“What’s the story between the two of you?” I ask Eduardo, who’s preparing a coffee in the kitchen. We’re leaving in a bit after her appointment is finished to head into Mexico City.
He draws his brows together and chuckles lightly. “I know what you’re insinuating. There isn’t any story, just some mild flirting back in the day. Didn’t I tell you that?”
He did, but that doesn’t mean I bought it. “There really wasn’t more between you?” I question, giving him his opportunity to tell me if there’s something else.
He shakes his head, “No, just a bit of flirting. She’d given me a bit of life when I needed it. You know?”
“Are you interested in her?” I ask, wanting to get to the point. I’ve never been the type of man who tip-toes around shit and I don’t think I ever will be.
“No, but you are. Dante, look . . . I won’t be the type of man who ever tells you what you should and shouldn’t do . . . but Amara has been through so much. She won’t be in her right mind for any sort of relationship for eons. She has many things to think about right now. Have you even thought about her? How she’ll have a baby?”
“Mothers are hot. What’s your point?”
Eduardo shakes his head. “God, you’ll never learn. All you younger men are the same. What if she doesn’t have the baby? Hmm, what then? What if she chooses to give it up for adoption?”
Why would something like this even matter? “If she does, she’s giving her child to a family who’s craved one, giving an incredible gift. Why would this dissuade me? Is that what you’re hoping to achieve?” Never in my life has Eduardo acted this way toward me. In the back of my mind I’m wondering if he does have a thing for Amara and he’s lying to me about it.
“I just don’t think my little manwhore of a cousin should be chasing after a woman who’s been through hell. Especially one whose sister I—” Eduardo immediately shuts his mouth.
“Ah, now this all makes sense. You have a thing for her sister. Don’t you, dear cousin?” I chuckle at the end, knowing I now have something to hold over his head.
“I might, but one thing I can say is how it’s none of your damn business.” Eduardo growls lowly.
“Isn’t her sister younger, too? What is she . . . half your age?” I chuckle, enjoying this more than I thought.
“It’s none of your fucking business, Dante.” He reiterates.
“I could say the same. Now, I’ll let you do what you like as long as you leave me and my endeavors alone as well. Do we have an agreement?”
Eduardo rolls his eyes. I backed him into a corner, and he knows it. “Fine. But if you hurt her, I’ll beat you within an inch of your life, and that’s a promise. Even if you are mi familia . . . I don’t give a fuck.”
I’m unable to hold back my smirk. “Well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
The door to the bedroom opens and the doctor walks out into the living area, with Amara by her side. “Well?” Eduardo asks, looking at the both of them.
“Perfectly healthy. But, she could go into labor any day now. Be prepared for that, will you?”
“I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for it.” I mutter under my breath.
Amara must hear what I’ve said, because she fights to hold back her smile.
“We’ll do our best. I think we should get on the road. We have a few more hours ahead of us until we’re in Mexico City. At that point we can get you settled.”
“What’s in Mexico City?” Amara questions.
“My father’s estate. It’s massive, and very well defended.” I answer her.
“We’re going to your father’s house?” She questions, and I can only imagine what’s running through her mind. She’s the kin of our last enemy. She must be fearful my father wants to meet her to harm her in some way, but I will do my best to calm her worries.
“Yes. He doesn’t want to hurt you. He only wants to ensure you’re alright and in the best care.” I say.
Amara breathes heavily, “How do you expect me to believe that? You know who my uncle was . . . what he did to the country, to the people . . .”
“You aren’t Rafael, my dear.” Eduardo says.
I’m a bit annoyed he called her his dear, but I know he’s only trying to ease her mind. It’s not like she needs to be worrying right now. The doc did just say she could go into labor very soon. I don’t know much about childbirth, but I’m pretty sure stress has something to do with it.
“We should really get going. The last thing we want is a baby delivered in the car with a group of men who know nothing about delivering them.” I joke, getting a laugh from Amara.
“That would be a nightmare.” She continues to laugh and starts to walk in my direction.
As she approaches me, I take this moment for what it is— an opportunity. “I don’t believe we had a formal introduction. I’m Dante Sebastián Lopez.” I state, extending my hand.
She scrunches up her nose and cocks a brow. “You already know who the hell I am . . . so, stop being all weird and shit. Eduardo, are we ready?” She walks past me and when Eduardo passes me, he snickers as a way
