SANTIAGO
After enjoying the past few days on the island with Ciara, we are on the way home when my phone rings.
I dig it out of my pocket, and seeing Jorge’s name, a broad smile spreads over my face. He’ll only call me for one reason.
“Give me the good news,” I answer.
“I found the fucker. Nolan’s father got complacent and finally led me to a house on the other side of the fucking country where he was hiding.”
“When you get home, take him to the cellar.”
“We’re taking off as we speak. I wanted to get him on the plane before I called you.”
“Good. I’ll see you tonight.”
We end the call, and my eyes flick to Pedro’s, who’s watching me in the rearview mirror. A smile spreads over his face, telling me Jorge has already notified him.
Tucking the phone back into my pocket, I remove the deck of cards and pull the Death card from it. When I hold it out to Ciara, she gives me a questioning look.
“My men found Nolan. They’re bringing him to me.”
Shock shudders over her face, and she takes the card with a trembling hand. “You really found him?”
“Yes.” I lift my arm and brush my fingers through her hair. “So, you don’t have to worry anymore. I’m going to make him pay tenfold for what he did to you.”
She presses the card to her chest, and something akin to hatred tightens her features. “You said the card means you’ll remove body parts?” When I nod, the corners of her mouth pull down with disgust. “Can you remove a specific body part for me?”
The corner of my mouth lifts, and letting my brutal side show for the first time, my voice is filled with the promise of pure fucking pain as I say, “I’ll cut off whatever parts you want, mi amor.”
She leans closer and pushes up so she can get to my ear, then whispers, “His manhood.”
I lift my hand and wrap it around the back of her neck, and pulling her a few inches away from me so I can lock eyes with her, I vow, “I will. Any message you want me to pass on to him?”
She thinks for a moment, then answers, “Tell him he didn’t break me and I belong to you.”
Christ. My heart.
My features turn soft. “Trust me, I’ll fucking rub that into his face every chance I get.”’
She lifts her hand to my face, and brushes her fingertips over my jaw, then she leans in again and presses a soft kiss to my mouth before whispering, “Tell him I kiss you willingly and that you make me moan with pleasure. Tell him I can’t stop touching you and that I love sleeping in your arms. Tell him I’m falling in love with you.”
My heart slows down, and I’m surprised out of my everloving mind by what she’s saying. I keep still as her words sink into my heart.
Ciara pulls back again and meets my eyes, her feelings for me written all over her face.
Pedro steers the SUV through the gates of the compound, and it takes all my strength to wait for him to bring us to a stop in front of the villa.
Grabbing Ciara’s hand, I shove the car door open and pull her out of the backseat. I haul her into the house and don’t even bother shutting the front door. My hands fly to her face, and framing her cheeks, I keep her in place as I crush my mouth to hers.
My tongue dives deep into her mouth, and I fucking devour her with every ounce of obessive love she makes me feel.
She grabs hold of my forearms, her mouth completely submissive to mine, and it strips me of my self-control.
I tug at her lips, bite them until they’re plump, and stroke her tongue the way I plan on fucking her the instant she’s ready.
Lowering one of my hands, my fingers trail down her side where I grip hold of her hip. I yank her flush with my body, my hard as fucking steel cock, rubbing against her stomach.
There’s zero relief, but before I can make a grave mistake, I hear a baby crying, and it instantly clears my head.
Ripping my mouth away from hers, I take three steps backward and try to breathe through the thick haze of desire.
Ciara’s gasping for air, her eyes clouded with the same need coursing through my veins, and it makes it near fucking impossible for me to keep the distance between us.
My eyes burn on hers, and my body screams for more…for everything. But by the grace of God, I remain frozen on the spot and don’t take what I want.
Then she takes a step closer to me, and I shake my head, indicating with a gesture for her to give me a moment.
I suck in deep breaths and with iron-clad will, I force the relentless craving I have for her back until I’m in control again.
Concern tenses her features. “Are you okay?”
I nod while rubbing my palm over my face. “Just needed a minute so I don’t lose control with you.”
Knowing there’s no way I can be alone with her right now, I take her hand and pull her back out of the house.
She links her fingers with mine and keeps quiet as we walk toward the main road that leads through the village. As we start to pass by cottages, my emotions settle, and I take time to talk with my people.
I introduce Ciara, and even though she’s still not comfortable around people, she powers through for me.
I pass Carmen and Catalina’s place, knowing they must be resting, seeing as Thiago is with Astrid.
When we reach the clinic, Ciara’s smile widens. “Can we stop to say hello to Eden and Dr. Pires?”
“Of course.” I lead her inside, and when Eden sees us, her face lights up.
“Oh my gosh,” Eden exclaims excitedly as she comes out from behind the nurse’s station. “Dr. Pires! Come look.”
I let go of Ciara’s hand, and when she actually hugs Eden, pride swells in my chest.
Every day, she takes huge steps toward healing.
She’s right. That fucker didn’t break her. I pray the day will come when she won’t think of him at all.
Dr. Pires comes rushing into the waiting area, and seeing Ciara, she says, “Oh my gosh. You look amazing!” She doesn’t go in for a hug, but stops in front of Ciara. “How are you feeling?”
“Back to normal,” Ciara answers. “I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me. Both of you.”
Dr. Pires waves her hand through the air. “It was my pleasure.”
While we’re here, I ask, “How are the women who came in last week?”
“They’re good. I’ve moved them to a cottage, and they’ve started therapy with Gloria.”
“That’s good to hear,” I murmur. “Talking about Dr. Alvarado. Is she available?”
Dr. Pires nods. “She’s in her office.”
I take hold of Ciara’s hand, and leading her down the hallway, I say, “I just want to introduce you. When you’re ready, you can talk to her.”
We pass by the room Ciara was in when she first arrived, and she glances at the empty bed.
When we reach the office, the door stands open, but I still tap my fingers against the wood. “Do you have a minute?”
Dr. Alvarado lifts her head, and seeing me, she smiles warmly. “Of course.” She climbs to her feet. “Come in. Come in.” Her eyes move to Ciara, then lower to where our hands are linked. “You must be Ciara.” Keeping her distance, she continues to say, “I’m Dr. Gloria Alvarado, the resident psychiatrist here in the village. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Hi,” Ciara murmurs, her eyes darting over the comfortable armchairs, plants, and bookshelves before resting on the psychiatrist again. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
Dr. Alvarado gestures at the chairs. “Would you like to sit?”
I shake my head. “No, we can’t stay long. I just wanted to show Ciara where your office is for when she’s ready to talk to you.”
Dr. Alvarado smiles warmly at Ciara. “Unless I’m busy with someone, my door is always open. I also have group meetings every Tuesday and Thursday at six in the evening. We get together at the school.”
“There’s a school?” Ciara asks, her eyes filling with surprise.
“It’s situated in the first cottage as you leave the villa.”
“Oh. I didn’t notice.”
“School ends at one,” I explain. “We just missed the kids, but some of them are probably playing by the field.”
Ciara nods, then turns her attention back to Dr. Alvarado. “I’d like to make an appointment with you so we can talk alone.”
The doctor moves back to her desk and checks her schedule. I can meet with you tonight at eight or seven tomorrow morning?”
I give her a grateful smile because I know she’s giving up her personal time so she can start the therapy sessions with Ciara as soon as possible.
My woman looks up at me. “Uhm…Tonight? The sooner the better, right?”
I’ll hopefully be busy with Nolan, so I nod. “That sounds good, mi sol.”
“Great, then I’ll see you at eight tonight,” she tells the doctor.
“I’ll have her here on time,” I say, before asking, “How are things with the other women?”
“There’s nothing for you to worry about,” she gives me the same answer as always.
“Keep up the good work,” I murmur before we walk out of the office.
Ciara says goodbye to Eden and Dr. Pires on the way out, and when we’re heading back toward the villa, she says, “Dr. Alvarado is beautiful, and she seems very nice.”
Hearing the unspoken question in her voice, I chuckle, “Dr. Alvarado and Dr. Pires are in a relationship.” I give her hand a squeeze, then add, “I don’t want you to ever worry about the other women here. You are the only one for me.”
Her cheeks flush pink, and she turns her head away, but not quick enough to hide the smile tugging at her mouth.
