Page 39 of Torched

TWO YEARS AGO

I’mwaitingintherestaurant, a little anxious because I know Kane will not make this easy on me. Liam made it perfectly clear that Kane doesn’t like me, but though the feeling is mutual, I don’t want him taking Liam away from me. A lot stands or falls with this night, and I can’t wait for it to be fucking over.

I’m not the nervous type, but I’ve been plucking the bread in the basket for five minutes, my napkin perfectly draped over my lap and my ankles tucked underneath the chair. I chose a black dress for tonight, one that’s tight enough to show my curves but conservative enough to make me seem more respectable. I don’t want to give Kane a reason to think I’m some kind of skimpy dressed gold-digger. But the more minutes pass, the more I regret not going for something a bit looser since it feels like the fabric’s hugging me tighter with every move like a Boa constrictor.

Get a grip, Cristina. Kane Carrillo’s got nothing on you. He can bark all he wants, but I grew up in the hills of Granada. I’ve grown up surrounded by street dogs. This big-mouthed criminal can’t fucking rile me up. No matter how infamous his reputation is.

Finally, I see both brothers walk into the room. They are hard to miss as the energy changes immediately, and every head spins in their direction. Their big strides are almost in slow motion as everyone fixates on their arrival. Liam is dressed in a gray dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up, and Kane’s wearing a black t-shirt that almost looks like a unity with his tattooed arms. I can understand why people look up to them. I can understand why women would want their attention. They are a force to be reckoned with in every move they make, and I’ll be smart to remember that. But like I said, I’m not impressed by barking dogs. It’s when they start biting that my senses shift to high alert.

I wipe the breadcrumbs off my fingers, before I get up to plaster a wide smile on my lips, my hand sticking out in front of me.

“Kane, so nice to meet you. I’m Cristina.”

His intense energy stops in front of me, a smirk on his lips, and a glare in his eyes. Like I’m offering him a big bowl ofmierda, he glances down to my hand, then snickers before taking a seat on the table.

I suppress the snarl that’s itching to lift the corner of my lips. “That went well.” Liam steps in, pressing a kiss to my lips as his hands land on my hips. I count to two, then softly pull my mouth from his.

“You look gorgeous.”

“Gracias. Are you sure we should do this?” I give Kane a side glance, his light blue eyes still glaring at me as if he can turn me into ice.

“No. But hiding you from him would be even more stupid.”

“Right.” We take our seats at the table, and I’m a little surprised when Liam takes the seat next to his brother instead of the one next to me. An apologetic expression coming my way has me pressing my tongue to my cheek as I release the air from my lungs. I notice there is a slight dare in his eyes. As if he wants to test me.

Didn’t see that one coming. I thought Liam was on my team, but this indicates he’s on his brother’s, which is not something I was counting on. He was supposed to sit next to me, so we could form a front against his brother. After all, he’s the one who doesn’t trustme.

Not the other way around. Sorta.

I silently let Liam know I don’t appreciate this gang up, then suck in a deep breath to address the life of the party.

“So, Kane. How are you doing? I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“You can stop.” He nods. His arrogant ass is slumped in his chair, one of his arms draped over the back, while a shitload of something devious travels across his features.

He almost reminds me of Junior, that psychotic trait he can have. The one where he can smile at you like you’re the sweetest thing he’s ever seen, but then tear you apart the next second. I’ve only looked in his intimidating gaze for ten seconds, but I can see it clear as fucking day: Kane Carrillo isn’t just a dog. No, he’s a vicious one. One of those breeds that will go for your throat and never let go, putting their jaw on lock.

I’m in deep shit, because the way he talks to me, I’m convinced he’s decided to go for my neck.

“With what?” I ask with a kind smile while Liam hisses at the same time, “Kane!”

“This act. The one where you pretend to be into my brother. You suck at it.”

I brace myself, knowing this is the time I prove my worth. “It’s not an act, Kane. I genuinely like your brother.” I like him a helluva lot more than you, at least.

“This isn’t exactlytrying, Kane,” Liam warns with closed eyes.

“I’m not trying shit, Liam.” His words are aimed at his brother, but Kane’s eyes stay connected with mine. Sharp, glaring, and deadly if he gets the chance to wrap his hands around my neck, I’m certain. “I’m just calling thisputaout on her bullshit.”

“Puta?” I scoff. “I was raised amongst men that are far scarier than you are, Kane. Ifputais all you got, I consider it a compliment.”

“What’s your angle?” He leans over the table, and I mimic his stance.

“I don’t have an angle.”

“You’re full of shit.”

“You’re paranoid.”

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