254

254
Emilia’s POV
The cafe was quieter than I expected for a weekday afternoon. A few scattered patrons sat hunched over laptops or nursing cups of coffee. I fiddled with the handle of my mug, the heat radiating through the ceramic doing very little to steady my nerves.
Alonso wasn’t late-he never was-but the anticipation of seeing him again had me on edge. After the disastrous dinner, I wasn’t sure how this conversation would go. Part of me was still angry at him for the things he said about Alaric. The other part-the one that still saw him as my father-wanted to believe there was a way to bridge the gap between us.
When the door chimed, I knew it was him before I even looked up. Alonso Cruz had a presence that couldn’t be ignored. He walked in with the air of a man who owned the room, his suit crisp, his movements deliberate. His eyes found mine almost immediately, and I saw the flicker of something-relief, maybe?-before his expression hardened again.
“Emilia,” he said, his voice low but warm as he approached the table.
“Dad,” I said, surprising myself and him too. I forced a smile, standing to give him a brief hug. His arms wrapped around me hesitantly, as if unsure of how to act.
We sat down, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. He ordered an espresso, and I took a sip of my coffee, using the moment to collect my thoughts.
“You wanted to talk,” he said finally, his tone neutral but guarded.
“I did.” I set my cup down, folding my hands in my lap. “I wanted to clear the air after the dinner.”
“Ah, yes. The dinner,” he said, his lips curving into a wry smile. “Your boyfriend certainly knows how to make an impression.”
“Alaric didn’t handle things well, I’ll admit that,” I said quickly, wanting to steer the conversation before it devolved into accusations. “But neither did you.”
His eyebrows lifted slightly, and for a moment, I thought he might argue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp and calculating. “Fair enough. I wasn’t at my best either.”
I nodded, appreciating the small concession. “I want us to move past that. But I also need you to understand that Alaric is part of my life now. I love him, Dad.”
Alonso’s expression didn’t change, but I saw his jaw tighten. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “Do you even know what love is, Emilia? Or are you confusing it with the rush of danger he brings into your life?”
“It’s not like that,” I said, my voice firmer than I felt. “What I have with Alaric is real. He’s good to me. He cares about me.”
“He cares about you?” Alonso’s voice was sharp now, his eyes narrowing. “And yet he’s dragged you into his world-a world where people like me are the least of your problems. You think he’s good for you because he makes you feel alive, but that’s not love, Emilia. That’s recklessness.”
I flinched at his words but refused to back down. “It’s not recklessness. Alaric makes me feel safe in a way no one else ever has.”
His laugh was bitter, almost mocking. “Safe? You think you’re safe with him? The man has enemies around every corner. Do you have any idea what kind of danger you’re putting yourself in by staying with him?”
“I know exactly what kind of danger I’m in,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “And I’m choosing to be with him anyway.”
“Then you’re a fool.”
The words stung, but I held his gaze. “Maybe I am. But I’d rather be a fool with Alaric than be miserable trying to please you.”
Alonso’s eyes softened, just for a moment, and I thought I saw a flicker of regret. But it was gone as quickly as it came. He reached for his espresso, taking a slow sip before setting the cup down with a deliberate clink.
“I know you think I’m being cruel,” he said quietly. “But I’m only trying to protect you.”
“Protect me from what?” I demanded. “From someone who loves me? From someone who would do anything to keep me safe?”
“From a man who will always put you in harm’s way, whether he means to or not,” he said, his voice hardening again. “Alaric is a target, Emilia. And by being with him, so are you.”
I shook my head, frustration boiling over. “Do you think I don’t know that? Do you think I don’t wake up every day knowing what’s at stake? But you don’t get to decide what’s best for me, Dad. You never have. And it won’t start now.”
His hands clenched into fists on the table, and for the first time, I saw a crack in his composure. “And what happens when the danger catches up to you? What happens when he can’t protect you? Will he still be the man you think he is then?”
“He’s not perfect,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “But he’s mine. And I trust him.”
“Trust doesn’t mean anything when bullets start flying,” he said harshly.
“And what would you have me do?” I shot back. “Leave him? Pretend he doesn’t matter to me? Live a life dictated by your terms just so you can sleep better at night?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “If it means keeping you alive, then yes.”
His words were like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. I looked away, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill.
“I can’t do that,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Then you’re choosing him over your own family,” Alonso said, his tone cold and final.
I looked back at him, my heart breaking at the distance in his eyes. We’ve never been close, but it still broke my heart to see it. “I’m not choosing anyone. I’m just trying to live my life the best way I know how.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re making a mistake, Emilia. And I don’t want to be the one to say ‘I told you so’ when it all falls apart.”
“Then don’t,” I said, standing up. “Don’t say anything. Just let me live my life.”
Alonso stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he stood as well, pulling out his wallet and tossing a few bills onto the table.
“You’re stubborn,” he said, his voice softer now. “You get that from me.”
I managed a small, bitter smile. “Yeah, well, it’s not always a blessing.”
He reached out as if to touch my shoulder but stopped himself, letting his hand fall back to his side. “Be careful, Emilia. That’s all I’ll say.”
“I will,” I said, my voice steady.
He nodded once before turning and walking out of the cafe, his figure disappearing into the busy street outside.