Page 25 of Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

At first, I was shocked by Santiago’s leg. But after the initial surprise disappeared, I looked at him in a new light. The perfect idea of him was shattered in the best way. It made him more down-to-earth. Because while he looks handsome, he’s still a human with flaws. It has me interested in learning more about his story, even if he is ashamed of his leg.

The latter weighs heavy on me. His shame is obvious in the way he carried himself after the reveal, standing straighter and pretending as if I never saw his leg to begin with.

I follow them toward the front entryway where everything began last night. Santiago stands over Marko who lies on the floor, giggling from the tickles. It’s the most precious sight. My heart melts a bit more for the disheveled man.

This is how we get in trouble, Chloe. Resist the man with a damaged past and a heart to match.

Santiago catches me staring. His smile drops into something flat and empty. A sense of loss takes over me, wishing he smiled at me like before.

He pulls Marko up off the floor and leads him toward the front door. “Marko, it’s time to say bye to Chloe.” He pulls my phone out of the pocket of his sweats and shoves it in my hand. “Here you go.”

My skin warms from the contact. I’m tempted to drag his hand back to mine and test the connection, but he’s back to his unapproachable self. Whoever made breakfast and joked with everyone about us dating is long gone. It doesn’t take a genius to understand I’m the issue and the reason behind his change. Now that his family has left, the facade isn’t needed anymore.

The sense of rejection grows into something big and ugly in my chest, feeding off my insecurity of being unwanted. A ruthless demon, popping up at the worst time.

He opens the door. “Thanks for helping me.”

“So that’s it? No more need for a fake girlfriend?” I cringe at the tinge of sadness in my voice.

“Well, my sister isn’t coming back for—”

“Chloe. Please stay!” Marko clings to my legs with both his arms and legs.

“I’ve got to go home, little guy.” I pat his head.

“Will you come back tomorrow?” His lip wobbles as he stares up at me. “Tio Santi is taking me on his boat.”

This man has a boat, too? The closest thing to a boat I’ve been on is the ferry I took to visit the Statue of Liberty. To be real, I would love to go out on a boat and see Lake Como from a different view.

I crane my neck back, searching for approval. Santiago’s height makes anything eye-level challenging. My smile drops as he shakes his head, answering my question.

I don’t know why I expected more from him, but disappointment sits heavy in my chest. “I’m sorry, bud. I have a lot to do tomorrow.”

Marko detaches himself from me and lets out a puff of air. “Fork me.”

My eyes bulge. “I’m sorry?”

“Fork me. Daddy speaks it when he loses races.”

Oh. Kid talk for fuck me. Got it. Noah must take games of tag with his son seriously.

Santiago unleashes a laugh. It’s unrestrained and makes his face light up. I wish he did it more often, and I remember to save that thought for my journal later. Look at me making wishes for other people. I’d count that as my selfless act of the day.

“Will you come back?” Marko smiles again.

“Don’t worry. I believe I’ll see you soon.” I wink.

“How do you know?”

“Because I make wishes and lately, they’ve been coming true.”

“And you wish to see me again?” Marko’s eyes become as large as two quarters.

“Of course. Who else would protect me from the tickle dragon?”

Marko gives me a tight hug before running away, claiming he needs to guard the castle.

Santiago rubs the back of his neck. “So…”