CHAPTER 3: STUNNED

ESTEBAN

Sitting across the room, whisky in hand, I watch my mother fuss over Eliana. Eliana, however, seemed to be fed up by both my mother and Scott's policing care. There was something different about Memo– Scott as he preferred to be called– different in a good way.

“You both know I'm fine, right?” she said, yawning loudly, “sorry…”

She bounced off the couch, her eyes fixed on the walls. She seemed pleased– intrigued by the designs.

“Hey, big guy!” she called out.

Plastering a smile on my face, I met her gaze. “Yes?”

“You didn’t tell me you were into arts. Your place is lovely.”

I shrugged at the compliment. 

“I don’t think my cousin agrees,” fixing my gaze on Scott, I smirked, “Do you?”

He didn’t spare me a glance, let alone a reply. I couldn’t blame him. Left to him, they wouldn’t be here. Which is why I had to go through his wife, Eliana. The “ruthless CEO” could hardly say no to his Eliana, giving me the opportunity to bring him home.

They had arrived minutes ago but Scott was more than ready to be out that door and away from here.

“Good to see you again, Cousin.” My voice was low–serious. I meant every bit of those words.

“I wish I could say the same.” He shot at me, his frown deepened.

He wanted nothing to do with the mafia and that included us– his relatives in the mafia. More so after what happened a few months ago. I wasn’t going to apologize for wanting revenge.

“I can’t wait to explore Sinaloa.” Eliana sighed.

“We’re just here for the party, love.” Scott said softly.

With her condition, it was unlikely. However, they both argued over that a bit. I got off my seat and walked out, leaving the couple and my well pleased mother. Memo had done something right. He married Eliana. In doing so, he gave us all something we needed. For my mother, more family; one more person to love and soon two with the baby on the way. For me, one more person to get on my nerves, someone to look out for and for Memo, the chance to experience love.   

 Gustavo was standing right at the door of my study.

“What is it?” I asked impatiently.

“There’s a name on the list…” 

“Gustavo… go straight to the point.”

“Yes, Don.” Clearing his throat, he continued, “There’s a Caitlin Stevens on the list, Caspian Zuri’s plus one.” he paused.

“And?” I asked, wondering where this was heading.

“We know nothing about her. She’s not from any–”

“Did you run a background check?” 

I was fed up with the pointless conversation. Yes, I had made sure the security was even tighter. Couldn’t risk anything going wrong at my mother’s party. Especially with Memo and his wife here. But this wasn’t it.

“Yes, she’s clean but–”

“Dios, Gustavo! People brought plus one– a lot of them. We may know them but we don’t know their intention. Keep an eye on this Zuri boy and his girl.”

I twisted the doorknob and went into my study. The door slammed before I heard his “yes, Don.”

Hours later

There was a soft knock on the door, startling me awake. I had dozed off with my cigarette in hand and a pile of untouched papers.

“Gustavo–”

“Memo.” 

That one word, the voice. It stunned me. A part of me hoped for the impossible.

“Come in.”

The door creaked open. His tall, dark figure walked in then he shut the door without saying a word. His eyes fixed on the huge painting on my wall for a brief moment.

“Tsk tsk tsk… you still haven’t let go.” he stared at me with an expression I couldn't read.

“Is that why you’re here?” I asked without a trace of the humor I had hours ago.

 “I see it’s a masquerade party after all.” Scott said softly.

“Of course. I’m not about to forcefully throw you into a world you do not want to be part of.” taking the cigarette to my lips, I drew in a bit of smoke. I smiled at how intently he was watching me– the cigarette. “So you’re here to say thank you?”

“Why would I do that? If it weren’t for you and your silly games, we wouldn’t be here in the first place.” 

True. 

“Then you’re here to apologize?” I smirked.

He eyed me like I had gone nuts.

Taking a seat, he looked at the cigarette and slightly shook his head as if to get rid of an unwanted thought.

“Here.” I handed him a cigarette. 

“No, thank you. It’s tempting but no.” 

His eyes said otherwise. 

“Why?”

He shook his head but I already knew the answer.

“How safe would the party be for Eliana?”

Very Scott Blackwell. 

“Very safe, I made sure. I’m not about to put my pregnant little Cousin and my nephew in danger.”

He nodded in approval, stood up and headed for the door.

“Thank you.”

Memo sounded like those words had been squeezed out of him.

“Wait, what? Come again I didn't–”

The door slammed short before I could complete the sentence.

Guests had already arrived for the party. I walked out of my study and into my room to have a much needed shower and a change of clothes. 

 Before heading to the hall, I went over the security details once more more with the team.

“They’re here.” Gustavo reported.

I didn’t have to ask who. I knew it was Zuri. Because of Gustavo's reaction, they got extra attention. I made sure of it. The camera zoomed in on them both. The woman was blonde, dressed in a velvet green dress that revealed so much skin and a small black mask. Caspian Zuri seemed to be whispering something in her ear, his hand resting firmly on her lower back.

She looked up, straight at the camera, revealing mesmerizing green eyes. For some reason, they seemed familiar.

You’re here for safety check not to lust over a woman completely oblivious you’re watching.

“Carry on.” 

With that, I went to the hall. Who better to keep an eye on my cousins than me? Protecting them meant being close to them– being at the party as long as they are. The sound of music, laughter and glass clinking filled my ears. Memo and his wife were in the center of the hall, dancing. They seemed to have managed to get the attention of the crowd. Especially the blonde beside Zuri.

I kept stealing glances at her, telling myself it was for security reasons. Bloody security… there was something about her. She caught my gaze and smiled at me. I forced myself to look away.

Fuck, I need a drink.

I signaled an attendant to bring me a drink. Taking a glass of champagne from the tray, I let my eyes wander, trying to find my mother. I found her in the midst of the town’s women–as usual.

“I take you to be more of a harsh spirit man. Preferably whisky… maybe.” 

The voice came from behind me. I turned around to find Caspian smiling softly, the blonde’s arm firmly linked with his.

“You should also know I do not fancy people talking behind me, let alone sneaking up on me.” I said with a forced smile, letting my eyes show more than I had said.

“My apologies, Don. The thing is, I have something for you– something I know you would be interested in but just couldn’t wait for the right time as that is quite difficult to ascertain.” Caspian said with a light bow of his head.

The blonde’s fingers tightened around his arm. Good, she was scared. I stared hard at her, keeping my expression as dark as possible. For some reason, I enjoyed how unsettled she was.

“What is this ‘something’ you speak of?” I muttered, showing no sign of interest.

From the corner of my eye, I found Gustavo lurking in a corner. His eyes were fixed on me or rather my guests– Caspian and his woman. I couldn’t blame him. I also had a weird feeling about them.  

“Do you mind if we discuss in private or at least somewhere a bit more quiet?” Caspian muttered quietly, leaning forward.

Taking a step back, I stared blankly at him. “It better be good.”

Good trick or business. Whatever but it better be good for his sake. I do not like wasting my time.

“Follow me.” I ordered.

I walked towards the door as they trailed behind me. Gustavo joined in without a word. I led them to the waiting room. 

“Speak.” 

I sat down, reaching for my cigarette in my suit pocket. The lady jumped in her seat, squeezing Caspian’s arms a little harder. 

“Your lady doesn’t seem very comfortable, Zuri.” I gave her a half smile, “Relax, I don't bite.”

She seemed to relax a bit. Caspian tapped her fingers gently.

“I murder— bullet, blade… depends on my mood.”

The calm from seconds ago disappeared. Her face lost colour.  

Clearing his throat, Caspian straightened in his seat, took the blonde’s fingers in his palm and lifted her hand. “I brought you something— a gift you would love.”

I smiled– a smile that didn't reach my eyes. I knew where this was going.

“Where is the gift you speak of?” My voice was low, deep and intimidating.

“She’s the gift, Don.” He smiled like he offered me something priceless. 

In a swift move, I pulled my gun and pointed straight at his head, my smile never faltered. This had to be the most stupid thing a person had ever done. Yes, I love women. No, I'm not a womanizer and most certainly don’t make deals with women for the price or gain.

“Don, please, don’t shoot. At least take a good look at her, please!” his eyes were squeezed shut, voice shaking, “take off the goddam mask!” he barked at the blonde.

The woman flinched, her hands immediately reaching for the mask. The moment the mask fell off her face, I froze. Everything seemed to pause.

“Unbelieveable…” I whispered, slowly putting down the gun.

This can’t be— how? Laura?