Page 103 of Cryptic Curse

“Good evening, Daniela.”He turns to my father.“She is everything you said she would be, Jacinto.”

Papa grins.“Didn’t I tell you?”

Señor Reyes closes the distance between us and reaches for my hand.He brings it to his lips and kisses the back of it.

I widen my eyes slightly.

No man has ever kissed my hand before.

I’m only fifteen.Actually fourteen.My birthday is tomorrow.

“Daniela,” Papa says, “I want you to be good to Señor Reyes.Give him what he asks for.”

Apprehension slices through me.

“What do you mean?”

“The party is a small one,” Papa says.“Only two people attending.You and Señor Reyes.”

“I don’t understand.”My pulse races.

My nerves skitter under my skin.And I feel sick.Like I’m going to vomit all over my father’s office.

I quickly swallow.

“You’re old enough now,” Papa says, “to…contributeto the household.”

“Contribute to the household?”I cross my arms.“You mean by doing chores?”

Why would he need me to do chores?We have enough servants to do everything around here.

“Señor Reyes would like to get to know you better,” Papa says.

Senor Reyes takes my hand, squeezing it.“Come with me, Daniela.”

“Papa!”Fear courses through me.

“Do as you’re told, Daniela.”

Those were the last words I heard from my father before I was forced to my knees.

Before Señor Reyes whispered in my ear, “Suck my cock, bitch, or I’ll fucking kill you.”

I didn’t lose my virginity.That was ripped from me later, by Señor Vega.

But this was the night my life changed forever.

The night my body was no longer my own.

31

HAWK

Seventeen Years Earlier…

I don’t know what I did wrong.

Mom barely looks at me anymore.Not unless I break something or forget to say thank you to one of her friends.Then it’s like I exist all over again, but only in that sharp, annoyed way.Like I’m an interruption she didn’t plan for.