They insist I take the middle of the bed because even though I should be happy I’m alive, the entire experience of the past week has left me raw. The rest of my family is safe, and my sister will be able to realize all her dreams with a dad as dedicated to his own blood as Arturo Flores. The jury’s still out on whether the rest of us will weather the coming storm.
I have no idea what Arturo has planned for me, but I’m positive it’s something I won’t like. I also doubt I have any influence over what will happen. I do know that one way or another, Leo and I will find Gustavo and destroy that fucker once and for all.
As I drift off, it occurs to me that this path I’ve chosen to travel now is probably not the path of a righteous man. But Leo’s words echo in my head as his and Celeste’s breathing grow deep and steady on the pillows on either side of me.
This is just another skin to wear—another persona to put on to survive the world around me, to protect the secret face I only show the ones I love. And I have zero reservations about donning whatever skin is needed to hold on to them both.
Epilogue One
Maddox
Christmas Morning
For the seventh morning in a row, I wake up certain that I’m the one who died and I’m now in heaven. It’s a ridiculous thought. Chances are slim that I’d make the cut, if heaven even exists.
The pillow to my right is vacant, but Leo’s dark head still rests on the other side of me. He’s huddled beneath the comforter with only a swath of tangled black curls visible above the white cotton. The curve of his earlobe peeks out, and I can’t resist. I lean up on one elbow and bend down, sliding my tongue along the shell of his ear before sucking the fleshy part into my mouth. He twitches and jerks, then jacks up, throwing the covers off and pinning me to the bed. I could easily fight him, overpower him, and sometimes I enjoy that, but this morning I’m in the mood to let him have the upper hand.
His sleep-softened features and unfocused eyes sharpen when my hard-on brushes against his naked hip. He shifts and lowers himself over me, our hot cocks pressed tight between us, and my breathing quickens.
“Merry Christmas,” he says with a wicked smile, lips brushing against mine and our stubble rasping. Every inch of my flesh comes alive with the press of him, from my feet all the way to my mouth. He plunges his tongue deep and I slide my hands up his back to tangle my fingers in his hair.
We’re hot and heavy and I’m ready as hell to take it further when a pillow smacks into my arm from the side. The mattress bounces and Celeste’s clean ginger scent pervades the air. Leo relinquishes my mouth and we both turn to see her fully dressed, kneeling beside us and looking mildly irritated.
“Get up, you two. It’s Christmas!”
“Yes, it is, and I’m ready to unwrap my present.” Leo reaches for her and manages to pull her down against us both. He’s off me and on top of her, pawing at her breasts. I turn to help, but Celeste smacks him on the chest and rolls out from under him in a huff, refastening the buttons of her silky silver blouse.
“I’m not your gift! At least not yet.” She shoots us a coy smile. “But Papá and I do have something special for Maddox. You two need to get ready. Meet me in Papá’s office when you’re dressed. And hurry!”
With that, she disappears out the door, leaving us both rumpled and turned on. Leo gives me a baffled look. I shrug. “We probably shouldn’t make her wait,” I say as my gaze drifts down his torso. Maybe there’s time for a quick BJ?
“It’s not her I worry about as much as Papá.” He sighs and clambers off the bed. He disappears into the bathroom, calling back, “We’ll take it out of her ass later.”
He’s already out of the shower and brushing his teeth when I make it in, following in his footsteps. We’re bathed and dressed and headed to Arturo’s office within fifteen minutes.
The route is familiar to me now, though it’s still strange to walk the halls of this mansion on a daily basis. There are priceless pieces of art around every corner, and an entire gallery wing is filled with the things. It’s a little like living in a museum, but I hesitate to broach the topic of moving back to my drafty apartment. I’m not ready to face the place yet, but it’ll have to happen soon.
It isn’t until we reach the door to Arturo’s office that it occurs to me to wonder what the hell this special gift is that he has for me. I’d expect something from Celeste, sure, but not him. He’s already planned an elaborate Christmas dinner and invited my entire family to attend, which is more than I could ask.
Dad still hasn’t shown his face, but Mom says she spoke to him and he apologized for missing the funeral, making some excuse about being stuck at a remote installation and unable to return home. For the first time, I sensed true disappointment in her voice when she mentioned him, so maybe she’s finally getting ready to leave the bastard.
Celeste meets us at the door to her father’s office and grabs my hand, shooting me the strangest smile as she pulls me in. She looks almost elated to sit me down in her dad’s office, a place I’m sure has been privy to some pretty dark schemes.
Even Leo seems perplexed, giving me a confused look as he strides in behind us.
“What the hell is Papá up
