Page 1 of Bad Blood
1
Mateo
Real golden flakes sink to the bottom of my glass of champagne as I lift it to my lips. I don’t understand why flashy people like my family have the need to drink their champagne with floating choking hazards in it, but at least this way if it gets caught in your throat people will know you died with class. I scoff, taking another drink of champagne that costs more than my engagement ring. People are spinning each other around on the dance floor, laughing and smiling, leaving me to feel out of place. The wall behind me holds the weight of my body as I slump my shoulders against it, wishing I was somewhere else.
“There you are, Mateo. Your mother said you were around here somewhere. I thought maybe I could steal you for a dance.” Santiago stands there, with his hand reaching out, hair so heavy with gel, it gleams under the chandelier lights. Pressed lines run down the inseams of his expensive dress slacks, floating a little too high above his shiny black loafers. His lips spread into a wide grin, highlighting his defined cheekbones. His smile always made me feel uneasy. Everything about Santiago made me feel uneasy. Yet here I am staring into the cold eyes of the man I will soon be spending the rest of my life with. His flashy ring lays heavy on my finger, always making me feel as if I am suffocating and sinking below the surface into my own personal hell. It’s not a declaration of love, more like a proof of ownership.
Santiago wasn’t my preferred choice for a husband, but he was my parent’s first choice. The only one I was given, because in this life, you do what is best forla familia. My lips stretch into a smile, making my cheeks ache from the forced action. “Yeah, I guess you found me, huh? I don’t really think I’m stable enough on my feet right this minute. Too much champagne. Raincheck?”
He flattens his tie, straightening his posture to make himself appear taller. “You know, it’s rude to turn down a dance from your future husband. You don’t want to be rude, do you, Mateo?”
His lips hang on to my name for too long between clenched teeth, leaving an unsettling shift in my stomach. I’m not sure if the bubbles rising up my throat are from the drink, or from the acid taste in my mouth as I say the words he wants to hear. “You’re right, I’m sorry. One dance should be fine.”
I am caught in the alcove of his armpit as he swings his arm around me. There’s a sting from his fingernails digging into my shoulder possessively. A man like Santiago always enjoys showing off his things, his life possessions. I know that’s all I am to him. Nothing but a shiny new toy for him to play with and toss aside when he gets bored. Men like him always do. This dance is his opportunity to show me off and prove his power over me. Letting me know thatyeswas the only answer I’ll ever give him. “You should smile more,mi amor. After all, this is the celebration of our families coming together.”
My body spins at the twirl of his hand, heavy on my feet. The stuffy air has my clothes sticking to my heated body. “I think I need some fresh air, it’s a bit warm in here,” I say at the last few beats of the song.
His face goes blank, making it impossible to read. I was already missing his scowl, at least that way his feelings were obvious, and I knew what to prepare for. He presses his stiff lips to my forehead, moving them near my ear. “Just don’t go too far,mi hermoso. Don’t make me have to come find you.”
His grip loosens on my shoulder, helping my body relax at the loss of his hand. “I’ll just be right outside, Santiago. I’m sure you can survive without me for a few minutes.”
The grin that sends unsettling chills down my spine is back. “Of course, but it never is just a few minutes with you. Is it Mateo?”
His feet move back, making me breathe easier. “Well, off you go to get that fresh air you’re needing so badly. I’ll just keep our guests entertained myself, while you wander off somewhere. Don’t be too long. Remember, these people are here for us.¡Apurarse!”
How could I forget with him and my parents constantly reminding me? Along with all the people who stop me as I make my way outside. “Oh Mateo, congrats on your engagement. You and Santiago are the perfect couple.” My cousin Lena presses her hand to her chest, pretending to be the endearing person we both know she isn’t. I keep walking, avoiding any further interaction with her or everyone else. None of these people are here for me. The frigid air is already harsh on my cheeks, and my lungs burn from breathing in too quickly. I tighten the thin fabric of my coat around my body as if it will make a difference.
“It’s a cold night. Those clothes aren’t very winter appropriate. I guess wearing a jacket is beneath you? You Jeventinos always have to come off as untouchable, don’t you?”
The silky-smooth voice has me turning my head to a tall man looking over me, tugging at the red scarf around his neck. As he steps further into the light, his honey-gold laced brown eyes are revealed. His thick lips sit below his perfectly carved nose, complimented by his sharp jaw, lined with dark scruff. He is a walking wet dream, with rugged looks and he moves with pure confidence. My body goes still when his eyes bore into mine, as if they are peering deep into my soul. My shivering hands slip into the pockets of my tailored blue suit, as I loosen my throat to speak. “Are you a guest at the party? I’ve never seen you before. Are you a friend of Santiago’s?”
The alluring stranger’s jaw tightens at the mention of my fiancé’s name, which tells me he definitely knows him, but is no friend. “I am here for something, but it’s not the party. I wasn’t exactly invited, and no, I don’t know anyone by that name.”
I dig my fingers deeper into the fabric of my pockets, tilting my head. “You aren’t a very good liar, you know. And if you weren’t invited, then why are you here?”
“I’m here for you, Mateo.”
“Me?” I glance around the open space as if there is another Mateo nearby.
“Yes, you.” His eyes grow darker and, with a malicious smile, he removes his jacket, wrapping it around my stiff shoulders. Our faces are so close I can feel his warm breath against my skin, strong with cinnamon. It sends a rush of chills down my spine.
“What do you mean, you’re here for me?”
His words hang at the tip of his tongue, never making it past his mouth when a woman’s voice comes from behind us. “Mateo, there you are! Your father asked for me to come get you. He is making a very important toast.”
My eyes meet my mother’s green ones, as she tucks her long flowing hair behind her ear. “You should come inside anyway; you’ll catch your death in this cold.”
I shake my head, “I doubt I’ll be that lucky. I’ll be right in, just let me say goodbye to my friend first.”
She peers around my shoulder, her dark green eyes wide with interest. “What friend? Looks like whoever it was is already gone. Now come, before your father gets impatient.”
I turn around with the stranger’s coat moving against my shoulders, and sure enough, there’s no one there. All I’m left with is the sharp, masculine scent from his jacket. The one thing proving this wasn’t all in my head. The beautiful stranger was real. His presence was both terrifying and intriguing. I couldn’t decide if I should have wanted to run away or lean in closer.
I walk back inside, the heavy jacket sagging over my slender body.
“There you are,mi amor.Where did that jacket come from? It’s like two sizes too big. Let me help you get it off.” I clasp tightly onto the jacket, preventing him from tugging it off my body. “I can take off my own jacket, thank you. I’ll just go hang it in the coat closet. I won’t be long.”
“That’s what you always say, until you disappear again. Don’t be long this time, or I’ll come find you myself and trust me,mi amor,you don’t want that.” His nose flares as his eyes darken. I hate the way the grasp of his hand tightens around my arm, holding me in place.
