Eliana
I am exhausted. An afternoon with the Paradigm team will do that. Ethan has no business being in every meeting regarding the PR side of things, but he’s always there anyway, and I have no doubt it’s to get to me. He challenges me on things he has no knowledge of, but I have managed to remain calm and pretend he’s just another difficult client.
After letting myself into my apartment, I turn around and nearly jump out of my skin. “Mom!?”
“Well, hello, Eliana. I figured I’d come see you since you refuse to take my calls or drive home despite being only two hours away.” She pretends to remove non-existent lint from her immaculate white coat.
I roll my eyes, placing my bag on the counter. “What do you want?” I reach into the fridge for a bottle of water, offering her one. She waves me off.
“I need a reason to see my daughter?” She mocks surprise.
“You haven’t cared about me in all the years we lived together, so yeah, I’m pretty surprised you’d start now.”
Her lips press into a thin line.
“Why don’t you just tell me the real reason you’re here.” I press, certain she has a reason. If there is one thing I know about Serafina Hernandez, it’s that she never does anything, especially reach out to me, unless she wants something.
“Ethan says you and that bodyguard of yours are getting pretty cozy lately. He’s moved in here for one,” her eyes narrow into slits. “I wouldn’t want your father to get the wrong idea.”
I sigh. “Why doesn’t Ethan just mind his own business? I’m an adult, Mother, and I don’t need to answer to anyone, least of all that asshole.”
“I don’t think you understand that this engagement is going ahead. Your father and the Ferreiras have an arrangement, and that means you don’t get to fool around with whoever you please. You are a Hernandez, and you will do as you’re instructed. You forget how easy it is for all of this to change.” Her expensive bangles clang together as she motions to my apartment.
My fists clench at my sides, and I turn my back to her. How dare she threaten me. I take a deep breath before I look at her again. The smug look on her face tells me she thinks she’s won. But that’s always been my mother’s problem, she underestimates me.
“Get out,” I say in the calmest voice I can muster.
‘Excuse me?” she frowns.
“I said, get out of my home, and don’t you dare come back here uninvited.” She stands straightens her skirt, her chin tilted up.
Stalking toward me, she stops inches from my face. “You will regret this, Eliana.”
I tug her handbag, and she gasps in disbelief. I step back, placing it on the counter rummaging through it until I find the key to my apartment. “This belongs to me,” I inform her before stuffing the rest of the contents back in and pressing it to her chest. Cold eyes meet mine before she turns and walks out of my apartment.
I sink onto the couch, tears burning as they fall from my eyes. I swipe them away angrily. I will not let her get to me. I won’t let her ruin what I’ve worked so hard for.
I hear the door open and look up to see Brax. He’s by my side in seconds. “What’s wrong? Did someone try to hurt you?”
I shake my head. The concern in his voice is like a balm to my aching soul.
He crouches in front of me, his hands running over me. God, he makes me feel safe, but I wonder if he alone can save me from my family. I know what they’re capable of. I’ve lived through it.
I sniff. “My mother was here.”
“Where is she?” I look up, his soft gray eyes looking at me thoughtfully.
“She left, but not before threatening me.” His jaw clenches, and he bows his head. “Ethan’s been feeding her information. She knows there’s something going on between us.”
He places his hands on my thighs. “Look at me.” I look away unable to bring myself to get lost in those eyes again. He grips my chin lightly, turning my face till I’m looking at him. “We will sort this out. I promise.”
“How can you say that, Brax? You don’t know what they’re like.” I stand, his hands dropping as I walk to the open balcony door. I need air, and space, even from him.
What the hell was I thinking? I’ve dragged Brax into this because I couldn’t control myself around him.
Strong arms wrap around me, and I can’t help but lean against his chest. “I don’t want you getting caught in the crossfire.” I explain.
“Worrying about your safety and my own is my job, not yours. He kisses my neck, and a tremor runs through me. He holds onto me tighter.
