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)
“She married my dad when she was barely seventeen. My grandparents had to sign papers in order for them to have a ceremony. My father is twenty years older than her.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
“She loves you, Sophia. It’s hard not to. She would be pleased to call you her daughter.”
She smiled.
I placed her left arm on my shoulder, my hand wrapped around her back, our other hands entwined at our sides. She gasped when I unexpectedly brought my right leg in between hers so she was pretty much straddling my thigh.
I wanted no distance between us.
“I don’t remember you and your mom dancing this close, buddy. You’re invading my personal space.”
“Is that right?” I lifted my leg a little higher, brushing her inner thighs, inches away from her pussy, feeling her heat.
I grinned, forewarning, “Hold on tight.”
“Wha—”
I led us around in fast circles, grinding my hips against hers. Pausing only when the music allowed it. I twirled her around and brought her back toward me, our chests colliding.
“Whoa,” she breathed out.
“Good girl.”
I repeated the same steps a few times till she caught on, and I could show her new ones. She was smiling and laughing the entire time, breathless. Her face was so goddamn beautiful as I showed her basic salsa steps, and how to sway her luscious ass to the music. Never thinking that I would actually enjoy doing this with her.
I hated dancing, but dancing with her, I fucking loved.
“Mira los!” Mom yelled, “Look at you.” Snapping picture after picture with her camera until I excused myself. I could see my mom wanted a private moment with my girl.
“Sophia,” Mom rasped, holding my world in between her hands.
I stood by the archway, leaning against the wall with my hands in my pockets, they hadn’t noticed I was still there. The music continued floating through the air as my mom and Sophia stood face to face.
“You brought life into my son. You brought light and love into his heart. You’re an angel. I have never seen him like this before. This world, Sophia… It’s very hard. It is so easy to slip into the darkness. I have seen my husband turn into a man I don’t know. There are some days—” She stopped herself from what she was going to say.
I lowered my eyebrows, confused. Caught off guard by what she just shared.
“I can’t save my baby from it. As much as I wish I could… I can’t. It’s out of my hands now. It’s in yours. You love him. You love him with all your heart. Always. You show him that light that lives inside of you. You never let the darkness into your home. There’s no going back once it’s there. Do you understand me?”
Sophia frowned, nodding. Her eyes filling with tears.
“Promise me. Promise me,” Mom repeated, her voice breaking.
“I promise, Mrs. Martinez.”
“No more of this Mrs. Martinez nonsense anymore. You can call me Mamá. You’re family now.”
Mom breathed a sigh of relief and kissed her forehead. We spent the rest of the afternoon dancing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
I couldn’t stop thinking about what my mother said. Never realizing that those words would forever haunt me.
Guests filled the banquet hall for our engagement party. Everyone was dancing, talking, and enjoying the night that probably cost my parents a small fortune.
The clinking of a glass rang through the room. “Ladies and gentleman, can I have your attention for just a minute. As the best man, I’d like to make a toast to the happy couple,” Leo announced, standing up from his seat. “I’ve known Martinez since we were twelve years old, and he saved my ass on the first day of school. We have been friends ever since,” he chuckled, winking at me. “He was a cocky son of a bitch back then, and as you all know, not much has changed.”
The room broke out in laughter, Sophia nodding in agreement.
“I’ve never seen him, the way he is Sophia, with anyone else. I couldn’t be happier for him. You have finally met your match. Sophia, have fun with him, and I wish you the best of luck.” He nodded toward us, and I flicked him off. “Everyone please raise your glasses and help me wish this beautiful couple a lifetime of happiness. Salute.” Leo raised his glass, and our guests followed suit, all wishing us the best.
“Wow, I can’t believe you know all these people. Is our wedding going to be this big, too?” Sophia whispered to me with astonishment.
I shook my head, letting out a small chuckle from the look on her face. Pulling her into a tight hug and kissing her head. “If my mother has anything to do with it,” I replied, drawing back. Glancing at the side of her face as she continued to take in the sea of family, friends, associates, and enemies.