Page 71 of Cartel Rose (Jorge)

I turn a blank stare toward Jorge, once more shaking my head. I feel the tears welling in my eyes, but I no longer feel like I’m controlling what’s happening. My breathing’s labored and uncomfortable. He guides me to the sofa, and my mom and sister sit on each side of me while he perches on the end ofthe coffee table. He takes both of my hands in his, rubbing the outside of them and squeezing them rhythmically.

“Liesel, look at me. Liesel.”

“I hear you. Jorge, please don’t leave me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

His thighs bracket mine, and I lean as far forward as I can to rest my forehead against his shoulder.

“I won’t go anywhere without you knowing where it is.”

“No, not good enough.” I struggle with each word.

“I have no plans or moves to make until my family gets here.”

“No, don’t leave me. I—need—you.” I stumble over those three words as I sob.

My mom rubs her hand up and down my back. “Maybe Anne should just stay here.”

Friedrich’s been quiet and unobtrusive since he arrived, but he speaks up. “If being away from Jorge’s going to give her a panic attack, I can take Heidi and Gretel to your friend’s house. You can stay here with Anne. If anything changes, then you can bring her to us, or I can come back and get her.”

Friedrich’s offer registers with me, but I have to turn it over in my head a couple times before I understand what he’s offering. He’s been the rock I expected Bastian to be. Instead, that piece of shit turned out to be a pebble in my shoe.

Jorge grips my shoulders and eases me back before cupping my face, holding it in place, so our gazes meet. “Liesel, do you want to stay here with me while they go to Noor’s house?”

I nod.

I feel incredibly selfish, but as hard as this has been for my mom and Heidi, it’s still all new to them. I’ve been carrying the weight of all of these hidden manipulations for years now, and the incessant danger is pushing me beyond my breaking point. The only thing holding me together is Jorge.

“Jorge, can I really stay here with you?”

Chapter Eighteen

Jorge

“Yes,chica. You can stay.”

Liesel’s panic attack unnerved me since I recognized what was happening all too clearly. I’ve had more than enough of them to recognize when one’s starting. Hers wasn’t nearly as bad as it could’ve been. It made me wonder if she’s had them before. The moment I realized what was happening, instincts screamed to call Bastian and have him come back to check on her in case he was familiar with what hers are like. But since she was able to control it, and it didn’t wind up being that severe, I’m glad I breathed through my own rising panic.

Sensing she needs time alone with me, the others disappear. Gretel goes into her bedroom to gather her belongings, and Heidi and Friedrich go back next door to pack theirs. Heidi offers to gather her sister’s things as well. Once we’re alone, I lift Liesel onto my lap. She kicks off her shoes and burrows against me.

“I’m sorry about that, Jorge.”

“You never have to apologize for needing me. I promised you I would be here. I’m on your side. I’ll protect you and support you any way I can.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

She whispers those three words as she turns to look in the bedrooms’ direction. Gretel’s closed her door, so I’m certain she can’t hear us. I stroke hair away from Liesel’s shoulder and lean forward to kiss it before kissing along her neck up to behind her ear, I press my lips close to the shell, and my warm breath makes her shiver.

“That’s what daddies are for,chiquita.”

My hand glides down her back to cup her ass. It rests heavily there. Tempting as it is to squeeze, I’m certain she’s still sore from earlier. I gaze down at her, and her eyes drift closed as she relaxes fully against me. Her breathing is even and calm now. I’m not convinced she’s asleep, but she’s dozing. I do my best to avoid disturbing her as I shift and pull my phone from my pocket. With my arms boxing her in and my screen behind her, I text Joaquin.

Me

Friedrich offered help through his connections to the Camorra.

My brother’s response comes three minutes later.