Page 116 of Abandoned Oaths

The Velez didn’t care about real estate development. It was the diversifying that must have put them on our radar. Weapons, drugs, illegal trade. That was the mistake his father made.

“How long has your dad––”

“He passed away three years ago.” He closed his eyes for a second before forcing a smile.

“I’m so sorry.”

He found my hand and linked our fingers. “It was difficult for our family, especially my mom. They were high school sweethearts and completely in love.”

“And she’s still in Cuba?”

He rolled his lips. “She didn’t want to leave their house. I offered to move her here at least a hundred times, but she’s right where she belongs, according to her. She has a sister there, and all my cousins keep the two of them busy.”

“I’m glad she has support there.”

“Yeah, it makes me feel better about not being able to visit as much as I’d like.”

“How often do you go down?”

“Every few months,” he paused. “I should go back soon.”

“What about cars? Do you have one you like to drive?”

He snickered. “This might surprise you, but I’m not really into cars. I have the one you’ve been in, and I use that most of the time. I like catching up on emails or messages while we drive. I do have a BMW that sits in the garage for when the desire strikes.” He put his arm behind his head so he could more easily look at me. “I went to the University of Miami and got a business degree. I’ve been to most of the Caribbean and Central America, plus Chile and Argentina. I enjoy traveling, but don’t make as much time for it as I should.”

“I bet you’ve seen some beautiful places.”

“And beautiful people.” He grinned. “Oh, and no allergies. At least, none that I know of yet.”

I rested my chin on his chest. “Thank you.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Now, what about you?”

“You know my work, and I’ve told you about my parents. I’ve never been close to my extended family. We were too spread out growing up.” I pretended to have to think about it. “I have a driver, mostly because I hate driving. If I could have any superpower, it would be teleportation, so I didn’t have to bother with it at all.”

He chuckled with me.

“I told you about college. I’ve traveled through Europe, Mexico, and some of the Caribbean, but I want to see it all.” I smiled at him. “One day, I want to visit every continent, and no allergies, but sometimes my mouth itches when I eat bananas.”

“I think that’s an allergy.”

I shrugged. “Doesn’t stop me.”

“You’re right. Talking like this is important. I want to know everything about you.”

No, he did not.

“Me too.”

He continued to study me. “I want to take you somewhere.”

I pushed up on my elbows. “Like breakfast?”

“A bit further than that.”

“So lunch?” I teased.

He shook his head with a grin. “Not quite. I want you to know me, and this is the best way how.”

---