Sebastian
I stood in my office, struggling to maintain a level head. The call for a meeting with Santiago had come much sooner than I’d expected. At least John knew that I’d been serious. There were too many hanging pieces to what had turned out to be a very vile game. I was finished with playing, ready to move on and it didn’t matter if I had to clean house.
The pictures and accompanying news articles my father had given me were fascinating. I’d been able to check the information, finding that there was truth in what had been saved for all these years. I sighed and shoved the envelope into my jacket, only to use the information if necessary.
I glanced at the clock and exhaled. Almost three in the morning.
The darkness had enveloped the city like a suffocating blanket, even though South Beach never really slept. Tonight, I didn’t want to leave the warmth of my bed or the woman I’d invited to share it with me, but there was no other recourse.
I heard footsteps and resisted bristling. The moment I saw her reflection in the glass door, I exhaled.
“You’re leaving?” Carmen asked.
“I have business that needs to be dealt with.”
“Business.” She moved closer. “You mean whatever mess is going on with my father.”
I nodded slowly, realizing this was more than just difficult for her. I turned to face her, studying the worry lines on her face. “There are certain extenuating circumstances and others involved with whoever is attempting to destroy my family and my reputation, but you are well aware of what I need to do.”
“More violence.”
“Your father continues to break the terms of our deal.”
“I know he destroyed your shipments, but this is about more. Isn’t it? And not just me.” She inched closer.
I found her astuteness refreshing. “You’re correct. My father is likely dying, which will lead to those believing our family is weak if the situation continues.”
“Oh, Sebastian. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. He’s taking my mother on a trip of a lifetime. It’s his choice. However, it’s now my decision to fix an issue that obviously was created between them years ago.”
Carmen narrowed her eyes as she closed the distance. “Are you suggesting that my father and your father actually worked together?”
“I know they did. I simply don’t have a handle on what capacity. It’s as if my father is leaving a trail of breadcrumbs.” I snorted at the thought as I remembered the conversation in his office at the birthday party. Everyone kept secrets, including my father.
“A test?”
“I think it’s more than that and I’m going to find out tonight. Santiago does have at least some answers.”
She seemed so small in her bare feet as she stood only inches away. “Then you’re going to kill him.”
“I’ll do what needs to be done, Carmen.” I heard the knock and moved toward the doorway, sighing when she gripped my arm.
“If you kill my father, what happens to my mother and my father’s businesses?”
“I have no plans of hurting your mother. I also would prefer to keep your father alive and I’ll do so as long as he accepts the fact I’m in control.”
“And you know that’s never going to happen,” she said almost defiantly.
I rubbed her cheek with my knuckles. “I have to go, but I promise you that I’ll be back. I’m not trying to destroy your family, Carmen. I’m merely trying to take over where my father left off. Sylvie will be here to protect you.”
“I’m not the one who needs protection, Sebastian.”
“Stop worrying. Everything will be all right. Hopefully, your father will listen to what I have to say.”
“You don’t understand how I feel about my father. You couldn’t.”
“Meaning?” I noticed the extreme coldness in her eyes, a resignation of what her father was truly made of.
She walked away from me, heading toward the window. “The pictures I accidentally saw were terrible, but I’d long since suspected just how horrible my father was. I’m not a fool and he enjoys bragging. He’s always been a cruel and heartless man. What I didn’t expect to see is a picture of the only other man I loved. My father murdered him in cold blood.”
“What?” I was surprised she felt like telling me about the boy.
“Rodriguez Martinez was special to me. We met at the university. So sweet and intelligent. The man doted on me and I fell in love. We even talked marriage.”
“The restaurant.”
“Yes,” she said, sighing. “He wasn’t good enough to be with a true princess. After the restaurant closed without notice, I asked my father whether he had anything to do with what happened to Rodriguez and he lied about it. My father had him murdered. So, if you think that I have any feelings left for my father, you’re wrong. Do what you need to do. I just don’t care any longer. While I don’t need babysitting, I will enjoy Sylvie’s company while you’re gone doing… business.” She turned abruptly, giving me a nod before moving around me and out the doorway.
I’d spent my entire life refusing to care about anyone, never getting too close. Those were the rules of engagement, a necessity in order to stay alive. What I didn’t want is for Carmen to lose the softness, the ingenue with big dreams of performing in front of huge crowds.
But she was right. I would do what was necessary.
She was my family now and for the first time in my life, I knew exactly what I wanted for the future.