Page 80 of Embriagado

“You’re still breathing because I have other plans for you.” He slowly moved the pads of his fingers along my skin.

“What plans?”

His mask broke, and a twisted smile took over his too-beautiful lips.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Pulling his hand away, he got up and walked back to his desk, leaving me hanging. Was I insane for craving to feel his touch again? Yes. Definitely yes.

“Be here tonight at 10:00 p.m. Not a minute before, not a minute after.”

“Wait.” I jumped to my feet, nearly falling over. “Does that mean you forgive me?”

My words echoed in his office as he stood still, not meeting my determined stare.

“Forgiveness? Is that what you seek?” he asked with his back to me.

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll see you tonight at 10:00 p.m.”

21

SANTIAGO

Staring at the clock on the wall, I counted the seconds passing while gritting my teeth. For fuck’s sake. I’d been like this for the past two hours, waiting until it was time to leave the house and go meet him.

Be here tonight at 10:00 p.m. Not a minute before, not a minute after.

What the hell was he up to now? One second, he pointed a gun at my head; the next, he told me he had plans for me.

Shit.

My stomach turned, and feeling sick, I walked over to the kitchen sink. Opening the tap, I filled my palms with water and splashed it on my face, trying to get a fucking grip. He didn’t kill me last night, but maybe he planned on doing it tonight? Shutting the water off, I then leaned both hands on the counter, trying to think it through.

The hotel was busy yesterday, obviously too crowded to kill someone, and that bastard was too clever to risk it. Still, I couldn’t not show up. It would probably piss him off even further. But if I did go there, I’d just be walking into my own death trap.

I looked aside, eyes locking in on the cutlery drawer. Reaching down, I opened it and took out a folding knife we kept there. It was still sharp, sharp enough to cut through flesh if needed. Weapons were never my first option, but that white-haired bitch was pushing me into a corner, one I wasn’t sure my fists would be enough to get out of.

Slipping the knife into my sweats pocket, I glanced back at the clock.

It’s time.

Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my fists while doing a few jumps to let out stress. I had to be on the top of my game when I saw him and, most importantly, not let him get into my head.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I grimaced when I heard Gabriel’s voice.

Fuck.

I didn’t have time for him, not now. Should I sneak out of my bedroom window?

“I know you’re in there, Santi,” came his voice from outside, making me swear under my breath.

Unwillingly, I walked over and opened the door, my eyes meeting his.

“I was just about to head out,” I said, stepping out and locking it behind me.

“Where to?”