Carmen
Sadness.
I’d known such sadness all my life. I’d also known tragedy. To learn about Rodriguez and the fact he’d been using me had taken a piece of my soul. However, I was glad to know the truth. Learning that my father did love me and had tried to protect me had at least given me comfort, even though he was still a brutal monster.
Finding love with Sebastian was unexpected and so beautiful, although knowing that both our fathers had decided we should be together years before was unconventional. Maybe they knew we were meant to be together.
As we strolled along the beach hand in hand, I knew there was so much on his mind. We’d both been very quiet over the past few days. While he’d said little, I’d learned that Rodriguez was still on the run, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would be found.
Bastard.
I no longer wanted to look to the past. I was ready to share a future with the man I loved.
The roar of the ocean was calm in comparison to the rapid beating of my heart. There were so many things I wanted to say to him, dreams I hoped would come true, but I didn’t know where to begin.
When I heard the sound of his voice, I leaned against him, my pussy quivering as it always did when he spoke.
“I have something for you,” he said in his usual dominating tone, one I’d come to love.
“You do?”
“Yes.” He reached into the pocket of his jeans, pulling out a folded envelope.
“Doesn’t look like diamonds or furs.” I laughed, more than curious what was inside.
“You know, I don’t see you as that kind of girl.”
He knew me too well. I hesitated before opening, unfolding what appeared to be a letter. After reading, I sucked in my breath. “What is this?”
“Your freedom.”
“But I don’t understand. Don’t you love me? Was this all a game?” I glanced at the letter again, every part of me shaking.
Dear Ms. Garcia:
We are pleased to inform you that you’ve been accepted as a soloist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra for a long-term contract. Please note that we will begin a world tour in one month…
I couldn’t read it again. He was sending me away. Tears sprang to my eyes. “I don’t…”
He took both hands into his, pulling them to his mouth and kissing every finger. “Listen to me. I love you, Carmen. I love everything about you from your laugh to the way your nose wrinkles when you talk. I adore your rebellious side and the love of music that you have. I was selfish in taking you from what you love. I’m not a good man. I’ve done some horrible things in my life but taking you away from your single joy isn’t going to be one of them.”
I could tell he was serious, a man who felt so much guilt. “What if I don’t want to go?”
“The decision is entirely yours, but I encourage you to follow your heart and your dream.”
I was stunned at his generosity and his love. I could see it in his eyes. He was so proud of me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him tightly against me. “I don’t know.”
“Just think about it. Promise me.”
“I will.” I tipped my head as he lowered his and in the next few minutes, the kiss that we shared was unlike any from before. I knew in my heart he was right, that this was my choice and I had to decide carefully what to do. When he captured my mouth, I melted against him. I loved him more than I could say.
This would be the most difficult decision of my life.