Page 11 of Kiss of Ruin (Brutal Empire)

I’m not sure what heat he’s speaking about. At least, not until he lifts me out of the car and the cool interior is gone. I don’t think I’ve ever dealt with heat like this before. The sun is blazing down on us, brighter than I ever saw in New York.

I’ve been to many tropical locales, but with the long dress and no breeze coming off the beach, the heat is slightly overwhelming. How, I didn’t notice at the airport is beyond me. Although we went right from the plane to the car which was only a few steps away.

The long path from the circular drive to the front door leaves us exposed to it much longer than before. Even as the sun practically blinds me, the white exterior of the Acosta’s home is more welcoming that I would expect. Even though I’ve never met Nico’s parents, their house has a way of making you feel at home, even from the front yard.

As we reach the front step, the door flies open revealing a woman with long dark hair. Her hair stops about halfway down her back. There’s not a single gray hair. This can’t be Nico’s mother. He’s almost ten years older than me.

“Miguel.” She smiles. “I’m so glad you were able to get everyone here safely. Please come in.” She gestures into the house and Miguel takes a step inside while the woman closes the door behind us.

He nods toward me. “Isabel,” he says and I almost do a double take. “Please meet, Scarlett Romero.”

She clasps her hands together in front of her. “You are just as beautiful as everyone described you to be.” She glances over her shoulder. “Pedro, please come meet Scarlett.”

While we wait for Pedro, my eyes slowly adjust to the indoors, I’m surprised to see so much white and windows in the Acosta home. The house in New York is full of dark wood and furniture. Here it seems as everything is white, making the room bright and open.

A man comes from down the U-shaped staircase and I know instantly this is Nico’s father. The resemblance between the two is strong. Besides a few laugh lines and short hair, this man was the spitting image of Nico.

“Miguel,” he says warmly.

Not exactly what I was expecting from the leader of the Miami business. Luis had always been cold, calculating. He never had a friendly word to say to any of the guards in our home, even Antonio.

With all the time I spent alone and being unable to talk to anyone outside the hospital, then the news I was being shipped off to Miami, I completely forgot to ask about Antonio. This didn’t exactly seem like the right time either.

“Pedro, she’s here in one piece, exactly like I promised.”

“Like I ever doubted you for a second.” Pedro gives him a light tap to the cheek. It’s a warm gesture. Another thing I’ve never seen Luis, or Nico, for that matter do. It makes me think Nico spent too much time away from his parents while he was trying to avoid me.

“Scarlett, you’re so very welcome. We hope you’ll be comfortable here. And we promise to do everything in our power to keep you safe.” Pedro wraps his arm around his wife’s shoulders.

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Acosta.”

“Please call us Isabel and Pedro. As you’ve seen, we’re not really into those formalities here.” He gestures to Miguel who smiles. He adjusts his stance and I wince as pain radiates up my back. I realize it’s been hours since my last dose of medication.

“Please forgive us,” Isabel says. “Let me take you to your rooms.”

Rooms? What does she mean by rooms?

Isabel leads us down a hall behind the stairs, we follow it until we reach the end and make another left. “This is our guest wing. Each door has a number that will correspond with your room.” She gestures in the direction of different rooms, explaining what they are, but my mind can’t get over the fact that she said guest wing. “Your room has its own ensuite bathroom with a large jet tub and separate shower.” She opens another door on the right. “This is the weight room. The doctor who will be taking over your care while you’re here was happy to see we had this available for your therapy.” We reached the final door at the end of the hall. “And this will be your room.”

Isabel pushes open the door to reveal a very large room. In the middle along the wall, the bed is covered in a large white comforter with a large collection of pillows near the headboard. Everything in the room is white with silver accents, even the furniture.

I also notice on the side of the bed, is a motorized chair. More luxurious than you’d find almost anywhere else.

She must realize where my focus is. “We were able to have this arrive before you. This will allow you some mobility in the house until you are up and walking on your own two feet again.”

“Are you hungry? Or would you like to get some rest first?” Pedro asks.

All this feels overwhelming. I need a moment to myself to breathe and get my mind in order before I face everyone again.

“I’m a bit tired. I think some rest would be good. I also need to get my prescriptions.”

“Oh, they’re right here.” Pedro walks over to the table in the center of the room, while Isabel pulls back the cover so Miguel can set me down in the bed.

“The doctor who will be taking over your care had them filled and delivered earlier. He said he would be back later to check on you.”

Pedro hands me the prescription bottle, along with a bottle of water he grabs from a refrigerator next to the bed. I hadn’t even realized it was there. The fridge has a white wooden door, giving the appearance of a simple cabinet.

“Thank you.” I set the bottle of water on the table and remove the cap of the bottle, taking out two of the pills. I swallow the pills, chasing them down with a bit of water.

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