Page 96 of Death

Eladio nods, then focuses on the instrument in his arms. When his voice begins to drift into the air, I stand transfixed, because he’s voice gives me chills.

Santiago’s arm wraps around my lower back, and as my eyes dart up to his face, his hips move and he starts to dance.

“Oh God,” I gasp. “I can’t dance.”

With his other hand, he takes hold of mine, a chuckle rumbling from him. “Just follow my lead.”

Santiago’s body commands mine, and I’m surprised that I’m actually dancing without falling over my feet.

His movements are so sensual, my stomach fills with butterflies, and I get lost in him while Eladio sings a song that describes Santiago.

Others start to dance around us, and as I smile up at the man who’s changed my entire life, he says, “It’s done,mi amor. I’ve killed your monster.”

My lips part on a gasp, and while I stare at Santiago, he twirls me in a circle before squashing me to his chest.

Standing between the people he’s saved, a weird calmness settles deep in my heart, and I close my eyes. Santiago keeps dancing slowly, his jaw brushing against my temple.

Every moment since I ran from that house of horrors flits through my mind.

Santiago grabbing me in the field.

Waking up in the hospital to see him sitting in the chair like a guardian angel.

Him waiting patiently for me to come out from under the bed.

His gentle voice and encouraging smiles.

My chin quivers, and I suck in a trembling breath because remembering everything Santiago has done for me is overwhelming.

He’s my hero in every way.

After a minute or so, I tilt my head back and meet his eyes. “Thank you.”

He shakes his head, the corner of his mouth lifting. “It was my pleasure.”

I see a flash of something dark in his hazel irises, but it’s gone as quickly as it came.

Besides, during the attack, when we were on our way to the island, I haven’t seen Santiago’s brutal side.

I lift my hand to his cheek, and when I push myself up on my tiptoes, his head lowers and his mouth nips at mine in a carnal way that has my toes curling.

When he lifts his head and smiles down at me, applause and whistles erupt around us, making a blush creep up my neck.

Pressing my cheek against Santiago’s chest, I smile happily, this moment one of the most perfect ones I’ve ever experienced.

This is where I belong.

This is home.

After a while, Santiago leads me toward a row of chairs, and we sit down with Pedro and Gianna.

Even though I don’t run at the sight of a man, Pedro’s the only one I trust besides Santiago. I’ve seen Samuel and Marc around the house, but I haven’t interacted much with them yet.

Astrid brings us wraps filled with beef slices and vegetables, and when she sits down beside me, I give her a thankful smile.

“Are you enjoying yourself,Cariño?” she asks.

I nod, then ask, “Do you ever get a day off?”