Lucia
I’ve just managed to get Mia down for a nap so I can take a break.
She seemed more excited than the previous days and wanted to play by the lake. I think it’s her getting used to me, which is nice. I can’t complain about that in the slightest. If she didn’t like me, I’d have a whole other problem.
We spent the whole morning outside, even taking the remainders of breakfast out with us and eating our lunch under the willow tree we christened The Hideaway.
It was fun to hang out with her, but I would have enjoyed the time more if my phone hadn’t buzzed earlier with a message from Red asking me to call him.
Bastard.
As if he doesn’t know I’m working.
The message came through on my cell a little over two hours ago, and I’ve been antsy ever since. I’m supposed to check in tonight, so I don’t know why we need to speak now.
I make my way back outside, checking around for Estelle. Like yesterday, she’d left Mia and me to do our thing, but I don’t know where she went.
I head over to the garden by the lake so I’m away from people and retrieve my phone.
The moment I see another message in the preview, a chill races down my spine, leaving icicles in its path.
Dad:Call me when you get a chance, dear. Haven’t heard from you, and I’m starting to worry. Love you.
My stomach squeezes,and I hold on to the phone tightly, trying to steady my trembling hands.
This is flipping me out, and Red acting like Dad makes me want to tear my skin off.
Summoning strength, I press the call sign on the message.
He answers straightaway in that gravelly voice.
“Wow, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to answer,” he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“I’m sorry. I was working. It’s difficult to answer when I am. I thought I was supposed to call later today.”
“You speak to me when I call you, regardless of the time or day. Now, I want a report.”
“I don’t have a lot.”
“Tell me what you have.”
My lips part, and I freeze, guilt riding my conscience. Right now, the only terrible thing I’ve done is take this job. Anything I do next will cement the lie.
If I tell this man anything at all, I won’t be able to turn right any of my wrongs.
“What’s the matter, Lucia? Having second thoughts?”
“No,” I answer quickly.
“Then why the hesitation?”
“Please, tell me no harm will come to Alejandro or his niece. She’s just a baby.” I know I’m dancing with danger by saying those words, but I have to know. “Please, tell me.”
“Sweet Lucia, you have no idea what type of beast you’re sleeping with. You’ve barely been there for five minutes, and Alejandro Ramírez has got you wrapped around his finger. Pretty girl like you, I bet he fucked you senseless.”
A tingle of embarrassment sweeps up the back of my neck and across my face.
“Now I wish I’d fucked you myself before sending you off to his bed,” he adds, crude and crass. “Do yourself a favor. Do not make the mistake of falling for Alejandro Ramírez.”