Page 46 of Entangled With You

“Okay, so what do you have to say?” I reply, not even taking a seat. I cross my arms in front of my chest and wait for him to continue.

“Well, as you know, we’ve never had a project as huge as this stadium, and I’m not going to let the opportunity pass to set my family up for a good life when I have the chance.” I’m gobsmacked. I was expecting something similar but not so openly shameless.

“So, instead of working and making your way in the world, you’re going to steal money and put your reputation on the line?”

Luciano’s face transforms like a villain in the cartoons I used to watch growing up; Mr. Burns from The Simpsons comes to mind.

“And there, Matías, is where you are wrong. It won’t be me taking the blame. I mean, who’s in charge of making sure all those numbers are correct?”

The color drains from my face. “I’m sorry, Luciano, but I have all the data backed up and ready to prove I did everything by the book. I’m not going to go down for something I didn’t do.”

A humorless chuckle escapes his mouth. “You should have thought about that before you decided to go out with a player from the Golden Warriors,” he says as he unlocks his phone screen and shows me the goddamn Bleacher’s Pulse article.

I close my eyes and press my thumb and forefinger against my nose bridge. I can’t believe this is happening right now. I’m close to having a panic attack, but I focus on mi ángel’s beautiful face—the way her eyes light up when she sees me—and I start breathing easier.

“I’ve known her for a while now. Yes, we reconnected when she moved to Buenos Aires, but this isn’t new. It’s been a long time coming.” I smile at the memory of the first time I laid eyes on her and how she stunned me when she took the soccer ball from my feet.

“Okay, well. I’m feeling generous since you’ve been a good employee, and I really don’t want the company to go down in flames.”

I remain silent, waiting for him to speak, even though there’s no way in hell I’m going to help him cover this theft.

“If you look the other way, I will let this little fling you have with the player pass and give you a percentage of the money.” I’m about to tell him no when he motions with his hand for me to stop. “Don’t give me a rushed answer. Think about it, mull it over. We’ll talk next week after the team meeting.”

Luciano wakes his computer up, and I leave his office without another word.

‘Bae,” Cattleya singsongs my moniker as she comes in. I’m in the kitchen trying to get dinner ready, but my mind is reeling, stuck in that meeting with Luciano this morning. I feel her toned arms going around my middle as she places a kiss on my naked back. It’s a warm day, and for some reason, I decided not to turn on the AC. I guess I’m trying to punish myself.

“Mati, is everything okay?” she asks in a low voice, almost scared to disturb me.

“Hi, mi ángel. Yeah, I’m fine, just a heavy day at work.”

She releases a deep breath and turns me around so I can face her. “Forget about dinner, we’re getting take out. Come take a seat with me, and we’ll talk it out.” Cattleya starts rubbing circles on my back, and the motion immediately calms me down. “I’ll order Chinese. Are you okay with that? I’ve been craving some lately,” she asks, and I nod. I really don’t feel like eating, so whatever she orders it’s fine.

Putting her phone away, she sits on top of me, straddling my thighs. “Okay, tell me what happened.”

I tell her everything, from the team meeting to the private conversation with Luciano.

“What a motherfucking piece of shit. What he’s doing is beyond illegal.” My fierce warrior jumps up from me and immediately goes for her phone. If this situation wasn’t so messed up, I’d be smiling at how fucking adorable she looks when she’s pissed off, ready to burn the world down for me. “Hey, Daddy, I’ll fill you in with all details later, but right now I need your professional advice. You’re on speaker.”

Oh, shit. I guess it’s time to face the music with my father-in-law. Future father-in-law, but still.

“Hola, hija. What’s going on?”

“Okay, so do you remember Matías? Franco’s friend?”

“Yes,” her dad replies, and my girl barrels through.

“We’ve been dating for a couple of months, and it just so happens he’s part of the company that’s building the stadium.”

Her dad interrupts her, and I inhale a deep breath. “Wait a minute. You’re dating one of Franco’s friends? Why haven’t you told us? Is he treating you the way you deserve? Isn’t he too old for you?” I bite my lower lip to stop myself from laughing at his last question. Then I hear him shout, “Claudia, mi amor. Come here. Did you know Cattleya is dating one of Franco’s friends?”

I can’t help it anymore, I bark out a laugh, but I try to cover it with a cough.

“Dad, please focus. I told you I’ll tell you the details later.” I hear Samuel release a deep breath, but he remains quiet. “Okay so, the thing is, Matías found out his boss is changing the materials orders for the new stadium. When Mati confronted him, his boss told him to either join him and get a cut of the money, or he’ll be blamed if this comes out.”

Samuel lets out a string of curses, and Claudia scolds him. God, I love this family so much.

“Okay mija, tell Matías not to agree to anything, and try to buy some time with his boss. Your mom and I are on our way.” I frown, but Cattleya heaves a deep breath in relief.

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