Page 38 of Torched

“Actually,” I say with a laugh, feeling proud, “that was Callie’s idea. She’s clearly a better criminal than the two of you were. No wonder Junior hated her.”

“Callie might be smarter than Junior, but she’s definitely not smarter than me.”

“Well, I was already wondering how long before you would show your real colors. You kept up your act for six months, but you can’t even keep it up for ten minutes now? You’re slacking, girl,” Imogen sasses.

I can see all the hateful things Cristina wants to do to Imogen because they are flashing in front of her eyes, but she’s controlled enough to keep her mouth shut.

“What do you really want, Cristina?” I ask, annoyed more than anything that she interrupted our nice dinner.

“I told you. I want you back.”

“I thought you wanted the diamond. Which one is it?” Gen argues.

“I want the diamond because I need money.” Cristina’s sad tone slips in again. “With Junior gone, I don’t have access to any of the Reyes accounts because Callie is the beneficiary. That diamond gives me the chance at a new start. A fresh start.” She shoots me a pleading look, still trying to tap into my empathy.

“I believe you,” I say, forming a victorious smile on her cheeks. “But I know you, Cristina.” Her face falls. “You might have tricked me for months, but you failed to understand, it’s also why I know you better than anyone. I know how far you’re willing to go. I know there is more than just that diamond. There is always more when it comes to you.”

“There isn’t. I swear.”

Her word means as much as a pile of shit, and I scold myself for being so blind to her. She really had me by the balls, because I thought we had something good. That there was potential for a future. But now, sitting at this table, I know there is only one future for me.

She’s blonde with blue eyes and has a smile that makes my heart falter every time it’s directed my way.

I smile at Gen, trying to comfort her with a single look. It takes her a few moments to find my eyes, but when she does, she smiles back. Though there is a wariness in her eyes that wasn’t there before Cristina barged through the door.

“What’s that saying? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me? Cut the act, Cristina.” My tone is menacing, and it’s all she deserves. “It’s not cute anymore. It’s justpathetic.” I turn my focus on Gen as I get up from my chair and reach for her hand to help her up. “Now, if you will excuse us? I lost my appetite.”

Imogen purposely ticks over her half-full glass, the contents spilling right onto Cristina’s blue jeans before she shoves her chair backward with a loud gasp.

“Whoops, I’m sorry.” Gen folds a hand over her lips. “I’m sure one of the staff can help you clean that up. Have a great night,Crissy.”

The loud groan that comes from Cristina reverberates against our backs as I lead Imogen out of the room and into the hallway. There is a smirk on my lips that I probably can’t wipe off for at least a few days, my brain probably collecting fuel from the memory that just embedded itself into my brain.

With big strides, we keep walking until we’re in our suit, and I slam the door before I throw her back against it. Cupping the front of her neck, I press my body into hers, my dick even more eager to bury inside of her.

“You are so goddamn sexy when you’re going all bitch on her.”

“I am?” Gen asks, surprised.

“Fuck me, Gen. I love you. You’re gorgeous, but you being so fearless and ready to snap her head off? The only reason why I didn’t fuck you on that table is because I know you don’t like an audience. But let me tell you something,it was really fucking hard.”

I love the carefree chuckle that comes from her throat, her eyes filled with pride.

“I’m happy to keep you entertained, Mr. Carrillo.”

Her new nickname for me has me moaning against her lips. “Oh, you make me so horny for you, baby. But you know what would turn me on even more than you calling me Mr. Carrillo?”

She hums in question, her sizzling lips brushing over mine.

“Mrs. Carrillo.”

Her lashes snap up, the same lust I saw at dinner now back in its full glory.

“Can’t wait for that,” she says, before stealing my breath with her kiss.

10

CRISTINA

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