Page 18 of When Lies Unfold

This disclosure incites a rabid sort of curiosity within me. I study Santiago, wondering what this Keyna woman looks like. She must be stunning if she’s caught both men’s attention and has them returning to her.

A tiny thread of something odd unfurls inside me at the thought of Santiago and her together, but I dutifully squash it. I haven’t had my morning coffee, so my mind is struggling to function properly. That’s all it is.

When Nando slides a glance my way before returning it to Santiago, apprehension turns my muscles to wrought iron. Especially when the officer switches from Spanish to English next.

“So, what? You decided you were going for high-class women now? What the hell, man? She’s not in your world, and she sure as hell doesn’t deserve to get dragged into it.” He advances a step toward Santiago, his shoulders broadening. “She’s too damn good for you and your shit.”

While Nando’s English is good, it pales to Santiago’s fluent command of the language when he replies.

“Maybe you oughta stick with what you’re good at—chasin’ after me and tryin’ to make those charges stick.” His low, dark rumble of a laugh is devoid of any semblance of humor. “And don’t you worry ’bout her. Where she’s concerned, I’ve got it covered.”

Nando’s probing gaze cuts to me, but I stare back with an expression of confusion. I don’t need either of them to know I understand English. It’s safer this way.

When Nando switches back to Spanish, softening his tone to ask, “Are you okay, Lola?” Santiago lets out a grunt of irritation, but we both ignore it.

I barely suppress my flinch when Santiago’s heavy palm descends from my shoulder to settle at my lower back. It serves as a distinctive reminder of the importance of my answer. “I’m fine.”

Nando doesn’t bother hiding his skepticism. Instead, he folds his arms across his chest and shifts his line of questioning. “I’m curious. How do you two know each other?”

Leave it alone, Nando. I silently plead this, because the last thing I want or need is for him to get dragged into this mess with me.

My lips part to respond, but Santiago beats me to it. “Not that it’s any of your business”—the caustic barb is all too obvious in his tone—“but I’ve heard of Miss Arias’s impressive cleanin’ skills and I’ve decided to hire her.”

Nando’s expression remains harsh. His tone is flat as he repeats dubiously, “You were impressed with her cleaning skills.”

“That’s right.” Condescension bleeds from Santiago’s smug response.

Nando’s attention rests on me. “And you’re okay with this?” His voice rises incrementally, worry bleeding through. “Do you even know who he is?”

Before I can form a response, Santiago’s voice slices through the air. “That’s enough.”

Nando’s gaze turns flinty. “Lola can speak for herself.”

“You interrupted Lola and me durin’ our mornin’ coffee.” Santiago’s mouth turns up at the edges in a cynical hint of a smirk. “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

“Lola—” Nando’s words are cut off by the door slamming in his face.

I gape at Santiago, whose wide palm splays on the closed door while his heavy scrutiny remains on me.

Though his tone is muted, threat and skepticism drip from his words. “Tell me again how there’s no threat of you talkin’ to the cops.” Eyes never leaving mine, he tips his head toward the door. “Specifically the one who shows up unannounced in the goddamn mornin’.”

I heave out a breath, dredging up patience. “It’s not exactly a secret that he’s been asking me out, okay? That doesn’t mean I encourage it.”

Gesturing toward the door, I tack on hastily, “I didn’t ask him to stop by.” With my arms crossed, I level him with a sharp, assessing glare. “In fact, I’d rather he never did. But I also don’t need to piss off a police officer.”

Our eyes hold for a beat before his attention drops to where I’ve inadvertently drawn it to my breasts.

An exasperated breath expels past my lips as I drop my arms. “Seriously?” I wave my hand in front of my face. “My eyes are up here, asshole.”

A muscle flexes in his cheek, those lips flattening into a thin line. “You got a mouth that just won’t quit.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

I don’t get any warning before he advances, crowding me against the door. With each hand splayed on either side of my head, he dips his head closer.

That penetrating glare threatens to slice me to shreds while his eyes narrow with irritation.

Stained with venom, his voice sounds as though it’s been raked over thick gravel. “You must have a death wish with the way you’re runnin’ that mouth of yours. So, let me remind you of somethin’ real quick. You talk, you’re gonna disappear. And nobody’s gonna find you. Understood?”

---