Page 21 of To Have and To Hold

I mean, now that I was out here, I was curious about the dangerous men…in a way that caused my nipples to bead.

“Stop that,” I said aloud, referring to my treacherous body. “You’re not out here to further cement the alliance. These men may seem nice but remember howel Patr?nmade you feel.”

Wearing panties and a loose t-shirt, I closed the blinds to the beautiful ocean and climbed between the cool sheets. Despite my concerns about sleeping with the cartel around, I drifted off without any effort and woke to the sound of the alarm I set.

It was five-thirty.

I twisted my unruly hair into a messy bun, applied some mascara and lip color. Next, I donned another sundress. This one was golden and went all the way to the floor. At the last minute, I grabbed a half cardigan to cover my arms. I wasn’t looking for another lecture about being covered up.

The delicious aroma of whatever Viviana was cooking met me before I reached the landing. As I stepped onto the first floor, I saw Mia and a young girl out by the pool. The too-thin dark-haired girl was holding Jorge and bouncing him on her hip. My first thought was that this girl couldn’t be Liliana. She looked younger than Noemi.

Maybe she was the daughter of someone Mia knew.

“SeñoritaIsabella,” Viviana said as I passed the kitchen area.

“Viviana, whatever you’re cooking smells delicious.”

“Gracias.” She lifted her chin. “Mia and Liliana are outside. Mia wants to eat out there. It’s a beautiful evening.”

Okay then. This waif of a girlisLiliana.

I thought about Viviana’s greeting. Papà would be furious that she spoke even a little Spanish. Instead of feeling the same way, I grinned at the little knowledge I had of the language. While it wasn’t extensive. I could say please, thank you, and yes.

“Isabella,” Mia said.

Liliana turned, her large brown eyes meeting mine. My first thought was of a Margaret Keane painting, ones where the eyes were giant, often of children and women.

“Hi, Liliana,” I said. “Nice to meet you.”

She let out a sigh. “You are young.” The tips of her lips moved upward. “I know they sent for you because I’m not very good at the job.”

“No,” Mia and I said in unison.

I walked closer and ran my hand over Jorge’s soft hair. “Honestly, Liliana, I’m here because Mia knows what it’s like to be out of high school and in the Luciano family.” I pressed my lips together and looked at my cousin. “The men in our family can be overbearing.”

“Sí,” Liliana said. “I know that feeling.”

“Mia’s giving me a chance to spread my wings, and I’m grateful.” My speech wasn’t prepared and while I thought I was bending reality to make Liliana feel better, maybe there was more truth in my statement than I realized.

She sat on a chair near the pool and adjusted Jorge, so he was sitting up on her lap as he held tight to one of her thumbs. “I still need help.”

“Good,” I replied. “That will give me something to do.”

Mia reached for Jorge. “Let me get him changed for dinner.” His shirt was wet from drool. “You two can get to know one another.”

I sat on a chair near her. “Can I ask you something?”

Liliana nodded. “Were you scared to work with…” I didn’t say whores. “…the women from the club?”

“Sí, at first.” Her cheeks rose as her smile grew. “But once I met them, I wasn’t afraid. Some were so nervous themselves. They’re apprehensive around new people. Some have confided in me that they fear being judged. I understand that.”

“Then why do what they do?”

“First, they aren’t all sex workers. Some are only dancers. We had a bartender, but she didn’t get along with the other women well, and truly, she makes more money than they do. But even the sex workers have their reasons for their profession. For most, they have long-term goals.”

I let out a sigh. “I didn’t know that there were women at the apartments who didn’t have sex. Will I know who does what?”

Liliana laughed. “Not by looking at them. In their apartments, everyone is the same. No makeup or costumes. No false eyelashes. Just women and girls. Like you and me.”

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