Page 78 of Secrets of the Six

Denied an answer, a loud commotion sounds outside my bedroom doors before they fly open revealing a pissed off Doña Otero limping toward us. Her eyes widen when she spots us tangled together. Ines pulls the sheets up to cover her chest as we sit up and lean our backs against my wooden headboard.

"I see you received my message," I offer in jest greeting, hoping to squash the tension, but instead accelerate Otero's wrath.

"Oh, I did indeed," she seethes, placing both her hands on the pommel of her cane. Her gaze slides from me to Ines and she smiles sweetly. "Ines, darling, would you be so kind as to wrap that blanket around yourself and get dressed in the bedroom down the hall? Lupe brought an outfit and will help you get ready to leave. I'd like to have a moment alone with my godson."

Ines and I exchange a quick glance before she carefully wraps the sheet around her like a long dress. Although I sense she's embarrassed how we were discovered, she tilts her chin slightly higher and walks by Otero as if she was the lady of this house. The thought of more mornings like this with Ines, being able to call her mine, is worth the tongue lashing I'm about to receive.

Otero slowly closes the bedroom door once Ines disappears over the threshold and claims the armchair closest to the fireplace. "Is it safe to assume you are just as exposed as Ines under that blanket?"

I nod, willing my wings to disappear and the magical tattoo reforms on my back. "You would be correct."

"Then do us both a favor and stay seated."

I swipe my cigs from the nightstand and light one. "Do you mind if I smoke?"

"It's your house," she says flippantly. "You're allowed to participate in whatever unhealthy habit you like."

There's certainly a dig in there somewhere, but I don't care to unravel it. Not today.

I exhale a large puff of smoke, pinching the cig between my index and middle fingers, and motion for her to speak. "Let's have it, Tia. What lecture do you have queued for me?"

She stares at me silently and if I wasn't used to being on the receiving end of that signature Otero glare, I'd be unnerved. "Is this to be a long-term arrangement?"

I squint, confused by her question. "I don't know what you're referring to."

"Oh, come off it, boy!" She smashes her cane against the floor, her feathers officially ruffled. "Are you going to be sleeping with her regularly or is this a one-time affair?"

"You'd have to ask her," I smirk, trying to play nonchalant, but deep down I have no idea if Ines will have me twice.

"I intend to" – she straightens, eyeing me as if she's going to catch me in a lie – "But I'd like to hear it from your own lips.

The ghost of Ines' touch haunts me, leaving me to swallow hard and meet my Tia's unwavering glare. "You are well aware I am not a one-time type of man."

"I'm also aware you haven't been in a real relationship your entire adult life," she fires back.

Her words are not untrue, but they sting all the same. I've kept myself free of relationships for this very reason. I cannot afford any distractions.

Otero's eyes soften, though her tone remains firm and clipped. "You realize if anyone finds out she spent the night here with you, our plan for Rogelio to propose will die. All our hopes at discovering the extent of Severo's crimes gone like that," she snaps to emphasize her point.

"Tia – "

"Now, I don't care what you and Ines do once Cassius is sitting on his rightful throne. Until then, keep your hands to yourself." She shoots up from the chair and stares daggers at me. "Do I make myself clear?"

I exhale another waft of smoke, letting it sting my eyes. "Perfectly."

"Good." She makes for the door. "Now clean yourself up and make sure you're at the ball tonight." Just like that, she slams the door behind her.

A few minutes later, I watch from my window as Otero ushers a polished Ines to her awaiting carriage, Lupe in tow. I feel rebellion boiling in my blood. I have done a lot for Doña Otero and would willingly give my life in her stead if it ever came down to it, but I won't sacrifice Ines. She's mine. Whether she be my downfall or salvation, she is mine.

Chapter 27

Ines

Sitting opposite Doña Otero in the carriage seems like an entire lifetime spent in silence. She stares out her window and I'm not sure I care for her reservation. I'd rather she speak freely or scream at me than ignore me.

My eyes slide to meet Lupe's gaze and thankfully she's not looking at me any differently. If anything, I sense pride, or dare I say, approval emanating from her. When she winks at me, my suspicions are confirmed that at least one of these mighty women isn't cross with me.

I jut my chin toward Doña Otero, sparking a non-verbal conversation with Lupe about how deep of shit I'm in. Lupe rolls her eyes and gently nudges her elbow against Otero's arm. The Doña’s face is marred with wrinkles, as if all of her thoughts have seeped out of her brain and spilled onto her forehead. She glares at Lupe who nods her head toward me, spurring the matriarch to finally look my way.