Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65682 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65682 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
“Come or don’t. I’d prefer you didn’t anyway,” I tell him and turn back to continue on my path, slipping inside the elevator before he can join me.
As soon as the elevator doors open, I rush out and cross the lobby like a woman on a mission, with a purpose.
As I make my way out of the hotel and to the salon, my heart races with anticipation. I'm trying to keep my cool, but the risk of being caught by my father’s men always lingers at the back of my mind.
The salon is a block and a half away, and finally, I step inside with a smile, looking like every other rich bitch inside.
“How can I help you?”
I smile at the pretty receptionist. “I’d like to make a hair appointment for next week.” I give her the details, and she enters them into a sleek black tablet.
She grins at me. “Okay, how’s next Tuesday at ten?”
“Perfect,” I say, glancing around to make sure none of Papa's men are following me. “Do you mind if I use the back exit?”
“No, go right ahead.” She points to a corridor with framed images of different hair care models. “Down the hall. It'll take you to the private parking area.”
“Thank you. See you next week!” That was easy enough. If Santiago comes snooping on my whereabouts, he’ll see that I’m not lying.
I slip into the bathroom and pull on a pair of oversized jeans and a shapeless flannel before tying my hair in a bun and slipping a pair of stylish sunglasses over my nose. I’m perfectly incognito as I slip out the door and into the back of an Uber.
“Maria?” The driver asks over his shoulder.
“Si,” I respond and keep my gaze out the window. I don’t know why Dix feels the need to do so much, be so secretive, but I go with it because I want to see him again.
My heart pounds as the car merges with the street traffic, excitement pumping through me because I know soon I’ll be in his arms. His lips will press against mine, and I’ll be in complete ecstasy.
In heaven.
When I’m with Dix, it feels like more than just lust. More than mind-blowing fucks. It’s as if nothing outside of us exists. Not Reckless Souls, not Papa, and not the cartel.
The whole fucking world goes away.
I’m probably fooling myself by falling for Dix. But how can I not fall for such a wonderful man?
But Dix is in danger if Papa finds out about us. And then he’d force me to marry another one of his soldiers, despite his apology about Alejandro. I can’t let that happen, not Dix’s death or a second unwanted marriage, so I have to be very careful.
I smile at my reflection in the window. He does care. Dix is doing all of this because he knows that this is the only way for us to be together without risking everything.
He feels it too.
“We’re here, Ma’am.”
“Thank you.” I smile briefly at the driver and toss a tip over the front seat, rushing out of the car before he can get a good look at my face.
When he drives away, I look down at the burner phone and follow the directions until I’m on the doorstep of an adorable blue and white house with navy blue shutters.
Dix opens the door and pulls me by the waist until I’m inside, kicking the door closed behind us. I drop my bag and wrap my arms around him, pressing my body against his. The heat and the hardness of him make me forget everything else.
Breathless, Dix pulls back and smiles at me. “Even dressed like that, you’re the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.”
I smile, feeling my skin heat at his words. “You should see what I have on underneath.” I look around the quaint house with comfortable-looking furniture. “Is this your house?” It’s not where I pictured a man like him would live.
“No, baby. But it’s ours for right now.” He smiles, and my heart gallops like a wild horse. “Come on. I have food for us too.”
I smile at the thought of spending so much time with him and place my hand in his. “Food? Is this a date?”
Dix turns back to me. “I guess it’s technically our first date.”
“This might be my first date,” I admit. “If you don’t include high school dances with boys too afraid of Papa to try anything.”
“Idiots,” he growls and tugs me into the cute kitchen with the island counter and six-seat wooden table.
I smile at his unintended compliment. No man has ever gone through this kind of effort for me, to make me feel special. Men in Columbia try to impress me with their cars and jewelry, big houses, and vacations. But I know they are all paid to be loyal to my father.