Page 73 of Falling for the Enemy

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Anxiety isn't something I often feel.

But as Alejandro carries me up the attic stairs, a task he insisted on, my hammering heart threatens to burst free of my chest while my stomach continuously twists in knots, each more complex than the last. And it's all because of Mina, along with the introduction that’s about to take place.

I only hope it doesn't prove to be a mistake.

"Put me down," I whisper as we reach the top of the steps, Alejandro’s bare feet padding lightly against the aged cherry wood. When the kingpin hesitates, I narrow my eyes despite the warmth that sweeps through me at his hesitancy. "I assure you I'm capable of walking the rest of the way."

“I’m sure you are.” His features harden. “But that doesn't mean I want you to. As far as I’m concerned, against my chest and in my arms is where you belong."

If he continues to say such things, I’ll have no choice but to fall even deeper for him. One sweetly spoken word after another. He’s using them as weapons to strip away my remaining boundaries.

Feigning impatience, I squirm. He reluctantly stands me on my feet, his strong hands lingering on my robe-covered hips until he's satisfied I'm not in danger of toppling over.

If anyone else treated me the way he does, as if I'm a fragile vase half a second from shattering, I'd slit their throat. But Alejandro is different.

His protectiveness is a shocking addiction.

One that I enjoy. Immensely.

"Come." I twine my fingers with his and guide him down the long hallway that leads to the other side of the mansion’s attic. He doesn’t know where we’re headed but he trusts me enough to follow. In our world, such blind faith is rare. "There's someone I wish for you to officially meet."

The thick silence that descends upon us as we move is heavy, the weight of it increasing tenfold with each thump of my pulse. It blankets my shoulders, threatening to crush me, but then just as quickly as it arrived, it's gone.

One moment.

That's all it takes to vanish.

And again, it's all because of Mina.

The sight of her pirouetting across the wooden floor of the custom ballet studio Casper had built for her years ago, her face the picture of peace, is balm to the bleeding cuts marring my heart.

Nothing will ever compare.

"She's gorgeous, Manzana." Alejandro's fingers tighten around mine. Without having to look up, I know he’s just as mesmerized by her as I. How could he not be? Watching Mina dance, the only time her demons are kept at bay, is captivating. If things had been different, she’d be performing in The Paris Opera Ballet instead of our attic. "Same as you."

That’s where the kingpin is wrong.

Though she's scarred, my sister is more gorgeous than I'll ever be. Because unlike mine, her beauty runs soul deep.

"She doesn't speak," I whisper in reply, wanting—needing—him to know her. "Her voice is the sweetest I've ever heard, but it's been over sixteen years, since she was nine, that I last heard it."

A lump forms in my throat.

That day was the last time I ever cried.

"Traumatic mutism," I continue. "That's what the doctors call it." Inching closer to him, I press my arm to his, seeking the comfort his presence provides. "I've tried to fix it by providing her with the best therapists and specialists in the world, but none..." The lump grows, threatening to cut off my air. "They haven’t helped. The only thing that does is dancing in this studio, which my bull built for her."

Releasing my hand, Alejandro moves from my side to my back and wraps his arms around me, his chin coming to rest gently atop my head. The foreign embrace is one I cherish. I close my eyes and lean into him, allowing him to take some of my weight.

"What happened to her?"

Shoulders tensing, I place my hands on his forearms and hold on as if he's an anchor capable of stopping my descent into a past steeped in unimaginable pain and drenched with lasting hate.

"Papa hurt her."

Alejandro's arms shake around me, the fury that undoubtedly boils beneath his skin making its presence known. "Hermosa, tell me it was you who killed him."

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