Papa and the man, who I think is Aurora’s dad, lead us to a room where a woman waits for us.
“Okay, little moon. Papa has to work. You can play with Aurora here until we’re done, okay?”
I nod. “Yes, Papa. We’re going to be best friends. Have fun with work!”
I turn back to my new friend and forget all about my Papa. I’ve always wanted a best friend. I really hope Aurora can be that for me.
CHAPTER TWO
Mariana
Age Thirteen
“Little moon?”
I turn at the knock on my door, grinning when I realize Papa is home. He’s been gone for almost two weeks, taking care of business in Colombia. I wanted to go with him, but he said this wasn’t the time to come. Something bad was going down in Colombia, but he wouldn’t tell me what it was.
I’m just glad he’s finally home.
“Come in, Papa!”
MARIANA
I have to go, Aurora!
Papa’s home!
AURORA
Tell him I said hi.
Text me later.
MARIANA
Will do!
“Who are you talking to?” Papa asks, shutting the door behind him and joining me on the bed.
“Aurora, duh.” I roll my eyes playfully. “Who else would I be talking to?”
He shrugs. “What do I know? You’re a teenager and in high school now. Maybe you met a boy or made some new friends.”
“Yeah, right. I’m two years younger than the boys in my grade, and a year younger than the freshmen. Even they think I’m too young.” I shrug. It used to bother me how I was treated since I’m so much younger than everyone else. Now, I have Aurora, and she accepts me just the way I am. She’s all I need.
“That’s their loss. My daughter is a catch, and if they don’t see that, then they’re all blind and stupid.”
I giggle. “You have to say that, Papa.”
He shrugs. “Maybe, but it doesn’t make it any less true. I’m sorry I was gone so long. Someone came afterEl Jefe, and he needed me at his side.”
“Is he okay?”El Jefeis Papa’s boss, running the Colombian cartel. Papa is in charge of the US branch, but he still answers toEl Jefe.
I met him once last year, and I still don’t know his real name. Papa only refers to him asEl Jefeand says I must do the samebecause it’s a sign of respect. I truly don’t mind. He’s a little scary at times, but he was very kind to me.
“He is, and we eliminated the threat. Unfortunately, there were losses on our side.”
“Fabian?” I whisper, unsure how I would feel if my older brother were dead. We’re not close, and while I wasn’t sure how he felt about me when I was younger, there’s no doubt that he hates me. He tolerates my younger brothers, but he makes his disdain for me clear whenever Papa isn’t around.
