Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Is that what you want, Cruz? His legacy? To be the new devil?” she inquired, aware I was already lost in my own thoughts.
My father’s remark rang in my ears. “The mere fact that I told you he betrayed us is enough justification to want to make it right. Family over everything, Crucifixio. Including life.”
Her questions and his words only fueled the remorse and shame I felt for not following through with protecting my family.
I took a deep breath, inhaling the mixture of leather and cologne that surrounded me. “Don’t test me, Adriana. You won’t like the outcome.”
She scoffed in disgust, sitting face forward in the passenger seat. Not giving me a second glance.
Shifting the stick back into drive, I hit the gas and we were off with our father’s guards closely behind us.
“You’re my brother, Cruz. You’ll always be my brother, and I don’t want to lose you to a war over your soul.”
I’d be lying if I said her words weren’t affecting me. Clearly, they were.
“What if something happens to you?”
“It won’t.”
“How do you know that? El Diablo has a lot of enemies, remember?”
“El Diablo is dead, Adriana.”
“Not if you’re the resurrection of him.”
I didn’t know how to reply, so I stayed quiet. It was better to allow her to assume the worst than blatantly admit it to her. We drove the rest of the way in deafening silence until we arrived at the mansion, hosting the party.
She was the first to break the barrier as we walked up to the front door. “You know, you don’t have to guard me like a whipped dog tonight. I can enjoy the evening and so can you.”
“Nice try, Ari, but you’re not leaving my sight.”
“Cruz, you’re suffocating me. Just give me an hour to myself.”
“To do what exactly?”
“Oh, I don’t know…” She mischievously smiled. “Maybe make friends without my brother and three armed men beside me. Huh, what a concept.”
“For fuck sake, is it that time of the month? Enough with the bitch attitude, Ari. You know your manipulation never works on me like it does with our mother.”
“I bet she’d let me have some privacy if she were here.”
“Well she’s not, so you’re going to have to deal with me.”
“We’ll see about that,” she muttered in a low whisper, nodding to the hostess at the entrance of the property.
“Welcome, Cruz and Adriana Martinez.”
It wasn’t out of the ordinary for people to know who we were. Our father changed his name after he faked his death, but he was adamant we kept ours. To the world, we were just another Martinez. No one put two-and-two together, even though I was the spitting image of him.
With my hair slicked back away from my face, it only heightened my strong cheekbones and jawline. Mirroring his signature features. My tan skin and dark facial hair only added to my appealing allure. Although, it was my green eyes that caught everyone’s attention the most. From what I’d been told since I was a young boy, my intense stare looked like it could reach into your soul and possess you.
Exactly like my father.
We were one in the same. If anyone questioned my identity, there was no denying we were father and son.
The hostess smiled at me, flipping her blonde hair to the side. “Please enjoy yourselves and if you need anything, I mean anything, I’ll be right here waiting for you.”
Adriana groaned, and I gave the hostess a curt nod. I was used to women throwing themselves at me. Occasionally, I returned their affection. Mostly, it was when I wanted to get my dick sucked. Pussy came easy. They knew I’d give as well as I received. My reputation in the bedroom followed me everywhere I went.
We walked inside, making our way through the grand, angled staircases. Covered with intricate latticework on every step. Opening up to a wide foyer with shiny marble floors. Walls descended as far as I could see.
“Are there any women that don’t come on to you? Wasn’t it enough that I had to hear about your harem in every corner of our academy and college? There’s no escaping your extracurricular activities, brother.”
“You mean my fucks?”
“Ugh. You’re so crass.”
“Sticks and stones, Ari.”
She rolled her eyes at me when I teasingly bumped her shoulder, as I placed my hands in the pockets of my slacks.
“I want a life, Cruz.”
“You have a life, Adriana.”
“Not the same one you have.”
“You haven’t been paying attention, sister. Do you think I’d let you spread your legs for every son-of-a-bitch that looks your way? I’d break his fucking dick before he had the chance to lay on top of you.”
“And what if I wanted to lay on top of him?”
“Then you’d be laying on top of his casket.”
“Ugh! You’re so frustrating! Do you hear the hypocrisy in your statements?” She gestured with one hand— “Hi Pot” and then the other— “Meet kettle.”