Page 50 of Vicious Little Liar
17
ANDRÉS
Itake eleven hours to come up with a plan. And another hour to devise a back-up in case it doesn’t work. Normally I’d run it by Adrián, but I already know what he’ll say, and I don’t have time to argue with him.
I’ve played out every scenario I can think of, and short of a miracle, this is the only way. With any luck, Ruben will see reason, though I won’t hold my breath. Which is why I’m mentally preparing myself for what I will have to do.
Given everything Leticia’s told me, there’s a chance her father’s spent these past five days plotting her death. A possibility I wish I’d known about sooner. Because if I’m right, it means we’re out of time.
Ángel walks beside me as I lead Leticia through the courtyard with my hand on the small of her back. Quirking a brow, he wordlessly asks if I see what she’s doing, and irritation ripples through me.
Gritting my teeth, I nod. I do.
Leticia scans her surroundings, eyes searching for an opportunity. An escape.
“You won’t find one,” I tell her, and she startles.
“Find what?” she asks.
“An escape. Remember what you said earlier, princesa. No matter the cost.”
She huffs out a breath, but pink stains her cheeks, telling me I was right. “I know. And I will not run away. It’s just …” she shrugs. “Habit, I guess.”
Hm. “Your habits will need to change.” Though the idea of watching her run from me has a certain appeal. My lips twitch at the sides, lifting almost into a smile. I’d enjoy catching her. She’s a fighter. Despite the inconvenience, her resistance is something I never want to see diminished. Besides, a man like me enjoys the occasional chase.
Leticia Castro is mine. There is nothing in this world that will make me give her up.
Never again.
She rubs her arms, reminding me of the chill in the air. She’s worn my clothes this past week. A fact she is unaware of, having assumed the clothing she discovered in her room are discards.
I’d never allow her to wear another man’s clothes. To carry his scent on her skin. No. That privilege is strictly mine.
Despite having agreed to remain at my side, she’d reject the idea of wearing my things, seeing it as a display of possession. Which it is. So I took care in selecting the pieces that Maria placed in her room. Choosing leisure items I’d wear while training or at the gym instead of the expensive suit pieces or button downs she’d expect to find in my wardrobe.
Tonight, she’s wearing the little black dress I picked her up in. It’s the only piece of clothing she has here. When she first arrived, I considered sending one of my brothers out to collect a few items for her. Only then she’d have no reason to wear mine, and I like the sight of her in my shirts. Knowing it’s my clothes that rests against her skin.
I’ll have to replace her wardrobe, eventually. But for now, my shirts and sweats will suffice.
Three black SUVs pull up in front of the gates. Adrián, Rio, and Aztlán seated behind their wheels.
“You should take me with you.” Ángel says.
“You know why I can’t.” Regardless of the provisions I’ve set in place for tonight, it’d be stupid to have all four DeAnde brothers in the same place at the same time. It’d leave our family vulnerable. With Ángel left behind, if anything happens to me and the others, a DeAnde will stand, able to step in and hold the family together.
“Leave Aztlán instead. He’s the youngest.”
The corners of my mouth twitch. “He needs the experience.”
Stepping forward, I open the passenger door to one of the SUVs and wave Leticia inside.
“Where are we going?” She pauses beside the door, her expression guarded. She worries her bottom lip, tempting me to tug it free.
“Neutral territory.”
Her eyes shoot up to mine, bright with understanding.
“This is bullshit.” Ángel mutters, but I ignore him and instead, give in to my impulse to touch her. Pressing my thumb to Leticia’s mouth, I brush over her lips. They part. A wordless invitation, even if she’s not aware of it.
