Ria couldn’t remember much about her father. He had kept them hidden away from those he commanded, turning her brothers away from their mother by giving them jobs he expected carried out. Both had become cruel members of the cartel.
When her father had been murdered, Alejandro had taken over, releasing her and their mother to live away from the danger. Her brothers had both been kind and protective of her. Now that Alejandro was dead, his protection was gone, and Ria didn’t know what to do.
She remembered the night Alejandro had been murdered. A car with two of her brother’s subordinates had picked her up after work, driving her to an isolated house. She had been worried, but not frightened. Her mother had been in the rehab center, so she had known she was safe, and these were men that she knew were loyal to Alejandro; they wouldn’t hurt her.
The next day, when they had released her, they’d told her of her brother’s death. She had realized they had hidden her to keep her safe.
She had thought, with Alejandro’s death, the cartel would forget about her mother, but her family still maintained a strong position in the cartel and would use them as pawns.
Emiliano wouldn’t accept her refusal gracefully.
She shivered, picturing his dark eyes. He was a handsome man, but the cruelty he was capable of had her fearful for her mother. She needed to get her mother where she would be untouchable by the cartel.
She was going to have to accept Lacey’s help because she couldn’t stand on pride and see her mother hurt. She would borrow just enough money to place her mother in Suncoast. Then, she would pay her back as soon as she could.
Ria was surprised Lacey hadn’t already tried to call to see how the test had gone. Coming to a decision, she placed a call to Lacey. When she didn’t answer, she left a message for her to call as soon as possible. She must be on rounds.
When the phone rang minutes later, she answered without looking at the display, expecting Lacey; instead, it was Nicholas on the other end.
“How did the test go?”
She found herself telling him the truth. “I’m worried whether I passed.”
“I’m sure you did. How about going out to dinner with me tonight to take your mind off it?”
She had waited for him to call her the last week and hadn’t heard anything from him. Now she realized he had given her the time to study without interfering. He had remembered the exact date of her test. She felt warmed by his concern.
“I’d like that. Where do you want me to meet you?”
“Tell me where you live, and I’ll pick you up.”
Ria almost refused, not wanting him to see where she lived, but if they developed a relationship, he would eventually see. She gave him the address.
“I’ll pick you up at seven.” From his slight pause, she knew he had recognized the seedy part of town she lived in.
“I’ll see you then.” She disconnected the call, already regretting agreeing to see him. She had too much on her plate to deal with without the added pressure of beginning a new relationship.
She could at least have dinner with him. Then she would tell him that her mother was sick, and she wouldn’t be able to see him for a while. She knew a man like Nicholas wasn’t one to wait around on a woman and this would eliminate any chance with him. But to be realistic with herself, she knew she was probably nothing more than a challenge to him, anyway. A man like that was used to women throwing themselves at him, and he was probably simply enjoying the chase. Yet, what if he wasn’t? What if he was genuinely interested in her?
She told herself it was better this way. Her life was too complicated right now. She would take tonight and enjoy it.
She could keep it light and fun, and keep her attraction for him under control. Couldn’t she?
Chapter 9
“We had to wash chalkboards for a week!” Ria finished telling a story about Lacey and her from high school. Nicholas’s blue eyes were sparkling as he laughed with her at the memory.
They were finishing an appetizer as they shared funny stories from their childhood. Ria was fulfilling her decision of making the most of the night. She wouldn’t meet another man like Nicholas, and although the timing sucked, considering everything she knew now, there was no reason not to make the most of her short time with him.
“I can picture you as a troublemaker! I’ve only been around you a few times and not much has changed,” Nicholas drawled.
Ria gave him a fake scowl, but couldn’t hold it for very long before laughing.
She sighed. “My smart mouth always gets me in trouble.”
“I like it. You’re not putting on an act; you’re real,” he said softly as their eyes locked.