"You know how it feels to lose a loved one?" Her tone was sharp, and the bitter laugh that followed was even sharper. "Well, newsflash: my father and I were the farthest things from close. I made a vow to loathe him forever, for selling his daughters off to a rival. I don't need your sympathy, Abel. If I wanted that, I might as well hang myself."
I swallowed hard, unable to look away from her - my shirt collar suddenly felt so tight, my black coat stiff around my pits, and my eyes watering.
I didn't dare speak. I couldn't. It felt as though my vocal cords had all suddenly gone numb.
"I keep wondering though if you really know what it feels like as you claim. To be suddenly separated from the people who gave you life and brought you up? To watch them look at you from a few meters off, helplessly afraid to come to speak or console you because they're guilty of what's not even their fault?"
I had no idea what it felt like. I didn't know it bothered her so much; not speaking to the rest of her family apart from Helen. She'd seemed so laid back. So nonchalant. So hurt, that I thought it didn't matter much to her.
I remained silent, still watching her.
"To suddenly become worse than a stranger to the people you're laying down your life for? To wake up one day and find out that you're going to be nothing more than a mannequin in the house of your enemy?"
Shit.
"To spend six solid years among people who would rather stick their legs in a fire than befriend you? To have your personal life laid bare, your every step watched, every action scrutinized? No, Abel, you don't know. You don't have any of the pain I've had to pass through, because if you did, you wouldn't be so relaxed about it. You'd feel - have compassion like a normal human being, instead of sitting like a mute thing." She wiped away the tears that had escaped from the corners of her eyes aggressively. The tension between us was now heightened by her violent sobbing. Her voice cracked as she continued. "But there is one thing you excel at. One thing you do so well. You know how to stand by and do nothing to try and help the ones in need. You are weaker than you think."
Raw, hot anger spiked in my stomach, as I clenched my hands into fists. I darted a glance to the rearview mirror, catching the driver's eye before he looked away. He kept driving, slowing down now as we passed the huge, old, white cemetery gates.
"Watch your tongue," I growled, my tone low and fierce. I hated how venomously she'd spat out the truth. She'd made it seem like I had control over things, but still choose to sit back and do nothing.
But it's true, right? You are weak. Stop making excuses.
Solana's eyes narrowed as she tilted her head to the side, her lips riding up one corner in a cynical smile. "I bet Daddy Dearest was so proud of you that day. Did you get yourself a new car as appreciation for playing along, just fine? Did he pat your back? Organize a lavish party to celebrate your victory over my family?"
I ignored her, distracting myself by looking out the window. My palms were sweaty, and I suddenly realized that my shirt was smaller and tighter than normal. The air conditioner was turned on fully, yet I could keep calm. I couldn't sit still.
"Tell me, Abel. What? Cat caught your tongue?" She shoved me, her voice slightly raised.
I gritted my teeth, realizing that she mistook my silence for weakness. I had to put her in her place.
The driver killed the engine before I could lean over and tell him. His eyes met mine in the rearview mirror once more. "Sir?"
"One minute, Octavio," I told him, forcing a smile. He nodded, opened the door, and stepped out, taking a few steps off to lean his butt against the bonnet. The minute I was sure he was out of earshot, I turned back to Solana.
"You're Daddy's stupid little puppet, aren't you? You're not meant to challenge, just act accordingly while he pulls the strings."
Her eyes blazed with boldness and hatred. One I hadn't expected from a woman in such a miserable position as hers. Did she know the implication of what she'd just said out loud? That she'd insulted and exposed a truth that'd kept me in a constant state of self-pity and struggle all these years?
No, I would be a fool to verbally attack her.
Leaning back, I snorted, beaming as I angled my body a little closer to her. I could see the pulse at her neck working as she swallowed uncertainly, her brows knotting together, her chest heaving, letting me know that she was confused by my relaxed state.
"Solana, sweetheart," I said, taking her hands in mine. She gulped, glancing down at them, then back up at me.
I skimmed my fingertips over her smooth, soft skin; dragging them up her arms carefully, over her collarbones, her sharp jaw, and her pretty dainty cheeks. "So soft. So delicate," I said, my eyes on her lips when I gripped her chin. "But with such a big mouth."
Her shoulders tensed as she blinked rapidly, afraid.
I took advantage of her silence and leaned in close enough to smell her flowery perfume that smelt so seductive and erotic. I inhaled deeply, pulling her close to me, my eyes still on those full, cherry lips. She held her breath, her eyes closed, the silence around us deafening. "So innocent. So, so divine," I let my left hand roam off her face, down to her chest, cupping the soft swell of one breast, before resting finally on her thudding heart.
She knew I knew how much I affected her. How much I made her toes...curl.
I turned her face to the side, nuzzling my nose against it before bringing my mouth to her ear. "Watch your mouth," I whispered hotly, feeling the tingles and shivers that ran up her arms and flooded her body. I ran my tongue over the ridge of her ear, before sliding it inside, deep.
"Please," she bit out hoarsely. Her hands shot up to my chest but she didn't push me away. She couldn't. She wasn't strong. "Please let me go."
"If you play too much with the tail of a tiger," I said, "he might have no other choice but to strike back."
To pass my warning across effectively, I took her earlobe into my mouth, tugging at it gently with my teeth. Her chest swelled with her unsteady breathing, her nipple hardening underneath my hand that was still resting on her chest. "Do you understand?"
She hesitated. I tugged at her earlobe harder until she yelped. "Y-Yes."
"Good," I murmured, releasing her, a victorious smile working its way up to my face. I gently leaned over and pushed the horn button, then sat back. Octavio opened the door for us, sliding aside.
"Now, let's go bid your father farewell for good," I said, climbing out. She emerged two seconds later, her veil and dress in place. I unbuttoned the first few buttons of my shirt and adjusted my coat jacket. "So fucking tight here," I nodded, gesturing for her to go ahead without me. She twisted away promptly, hardly sparing me as much as a glance or comment.
Abel: 1, Solana: 0.