Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 149338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
I pushed off the post, needing a moment to myself. Walking out onto the veranda, resting my elbows on the ledge. Taking a deep breath as I looked out at the sun reflecting off the water. Remembering all the happy times with the two women that were taken away from me too soon. Memories cut short by unnecessary violence. My eyes went to the Olympic-sized pool where I first learned how to swim. I could still see Amari teasing me because I couldn’t hold my breath as long as she could. My mother watching adoringly as her two prized possessions enjoyed what it was really like to be kids. Laughing, running around, playing tag, and whatever else we used to come up with.
We were all peaceful without my father around barking orders. Thank God he hardly ever came with us. It was the only time I ever felt free from the Martinez name.
I bowed my head, shaking off the images playing in my head like a goddamn movie reel, missing them even more now. I felt Lexi come up behind me, wanting to comfort the broken man in front of her, but knowing better than to do so.
“Why did you bring me here if this house brings you so much pain?” she asked, walking up beside me.
“I wanted you to see the good part of my life growing up, Lexi,” I simply stated the truth, looking back out at the water.
“This place is gorgeous. I’ve never seen such a breathtakingly beautiful estate in all my life.” She gently placed her hand over mine on the ledge. I let her, relaxing under her touch.
“My mother spent years making sure it was a little piece of heaven. A safe place for my sister and I to be kids.”
“Where are we?”
“Colombia.”
“Oh…” I could feel her fidgeting next to me, her anxiety burning a hole in my side.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you. I’m wanted more dead here than I am in the States. I run Colombia, which is all the more reason they want me gone. For your safety, I can’t take you out of this house. I wish I could, but I won’t risk your life. I’m sorry, cariño.”
“Are you serious?” she questioned, turning me to face her. “I don’t care about any of that. All I want to be is with you.” I turned my head away. “Look at me.” I did, taking in her sincere expression. “We could be in a shack right now and I’d be happy. None of that matters to me. I come from nothing, and I can appreciate the beauty in all of this, but it doesn’t matter to me.” Placing her hands on my chest, looking deep into my eyes. “You matter to me. I love you, Alejandro.”
“Lexi—”
“I know. You don’t have to say it back. I know you love me, because I know you. In here.” She set her hand over my heart. “Let’s make some new, amazing, happy memories here. Your mom would want that.”
“Yeah…” I nodded. “She would.”
For the next two weeks, we did just that. Spending our days relaxing, talking, and swimming in the pool. Seeing her in a tiny piece of cloth she claimed was a swimsuit, instantly made me fucking hard. Let’s just say not much swimming was done, and I owed her some new suits. Our nights were spent lying together out on the lounger, on the patio, after dinner. Lexi wrapped in my arms, both of us staring up at the sky, watching the sun dip into the water. Sometimes we would talk, but often we didn’t. There was no need for words.
We just enjoyed one another’s company. Then I’d take her to bed and spend hours consumed with her body. There wasn’t an inch of her skin that I didn’t touch, lick, or kiss. When I was done having my way with her, she’d lay in my arms, passing out as I rubbed her back. I stayed with her for a few hours, watching her sleep, the way her chest would rise and fall with each breath, how her pouty lips would part, her hair cascading all around her face. She was so content and happy. It brought me great joy knowing I was the cause.
Late into the night I would slip out of the room leaving her to rest. I’d sit in front of the family portrait over the mantle, rubbing my fingers over my lips, staring at it for I don’t know how long. Contemplating over and over if I was the same man as my father. The one I hated so fucking much. Watching the ghosts of my mother and sister dancing around me, wondering when my time would come, too. Praying their souls were resting in peace. Every morning the sun would come up, and Lexi would wake, knowing where I was. She’d sit with me, laying her head on my lap, as I ran my fingers through her soft brown hair.