Page 286 of Hate Mates

I want to ask why but it doesn't matter. I know he'll keep his word. I'm going to beJefe. and Soledad is going to be the key. I just need to find a way to convince her.

How can I make it worth her while?

"Ludovico will come for her soon,” Diego says in a moment of lucidity.

"And we'll be ready for him. Because no one takesla mujer de un Cordero."

The wordwifeis what makes me swallow but he's right. Ludovico won't take my wife away because she's the key to what's rightfully mine.

I'll keep both.

And probably in hell for the rest of my days.

Chapter Four

You have to be smart about this, Soledad.

Dead people don't get to go anywhere but underground. And you're not dead. So there's still hope.

But how, bitch?

I'm stuck in enemy territory. Everyone knows Los Cordero are ruthless. Blood thirsty, Ludovico often says.

My stomach churns because thoughts of him always turn to my sister, MaTe.How is she holding up? Is she worried about me?

How pissed off is Ludovico? Is he taking it out on her?

The questions torture me. I must get back to her as I'm the only one who can protect her.

That's why I have to be smart, bide my time, and see what Los Cordero want. I can't keep breaking their things and screaming all the obscenities that Dario deserves. I've always known he's an ass, but this is not the way I get out of here.

God, I swear I will be on my perfect behavior. MaTe and I will go to church more often, and not just to get away from Ludovico. Just let me find a way to get my sister out.

Steps echo down the hallway, and I don't get to brace myself before he enters the room. In his black slacks and cream sweater, Dario Cordero looks straight out of a Ralph Lauren black and white commercial...if it came with thatLatinoarrogance andsaborcito. Bearded face, brown eyes, a sculpted mouth set in a natural pout, and a body that sees the gym every day — yeah, he's hot enough to sell anything he puts on. He's not a romance hero but the hot thug that some would root for.

Ugh, not me. I know this is not a TV commercial. While I can admitque está como quiere, I also know the real truth about him. He's a thug, one without conscience, who, like Ludovico, thinks he's entitled to everything and everyone. Not me. That's why he hates me and why I despise him.

The bitterness coats my tongue, and I force a sip of pineapple juice.

"Thank you for seeing me, Soledad." He says my name with ease and softness, like he would actually spit on me if I was on fire.

It sets me off. "Well, what choice did I have? I'm your prisoner after all."

Loca... You have a plan.

"You're not a prisoner?"

"No?" I ask. If he can be cavalier, so can I. "What else do you call people you kidnap and hold hostage."

He goes to the wet bar, grabs the beautifully crafted bottle of Andres Brugal, and pours two glasses with three cubes of ice each. He walks back and hands me a glass, looking at me straight in the eye. "We didn't kidnap you."

I take a sip, following his cue of nonchalance. The smooth and rich flavor explodes on my tongue, and I savor it for a second, letting it center me. "How did I end up here, then? Oh, and nice touch to have them take my clothes. I guess I should be grateful that you didn't pass me around your men."

His gaze snaps to meet mine, and there's such darkness there, that I brace a hand on the arm of my chair. I'm trembling inside, but I tilt my chin. I can't let him see me cower.

"We don't rape or abuse women," he spits out of the corner of his mouth. "We're not like your father."

He's got me there. Ludovico is amalditoand a bastard.

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