Top of Form
As soon as we made it back to Alejandro’s office, he wasted no time, going behind his desk and pouring himself a drink.
He took a sip, then said, almost to himself, “I think people would be more appreciative of life if they knew exactly when it’s going to end for them.”
I didn’t respond right away.
He glanced at me. “Seriously, if people woke knowing the date of their death, most would move differently… value things differently.”
I leaned against the wall slightly. “Or panic.”
A small, devilish smirk appeared on his face. “That too,” he agreed. “But one thing they surely wouldn’t do?” Alejandro set his glass down. “Is steal from me… not if they know how close they’ll be to losing everything.”
I nodded. “Some people don’t think that far ahead.”
“Some people don’t think at all,” he corrected, then waved his hand lightly, like he was done with the subject. “You can take the rest of the day off.”
I frowned slightly. “You sure? It’s still early.”
Alejandro leaned back in his chair. “I’m sure… unless something comes up.”
I nodded. “Aight. Call me if you need anything.”
I turned to walk out, hand already reaching for the door, but I stopped.
Bottom of Form
I rubbed my face, breathing hard.
I broke the code by touching what I shouldn’t have. And even if Alejandro neversaidAjori was off limits, he didn’t have to; that shit should’ve been understood.
I lived by loyalty, and that was damn near betrayal.
I turned around slowly. “I need to talk to you… man-to-man.”
Alejandro tilted his head. “Man-to-man? That’s a first. That serious, huh?”
“Yeah.”
He didn’t interrupt, just waited.
“I slept with Ajori,” I revealed. “I ain’t gon’ lie or spin it. It happened, and I take full responsibility. I ain't blaming her, or saying it was a mistake, but I do know she’s your daughter, and I owe you the respect of saying it to your face before anybody else tries to.”
Alejandro leaned back in his chair, glaring at me. “You fucked my daughter, Domino?”
I didn’t flinch. “Yes, sir.”
He stood up real slowly; the type of slow that had me questioning if I was about to get hugged, hemmed up, or if that was the last time I’d be breathing.
He walked toward me and stopped just inches away… then he smirked. “I knew it wouldn’t be long.”
That caught me off guard. “Huh?”
He laughed, low and rough. “Domino, I’ve been around long enough to know when two people done crossed that line. You think I ain’t seen the way you look at her? The way she looks at you? She came down to breakfast looking like she’d seen God, and you was avoiding eye contact like a teenager. I ain’t blind. I’m old school, and wewatchbefore we speak.”
I chuckled awkwardly, but I was still tense.
He got serious again. “No worries. I’m not upset. You came to me like a man…that’swhy I ain’t kill you where you stand. I respect a man who owns his shit. That being said… you have my blessing. But hear me when I say this. I love you like a son, Domino. You already know that. But that girl? That’s mymijayou touched. I already failed Ajori by not being around when she needed me. She doesn’t need another man with a name and a story breaking her in pieces and possibly fuck her up worse. If youhurt her—emotionally, physically, mentally, I don’t give a damn what kind—I will hurt you. I’ll bury our bond, our history, and our loyalty six feet deep. That girl is the last thing I got to make peace with this life I built, and I willnotlet you fumble that.”
