Page 57 of Seeds of Sorrow

Hadina’s chest swelled at the love in Peyton’s voice, the sincerity with which she spoke. This girl truly believed she had goodness in her soul, and it made Hadina want to prove her right.

They kissed softly, a light brush of their lips since they were in public. But, somehow, it felt like something far deeper. Emotional. A declaration between them.

“If my heart is beautiful, it’s you who made it that way. I’m glad you’re the person who gets to see it too.”

Chapter37

HADINA

Hadina hatedhow quickly her time with Peyton had passed. Sharing the market with her lover was like opening up her soul, inviting Peyton to see the most tender, loving part of the coldest Adis sister. If she were being honest with herself, it was the only way she could show Peyton how she felt without saying the words. It wasn’t in her capabilities to say what she wanted, not when she knew there was a possibility this meeting could go to shit and she’d be leaving Peyton alone.

Then again, Hadina was confident enough in herself that she was sure that wouldn’t happen.

Still, it didn’t hurt to be cautious when it came to the people she cared about.

Just as Hadina was stepping out of the office, Zellie stormed into the house with enough attitude that it could rival a deity’s. Her shoulder-length hair had been pinned back, not a single strand out of place. She looked at Hadina through dark lashes, her eyes brushed with smokey shadows and outlined with a black flick. Makeup was battle paint for Zellie, and though it killed her to admit it, Hadina thought her sister looked beautiful.

Pity that her soul was a black void, threatening to demolish anyone who got too close.

“Hadina.”

Hadina nodded her head at her sister, brushing past the woman to go in search of their father. She found him in the kitchen, staring out the window somberly at his garden of flowers.

“Papi?”

“Hola, mija,” he replied, turning round to face her. His weathered face looked older, his eyes tired and puffy. The idea that he’d been crying made Hadina want to tear the world apart. “I have so much faith in you. I need you to know that. But I woke up this morning with such a horrible feeling in my stomach and I can’t seem to shake it.”

Hadina nodded her understanding, walking around the island to wrap her arms around her father the way she did when she was little. “We’re going to be okay,Papi.”

Don squeezed his arms tighter around her, kissing the top of her head softly. “I know, but it doesn’t make me worry any less.Ustedes chicas son mi todo.”

“Don’t worry,Papi,” Zellie said, trailing into the kitchen with Piper and Peyton in tow. “I’ll be there to protectdarlingHadina.”

“Ay, Zelina, please don’t start. Today is stressful enough.” Don rubbed his brows, letting out a slow sigh. Hadina glared at her sister.

“Anyway.” Piper pushed past Zellie. “Il Fioreis awaiting your arrival. Everything is set in place.”

“Weapons?”

Piper smirked. “Weapons at the door, of course. But I surmise that those tablecloths hide a multitude of sins beneath them.”

“Stay withPapi, Pip, okay? I don’t want you any more involved in this than you have to be.”

For a second, it appeared as though Piper was about to argue but then a look of relief washed over her face. She nodded and walked to their father’s side, slipping her hand into his. “I’ll look after him.”

“Ay, I can look after myself. I’m the parent here,” Don grumbled.

Piper chuckled and linked her arm through his. “Well,Papi, you can look after me then.” Don smiled sadly and patted her hand. “Always,mija.”

Hadina looked at Peyton. “It’s time to go.”

Peyton smiled, the gesture almost sad. “Then let’s go do this.”

* * *

The ownerof the restaurant greeted them sheepishly, his forehead already dripping with sweat. Hadina and her team made a show of dropping their weapons on an entrance table, leaving them on display for when Demi arrived. Once she was done and certain that everyone was weapon-free, Hadina turned back to the owner.

“Stay in the back. You already look like you’ve gotcacain your pants and Demi will smell that weakness a mile away.”

---