Page 46 of Cartel Rose (Jorge)

“I can’t answer that for you.”

If only she could, but I know I’m the only one who can. My sister leans forward and gives me a hug and rubs my back as we cling to each other. We both strip down to our bras and panties and climb into bed.

I thought it would take her much longer to fall asleep, but I soon hear her rhythmic breathing. I know the difference between when she’s really asleep and when she thinks faking it fools me. I slip out of bed, watching her the entire time. I put my clothes back on before easing the door open.

I step out and shut it soundlessly. I move across the narrow short hall to the room my mom’s in. I put my ear to the door, half expecting to hear her muffled cries, but it’s silent. Maybe she’s as exhausted as Heidi.

I, on the other hand, still feel on high alert. Maybe it’s my personality, or maybe it’s because I actually saw the hand and know without having to imagine it, the gravity of this situation. It surprised me thatMuttididn’t push harder to see it. Heidi, I think, followed her lead. It’s a blessing.

I turn toward the suite’s living room, and it only takes me two steps to realize Jorge’s been watching me since the moment I stepped out of my room.

“Chiquita, we need to discuss your client list.”

I watch him and try to look like I’m focused on him when really I’m wondering what he’s been reviewing on his computer.

“What about my clients?”

“I’d like to know about the ones that aren’t on the company’s books.”

“I don’t work independently.”

Fuck my life. What the fuck did he find? I’m not prepared to discuss this shit with him.

“Maybe not officially.”

“I can’t just do whatever I want. It’s illegal to be some unregulated self-contractor.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re not.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

“Being evasive won’t protect your sweet little ass. Do you want another spanking?”

Fuck how that tempts me. Instead, I try to muster as much defiance as I can as I stare back at him. He rises from the table and stalks toward me. There’s no other way to describe it. It’s like watching an elegant panther about to attack its prey. He backs me against the wall but doesn’t touch me.

I flatten my palms against the surface to keep from reaching for him. We’re looking at each other’s lips before our gazes meet again. I think we both want a kiss. I think we’re both so tempted, yet neither of us gives in. Instead, he leans forward and whispers in my ear.

“The next time I spank you,chica—and there will most definitely be many more—it’ll be bare-assed, but only because you’re mine and no one else’s.”

“That’s impossible. I’m with Bastian, and I love him.”

“If that’s the case, then why did you lie to him so easily today? Why have you rejected every suggestion your mother and sister made to tell him? Why haven’t you insisted upon revealing what’s happening?”

“Because I took your advice.”

“Exactly.Myadvice. Not your mother’s, not your sister’s. You didn’t call him to ask for advice, either. You’ve been relying on me.”

“Was that as big a mistake as it’s starting to feel?”

“You don’t think it’s a mistake at all. You feel guilty that you want it as much as you do. I can tell you exactly what I want.”

He leans back, and once more our gazes lock. My eyes are riveted to his mouth as he continues to speak.

“I want to feel your hands on me as I touch every inch of you I can reach. I want to slip my fingers inside you, knowing you’re already drenched for me.”

He leans forward again; this time his chest barely brushes against mine.

“I want to sink deep inside you and make you cry out my name as you come all over my cock. I want to look down and see your pretty little mouth wrapped around me as you suck me off. I want to taste your clit in my mouth as I make you come.”