heart gallops in my throat.
His fingers loosen, a final nod passing between us before he steps ahead of me and into the room of waiting men.
This moment feels monumental, and I only allow myself a few spare seconds to compose myself.
I am Valentina, and today is the day I become a Reyes.
It’ll also be the first time I attempt to kill myself.
