Page 48 of Fortune's Kiss
“You know he’s just being kind so he can get to Lo.”
Mayté crossed her arms.“You aren’t Dominic Castro, so how would you know that?”This wasn’t the first time they’d fought.Over the years, they’d argued about anything and everything.She got on him when he ate the last of the tortillas.He scolded her for staining the table with her paint.He got riled up when she used to tease him in front of Lo.She hated when he used to tell his friends that her hair smelled like musty paintbrushes.No matter how big their fights were, they would always be fine in a matter of hours.He was her brother.She could never be truly angry with him.She loved him.
And that was what made this so hard.
From the corner of her eye, she saw the vaquero.He was staring at them, clearly curious.If he hadn’t recognized her before, he would surely recognize her and Carlos together.She needed to end thisnow.“Please, let’s just focus on the game.Bet low, and, no matter what,don’tfold.”She turned away, but he grabbed her arm.
“How am I supposed to ‘just’ focus on the game when you’re here?You’re my little sister.”
Now the vaquero was really staring.
“Carlos—”
“I’m supposed to protect our family.After everything that happened with Father, it was all put on me.I know you don’t think I’m trying, but I really am.That’s why I’m here.Do you think I wanted to risk my dreams just for myself?I—”
“Enough!”Panic tore through her vocal cords.“Please.”
Carlos’s eyes widened, taking her in.No doubt he knewsomethingwas wrong, he just couldn’t put his finger on what.“Mayté,” he whispered.
“Contestants,” Misterioso called out with enthusiasm and bravado.“Please make your way to your seats.Our second game will begin soon.”
Mayté broke free from Carlos and rushed to the table, not daring to look back.Her heart pounded.She had never really stopped to consider Carlos’s position.Ma doted on him, but that came with extra pressure.He must have felt obligated to come here.Not just for himself or his own gain …
No, she couldn’t think about that right now.She needed to keep it together.Dominic was now at the table alone; Lo was nowhere in sight.Where was she?A new kind of anxiety clawed at her throat.“Have you seen Lorena?”she asked him.
“She’s not with you?”
Mayté shook her head and dug her teeth into her bottom lip.What would happen if Lo didn’t make it to the game?
Once everyone took their seats, the tiniest of leafy green buds sprouted on the table top.Thousands of them.All at once, their sprouts opened and a bean popped out.Plip plip plip.They landed on the table with tiny thunks.
“Whoa,” Dominic whispered in amazement.Everyone else around the table looked just as awed—and yes, it was truly magical, but Mayté couldn’t appreciate it.Stop.Calm down.
Carlos sat down across from her.He looked around the room, likely searching for Lo as well.Mayté caught a familiar face staring at her.Señor Vásquez, the elote stand owner.It felt like a lifetime ago that she’d painted him a sign for his stand.His dark eyes flicked with recognition, then he flashed a sad smile.A lump formed in her throat.Both of them were full of dreams, and now they were trapped here fighting for their lives.
“It is time for our second game of Fortune’s Kiss!”Misterioso shouted.“But first”—he wagged his finger; his voice carried through the entire gaming den as if his lungs were lined with magic—“several introductions are in order.You already know me, your humble Master of Ceremonies.”He dramatically bowed, unbothered by the silence and anxious tension in the room.“Dealing for this afternoon’s round is our newest croupier, Alejandro.”
Mayté’s heart stuttered.
Alejandro strode to the front of the den, as nonchalant as could be before taking his place at the inner center of the round table.His face was once again painted to look like a calavera.
“Where’s the Banker?”Xiomara asked.
Alejandro simply put a finger to his mouth.
“Ah, a secret he’ll never tell,” Misterioso joined in.
A secret.At that exact moment, Alejandro glanced Mayté’s way.His hazel eyes held her captive; his finger still hovered over his painted lips.Heat bloomed in her cheeks.The gesture was supposed to be all a show, but something told her that there was a hidden double meaning just for her.Yet, at the same time, there was something expectant in his gaze.As if she were the one who held the answer to the darkest secret.
Why did that make her heart race?
“Did you sleep well, señorita?”
It took her a second to realize that Alejandro was askingher.“I—er—yes.”Her face warmed and she began to sweat.The feeling grew even more intense when Alejandro flashed a charming grin.
“Good.I’m glad.A beauty like you needs all the rest she can get.I hope you’re in good spirits today.”
Mayté’s mouth hung open.Had she heard him right?No boy had ever spoken so boldly to her.“I—I—th-thank—”
