Page 79 of Serena

“I’m all about desserts. I love flan.”

“Did you get some? They have amazing homemade flan.” She lifts a smaller container. “Check.”

We put on a dating show that serves as background noise as we eat and gossip. I miss girl time. Yuri has been busy, so we haven’t seen much of each other.

“You know, I’ve never seen my brother so happy,” she shares. I bite my lip because I don’t know if I want to know the answer to my question.

“Not even with Mila?” My insecurity shows.

“Fuck no. They never dated, and if she says they did, well, she's a lying bitch. Seriously, though, Serena, I’ve never seen this side of my brother. You know, people think he’s like Dad. He may look like Dad, but personality-wise, he’s just like Mom.” She stabs at her dessert.

“In what way?”

“Just dark and closed off to the world.” Her eyes glisten with tears that I know aren’t only for her brother. “I just worried that no one would love him like he deserves. He’s egotistical and infuriating, but even monsters need to be loved. Gabe too, that’s why I was bitchy about Yuri Lobo.”

“Veronica, this may sound rude, but Yuri is my best friend. I get that there’s history, and I don’t know what that is, but Yuri’s like a sister to me. I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk shit about her in front of me.” She stays quiet, but I continue hoping to save the moment. “I really like you. I think you and I could becomegreat friends. Actually, I'd really like that. So, let's just have a no-bashing friendship. Please.” I hope I didn’t upset her, but I won’t stand here and let her, or anyone, talk badly about one of the most important people in my life. She leans in for a hug that I reciprocate.

“Deal.” And she goes back to her flan.

“Your brother’s been tracking me. It’s been going on for a while.” I look at Veronica, who doesn’t seem surprised.

“He’s got it bad. Do you have magic pussy or something?” She laughs so hard I hear a snort. “Seriously though, welcome to the club. He’s been monitoring me since I dropped out of college. Well, he has his lap dog, Miles, do it. I hate that guy. I’m still mad that Ian had Miles hack into my social media account. Another time, Miles hacked into my dating app and locked my profile. I wouldn't be surprised if he’s watching us right now.”

“Ian?”

“No, that fuckface Miles. He makes me so mad.”

“Have you met him?”

“No, he’s a pussy and hides behind his computer. He probably has a small dick too,” she yells, looking around the room.

I pull out my phone. If he’s tracking me…I wonder… I check the apps on my phone and see that some are missing. I hadn’t even noticed before.

“Veronica, you said Ian had Miles hack into your social media apps?”

“Yeah, all of them. Fucker even deleted my online inspiration boards, probably as a personal fuck you.”

I wonder…

Veronica went to bed;she was falling asleep on the couch. I’m cleaning up and pick up my phone. I dial Ian, and he picks up on the first ring.

“Miss me?” he asks in his husky voice that does things to my body, even over the phone.

“What’s there to miss?”

“Careful, baby. I can’t be there to punish that smart-ass mouth, but that doesn’t mean I won't do it when I get back.” I love his dirty threats.

I cut straight to the point. “Ian, do you have Miles monitoring the penthouse?"

“Why do you ask, Mi Reina?”

“I want to know to what extent he’s watching me.”

“Mi Reina, the cameras are placed in various locations for your protection. Miles monitors the feeds for additional security.”

“Can he see me right now?” I ask as I stand in the kitchen.

“Yes.”