Henry rolled his eyes, then as if he needed to remain on guard, he scanned around again as he spoke, “You two didn’t get awful names. So, pipe down.”
Carlos smiled as he went over across the aisle and looked through outfits on the women’s racks. “That is because there are only so many last names he could give us and they are all in beautiful Spanish,Agnus.”
“Ha-ha.” Henry scoffed. “Goody for you.”
We all went and moved through the store, adding various items to our possible purchase.
“Do not pick out any undergarments unless it is for yourself,” I warned them. “The jokes can only go so far. Then they might cross the line.”
“Line? What line?” Carlos asked. “These two have erased all the lines.” He motioned to our guards. “Besides, I really like what I saw in the window of Victoria's Secret.” He jiggled his brows at me.
I shook my head and forced myself to not crack a smile. “You know I detest pink, Pedro. So what are those?” I motioned to the outfits in his hands. “They aren’t your size.”
He smirked. “I picked them out for you, sweet Silvia.”
I knew this already, I just wanted to see them.
He extended one out toward me and said, “This is a jumpsuit type outfit. I think the color will compliment that beautiful hair and skin you have.”
I stared at it and felt surprised. I really liked it. It was cute, a deep blue and not too revealing. “Maldito, I like this.” I checked the tag and saw it was my size.
He nodded and then showed me the other one. “This is a summer dress. Now I know you probably don’t wear dresses much but it is for going out to dinner.”
I looked it over. It was yellow and white, subtle but classy. Again, my size as well. “Wow, Carlos,” I said as I couldn’t hide the shock in my voice. “I like that one too. I am surprised at your expertise in women’s fashion.” I chuckled.
Nodding, he stepped closer and looked into my mirth filled eyes as he spoke softly to me, “When you were a child, I did notice you. The yellow and white sundress brought it all back.”
I blinked at him as I never knew that. I had seen him just a few times then I was sent to my Nana. I had never forgotten the visits though. I think I had a girl crush on him even when I was very young.
He went on with what he remembered, “You had a dress in those colors back then. I got a visual of that dress and I suddenly remembered you very well. You loved to twirl around in it. Youwere bright eyed and laughed so much. Such a happy little girl. Always with a smile. And Alex loved you for it. He would grab you up and have you ride on his back as he rushed around in the yard. You would squeal and giggle while hanging on. I think I can still hear that blessed sound in my mind sometimes. So pure and so warm. Alex told me one time,if anyone ever takes that joy from her…I will inflict pain upon them.”
I stared at him in shock. Alex never laid a fist on anyone that I ever knew of. I never remember any anger, violence or sadness in him either.
“I am telling you this because I have decided that I will take up that torch,” Carlos stated as he didn’t take his eyes off my face. “I want to spend my life keeping that joy in your eyes.”
My heart nearly stopped in my chest as my breath wouldn’t come.
Grabbing me up, he wrapped his arms around me with the outfits in hand and kissed me sweetly.
I slowly reached up and put my arms around his neck.
The kiss was sweet, not full of sexy intentions. It seemed to be a silent assurance of a promise made. A solemn vow. To speak in soft words just what Rain had said a few minutes ago…A single act of love makes the soul return to life.
Finally, breaking the kiss, Carlos took a step back.
I reached up with my fingers and brushed them across myjust kissedlips. I couldn’t think as I had no logical response to what he just did and said. For the first time in my life I felt something shift inside me. And it wasn’t what I was used to feeling. Something warm and resolute resonated through me. I stared at him. For years, this man had been the devil himself in my mind. I blamed him for taking my brother away. I had traced him and tracked him. All I thought about was revenge. I even fantasized about killing him. Now here he stood in front of meafter turning me inside out and changing my entire perspective. My hands shook and I clasped them in front of me.
Silence seemed to reign around us.
I blinked rapidly and looked around for Henry and Rain.
They were both two racks away and seemed to be studying some outfits. They looked distracted and they were entirely too quiet as compared to their constant banter and noise. They did however, keep an eye on us, ever being the guards.
Finally, they wandered back over and they had various outfits on their arms now too.
“Khorosho, Pedro and Silvia,” Rain said. “Are we ready to check out?”
I had to remain mute as I gave him a firm nod. I simply didn’t trust my voice to sound normal right this minute. Then I looked over at Henry.
