Corrupt - Elena M. Reyes Page 0,46

I make a move, I need confirmation. We reach the main gate and find it open, a soldier on each side, and I drive through with the other cars behind me. They’ll be parking around back and emptying the accompanying cargo. Signio will be joining us for the next two days.

He’ll be persuaded into offering his assistance in creating an alibi for her.

Her hand shakes a bit, fingers squeezing mine as I park the car a few feet from the stairs that lead to my front door. I turn and meet wide-open eyes, a hint of fear in them. “Them who? Umm, what are you talking about, Alejandro?”

“We both know, and I need the truth.”

“I don’t—”

“Never lie to me, Preciosa.”

She lets out a heavy sigh, but nods. “My mom told me tonight that she plans to leave Dad.”

“When was this?”

“While I was getting dressed.”

There’s worry in her eyes, and I don’t like it. “What do you need me to do. Say it, and it’s done.”

“He won’t let her, and I’m afraid of what his reaction will be.”

“And when I said earlier I’d protect you, that includes those you love.”

17

I DON’T KNOW why I told him that, but I’m relieved. The news has been nagging at me since earlier, like a tiny splinter that progressively gets worse as the hours pass.

My mother is leaving my father, something that isn’t allowed inside of our social circle. First families don’t split up. You don’t air your dirty laundry for the world to see.

Instead, you shut up and suffer in silence.

The husband is the head of your familial unit, and his decisions are the law.

You have no word or say. Nothing comes before having the perfect unifying appearance for your constituents to envy.

But why now? Why is she doing this after confirming a wedding I want no part of?

“I don’t like it when you look sad.” His voice pulls me away from my thoughts. “All you need to do is ask, and I’ll fix it. Tell me what you need.”

“You are nothing like I thought you’d be.” My voice is low inside the car, my attention solely on him and not the world around us as his employees retake their posts and the ones who’re in charge of Signio’s well-being have disappeared to another section of his property.

Something that should worry me but doesn’t. I don’t care about him in the least.

And while Laura’s blinded by pretty words and empty promises, I’ve always known he was just another opportunistic abuser. Another man like the ones whose blood runs through my veins.

Alejandro exits the car, a chuckle escaping right before closing his door. I watch him as he comes around to my side, his natural swagger holding just the right amount of cockiness, and the smirk on his lips is maddening. In an amazing way. In a panty-destroying way. He’s enjoying my perusal while making me wait—not that I’m made to sit here for long—at the most thirty seconds pass when my door is opened and his hand appears in my line of sight.

There’s not a single second of hesitation from me as I let him pull me out. No regret as he wraps an arm around my waist and keeps me flush against his chest, lips hovering over my temple. A tiny kiss, and I shiver. A firmer grip and I bring my arms up, wrapping them around his neck, something that without these high heels I’d never be able to do.

Tipping my head back, I meet his warm eyes. They crinkle a bit at the corner with his smile. “Hello, Mr. Lucas.”

“Hello, Miss Quintero.” The long fingers of his unoccupied hand embed in my hair, pulling out the few bobby pins on the right side where a section was pulled back before wrapping them around his fists. “What did you think I’d be like? What did you know about me?”

“A woman has a right to her secrets.”

“Not when it comes to us.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” His lips kiss a path down the side of my face until reaching the corner of my mouth. “Now answer the question, Solimar. What did you know about me?” The way he’s looking at me as if he already knows about my childhood crush makes me flush. It starts at my hairline and sweeps down in a telltale sign of my obsession. “Why are you blushing?”

“Can we skip this part of the evening?”

“I might be persuaded to push it back until later for a kiss.”

“How many and where?”

“That’s a