Page 65 of When Lies Unfold

She lets out a hum of approval before mumbling, “Wish my daddy would come, too, but he’s too busy.”

It doesn’t take long for her body to relax against mine as she falls asleep.

Her words suspend in my mind, inciting a deep ache inside my heart. If she knew what kind of man her father was, she’d probably be grateful he’s not including her more in his world.

When her entire body jerks abruptly and she whimpers, I wrap my arm tighter around her and run a soothing hand over her back.

“Shhh. You’re safe, sweetheart. I’ve got you.” I continue the gentle sweeping touch over her back until she settles, her breaths even and calmer now.

I press a light kiss to the top of her head and close my eyes, allowing my own body to relax and for sleep to pull me back under.

It isn’t until I’m nearly lost to sleep that I recall that damn camera in my room.

29

SANTIAGO

It’s late as hell.

For everybody except me. Well…me and the men on shift, standin’ watch.

The thing nobody tells you about bein’ at the top and havin’ an empire is how fuckin’ exhaustin’ it is. There’s no such thing as downtime. Somethin’ always needs my attention.

It’s one of the many reasons I never wanted a family. Nobody needs to be dragged into this kind of life. Into the madness.

Into the danger.

But I made an exception for Alma. She’s been the only exception. I don’t count Andro ’cause I didn’t get a choice in the matter. He’s blood, although lately I wish he weren’t.

Alma… My girl saw somethin’ in Lola Arias that made her feel safe. It’s a big fuckin’ deal, and after tonight, I gotta admit there’s somethin’ to be said about the woman livin’ in my home.

Small children and animals can recognize threats that many adults might overlook. It’s instinctive. Alma took to Lola instantly, and so did a wild fuckin’ cat.

A motherfuckin’ black panther, no less.

That animal let her pet it, actin’ like it was some goddamn domesticated house cat. But as soon as I stepped forward, it was ready to attack. It edged a step in front of her before Lola put herself between it and my gun.

The two of them—animal and human—were prepared to take a blow for the other.

Who the hell is Lola Arias? This question plagues me nonstop. She’s the woman who enchanted my daughter in a way I didn’t think was possible. And now, I find out she enchants wild animals that live in the motherfuckin’ jungle?

On top of that, the way she looked at me when she thanked me for the castor oil and cayenne pepper was…

Fuck. Whatever it was, it had my insides twistin’ into knots. It made me wanna give her somethin’ else just to see her look at me with less disdain for once.

My scruff rasps against my palm as I rake a hand over my face and stare into the dark jungle. I sure as hell don’t believe in a higher bein’, but I do believe that the universe can fuck with you. That there’s always a reason for somethin’ happenin’.

Lola Arias was in the wrong place at the wrong damn time. But maybe Alma needed somebody to unlock that part of her. To get her to open up and talk to another female.

I know Lola’s got secrets—hell, we all do. I’ve got a shit-ton I’m takin’ to my grave. But maybe I gotta give a little more than I’m used to, for the sake of my kid.

Not sayin’ I like the idea, but…with the way Alma lights up around Lola, I feel like I gotta do it. Plus, my gut isn’t screamin’ at me, and that shit never steers me wrong.

With that decided, I venture inside and into Andro’s room. As I stand beside his bed, where he’s just now rousin’, his eyes flutter open. He blinks a few times before his gaze settles on me.

“Tío.” His voice is more of a croak, but I don’t offer him any water.

I just stand with my hands in my pockets and stare down at him. “When the fuck you gonna learn?”

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