Page 5 of Surprise Twins for the Mafia Heir

“I bet you have like fifteen girls in your phone right now,” I continue.

“Not saved,” he says with a shrug. “But that’s never been important. It’s hard to date as a Montoya.” I fold the handkerchief in my hands as I remember who I’m talking to. Everyone knows the Montoya family, but it’s rare to actually see one of them. I had no idea what any of them looked like until eight months ago when the most notorious one got busted. Seeing his huge frame scared me to my core. It was just my luck that my parents messed with the wrong people.

Suddenly, I feel butterflies in my stomach.

“Why…why were my parents dealing with your, uh, people?” I decide to ask. It’s the only thing I can do since I have no other information. The last time I saw my parents they were scrambling to make ends meet and kept telling me to stay alert. I wish I’d asked more questions.

Vinny pulls away, turning his back to me. “I thought you’d know.”

“My parents don’t tell me anything,” I say.

He rises from the bed. “Not sure it’ll do you any good then.” Vinny walks towards the door with the soft, empathetic gleam in his eyes gone. “All that matters is that your folks return that money.”

I feel a sinking feeling. “And if not?”

Vinny places his hand on the doorknob and walks out without another word. The tears well up again. I’m so screwed.

CHAPTER 4

Vinny

The clothes were the gateway to my connection with Rosa. After seeing tears streamed down her cheeks, guilt and regret washed over me as I watched her raw emotions spill out. I messed up and let her in. Now, I have two Kindles, more clothes, a TV, and tons of girly bedroom décor. Her parents' debts to my family have no influence on my pity for her. I did my best not to follow the advice from store employees and just stuck with pink and frilly stuff. Thankfully, it eases over well with Rosa. Our strained relationship is slowly inching towards conversation throughout the day. In the mornings, we drink coffee and sit on the balcony, watching the birds and talking about our favorite 80s movies. For lunch, we’ll drink beers and eat more fast food. Dinner is the same.

Two weeks in, and Rosa’s prison cell is a pink palace with fluffy, pink rugs, and flamingo print wallpaper halfway installed. I can only hope my dad won’t drop by and see what I’ve done. This house, as hideous and remote as it is, is still under his name. He let me work out the logistics. Larry’s request, of course.

But when there’s a ransom kidnapping, the victim isn’t supposed to be comfortable. What my family doesn’t understandis that, in just two weeks, I’ve changed my mind completely. Rosa Newton is unlike any woman I’ve ever met, and I can’t imagine her being killed for her parents’ debt. I silently make a deal that nothing will happen as long as my dad doesn’t come over. As long as it’s just Rosa and me in our own secluded world, no harm will find her.

Of course, I’ve always suffered from some level of delusion.

Even with Rosa’s collection of expensive things piling up around the house, she occasionally has that look of annoyance. The best I can do is show her the dusty collection of movies in the cabinets.

“My mom showed me this when I was sad about not going to college,” I tell Rosa as the opening scene ofVampiresplays. Rosa’s eyes fill with wonder as she parts her lips.

“Hardcore vampire hunters was your mom’s way of making you feel better?” Rosa chuckles and crosses her arms. “I’m more of aBladegirl.”

“So, are you an antihero type of girl?” I press. The lighthearted conversation is paused as vampire bloodshed takes over the screen. Rosa winces before continuing.

“College was a dream to me so I don’t get how this movie made you feel better about not going,” she says slowly.

“I don’t need some stupid school teaching me what the streets have,” I respond, my jaw tightening. There’s a lot of regrets I have and being normal is at the top of my list. Rosa turns to look at me, sighing heavily.

“You wanted this?”

“The movie?” I play coy in the hope she’ll drop it, but her eyes say otherwise. “Choice wasn’t mine, alright? Is that what you wanna hear?”

She turns back to the screen. “I was going to be a caseworker. Too many kids grow up in the system because of deadbeat parents.”

Rosa shifts and wipes her eyes. I don’t dare look over at her.

“Shit happens, Rosa. We can’t choose our parents but it doesn’t mean we whine over our lives.” I say.

“Whine? You think I’m whining about my misfortune?” Rosa asks, her voice getting louder.

“I’m just saying don’t be a victim,” I press.

She smiles. “I’d love to not be a victim, but the night you kidnapped me I became one.” Rosa jumps to her feet and I pause the movie. Our time getting to know each other is once again cut short.

“Rosa, I didn’t mean it—”

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