Page 37 of When Sinners Hate
Despite our evening meal as husband and wife and telling Abel that I needed something to occupy my mind, I’m again left in this mansion, which is no more than a glorified prison.
Sure, there are signs that things might get better, and it’s only really been a short time since our nuptials, but it’s getting harder to remain patient with so much time on my hands.
Especially after my dismissal. Abel’s like an infuriating puzzle. He opens up just enough to tempt you and then shuts you down. In my case, sending me away so he could get drunk. Because, of course, he couldn’t just be open with me for a fucking change. He demands so much but gives nothing in return. Frustrating and irritating that he hasn’t changed. Part of me hates him. I’m in this situation where he’s controlled and taken advantage of, but I can’t say what I really feel because, well, that isn’t the game. I’m just not sure what’s the best way to play it anymore.
The big room is empty, and the heat from outside has surpassed my tolerance today. However, my skin will thank melater for saving it from sun damage. And besides, out of spite, I refuse to stay locked in my rooms.
“Urghhh!” Mariana storms in and slams the door behind her. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t think anyone would be in here.”
“Please, don’t mind me. But I’m not moving just because you’ve waltzed in.”
“Relax. I’m not my mother, thankfully.” She heads for the liquor and pours herself a drink. Maybe this is where they serve all the good stuff. Mariana’s idea of a drink is a hefty one, three fingers of amber liquid, which she knocks back like I’d expect Dante or Abel to do. Her, not so much.
“Bad day?” I offer.
“Something like that.”
“Care to share?” I’m not the overly talkative type. I don’t have sisters, and most of my girlfriends were superficial, at best – another element of my fake life – so I’m not sure how to talk to other women without being a bitch. Having people be afraid of you or hate you has its uses.
She looks at me as if she can’t quite make out if I’m being genuine. “Family business. The only thing we ever discuss or argue about.”
“The same family business Abel took me to see the other day?” Maybe if she knew what I know, she’d be less secretive.
“No. This is my own venture, but it’s more than that.”
“Does my beloved husband have anything to do with this?” It’s a fair gamble he’ll have some involvement considering he seems to run the family. Something I’m sure Melena disagrees with.
“Your husband,” she pauses, “is an ass. But I’m sure you know that already.”
“Well, I am abandoned once again with nothing to do. At least back home, I knew my place in the business and could do what I wanted from day to day.”
“Well, the Cortez family certainly want to keep their women safe.” She pours another drink and sits on the over-stuffed sofa opposite me.
“I’d substitute safe for controlled.” Mariana and I could be allies if I play this right, and I need more of those.
“Well, maybe for you. You are, after all, an Ortega. You will be controlled until you can prove yourself.” Seems Little Miss Cortez has some spine.
“Okay, what is with this proving myself shit? I married my family’s enemy. Don’t I get any credit for that? I came here openly into your home after you killed my brother, and you’re all acting like I’m some evil witch needing to be locked up. This marriage was in good faith to both our families.”
She looks at me, and for the first time, I can see the venom in her. The same look her brother has on occasion. “Our family isn’t like others, Alexia. It’s stronger than each and every one of us. Stronger than blood, and you’re fucking right you need to prove your allegiance to us. And, as you already know, you’re not the one who can give us access to the rest of your business. Your father is. So, you might want to stop your complaining.”
“I see. Nice speech. Your big brother pushed you around, so you’re trying to flex your status with me.” My smile is a little much, but I want her to realise that she can’t mess with me. I might not be trusted by either family, but that has meant I’ve had to hone other skills, and I’m extremely good at reading people. Abel, not so much, but this little one is an open book. It’s a shame. We have a lot in common. If she could get off her pedestal, no doubt elevated by all of her brothers, it would help. “Remember that no matter your opinion of me, or if I do someday become trusted by Abel or not, it doesn’t matter. You’ll always be the baby of the family. The one they will all wrap in cotton wool and keep at arm’s length. You’re part of the business, but not on your terms, and I doubt they let you getyour own way like you do in everything else in your life. Because, well, family is everything to them, right?” I stand and leave Mariana thinking over my truth.
Plus, I don’t want to give her the opportunity of a comeback.
I make sure I stay out of everyone’s way and have dinner in my suite. The conversation has got me thinking, though, and it’s time to call my father. We’ve not spoken since the wedding, and while I’m quite happy about that, there is a purpose to all of this. And he needs to hold up his side of the plan.
The call connects after several rings.
“Alexia.”
“Father. I thought we could catch up.”
“Not the impression I had from your wedding.”
“You were rude enough to question my role on my wedding day. Anyway, I thought you could share the advancements you’ve been making now that we are all one big happy family.” The sarcasm is heavy, but he’ll understand what I’m asking.
“I have several new contacts that Melena has initiated.”