Page 69 of King of Deception

But I needed to be careful… for the sake of my breaking heart.

Chapter 20: The Truth

Abel

Finally, I was given the chance to take Ella on a proper Abel Drakos date, and it was going to be the beginning of a full weekend out of the country.

On Friday morning—which we had both taken off from work—I went inside after my swim, and Briga had packed my bag. Brett was waiting for me in the car.

Donning my favorite Tom Ford suit, I went up to her apartment, accompanied by Brett. As soon as she opened the door, my heart began to race.

“Shall we?” I extended my hand, and she took it while Brett carried her bag and went downstairs.

“Won’t you tell me where we’re going?” she asked as I handed her a glass of champagne. She looked at it and nodded, “Ah, la fêtarde. Of course.”

“You know your stuff.”

“This old thing? I have one just like it at home.” Her look let me know that she knew.

In the jet, she turned to me and said, “Abel, I’m serious. You should tell me where you’re taking me.”

“It’s not a secret. Only a surprise.”

When we finally arrived at my house in Acapulco, Mexico, the sun was setting.

“Wanna go change while I take care of something?” I asked her, referring to the Elie Saab number I had sent to her earlier.

When she came back out, she was breathtaking in the one-shoulder black organza dress, mottled with polka dots. It perfectly fit her, and I was proud of my choice. She paired it with the diamond earrings I had packed with the dress, and I was right—Ella should always wear diamonds.

I was standing in the kitchen, beaming as she approached.

“It’s a little much, don’t you think?” she asked with a coy look on her face.

“Nothing is too much when it comes to you.” I took off my blazer, hanging it on a stool before rolling up my sleeves.

“What are you doing, anyway?” She looked around at the fresh ingredients I’d had the house manager prepare for our arrival.

“Isn’t it obvious?” I spread out my arms. “I’m cooking for you.”

“Pulling all the tricks, are we?”

“Not quite,” I grabbed a glass of wine and handed it to her.

“You also wanna get me drunk.” She took it but didn’t immediately drink. Instead, she leaned with her elbow against the counter and watched me resume my cooking. “Didn’t think you could cook.”

“I spent a whole year in Mexico a while ago.”

“Why Mexico?”

“Why not? It’s warm, and I like the food.” I began to mix the salsa, adding the Puya chili peppers. “Wanna see me pull real tricks?”

“I don’t wanna be tricked.”

I turned to her. “How about a confession, then?”

“I’m all ears.”

“I am a John Lennon.”

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