I stop myself from tapping my foot but I put on a mask of indifference for good measure, just to see the fire burn brighter in his eyes.
What did Mom see in this guy?
He’s a somewhat attractive guy, but I feel the evil practically emanating from him. He’s vibrating with it.
“What are you thinking about so seriously over there, Alessandria?”
I bristle, and the words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
“Just seriously wondering what my mom ever saw in you.”
An ominous chuckle leaves his mouth and displeasure is evident on his face.
I can almost hear the groan Noah stifles as he shifts his shoulder, blocking part of me from Santos. I frown and sidestep so I'm in front of him, my body shielding his.
He may be a federal agent, but I’m this criminal’s daughter.
He won’t hurt me.
“Easy, baby.” Noah leans over, his breathy whisper hot on my neck, and memories of being together last night rush through me.
My father glowers at us, his distaste with Noah so clearly written on his face.
He directs his gaze across the room to Villegas, nodding his head.
“Bring them in.”
Noah’s boss disappears into a room directly across from us, and when he reenters the room, he’s no longer alone. The shock causes me to take a step towards them, but the matching scowls plastered on Penelope and Aunt Patty’s faces stop me in my tracks.
“Hello, Alessandria.” The disdain dripping in Penny’s voice can’t be missed. She tucks a wayward strand of hair behind her ear and shoots me an icy glare.
Santos clears his throat and I flick a glance towards him, my confusion evident.
Irritation is written all over his face as he raises an eyebrow at the two women.
My head swings back and I see Patty compose herself quickly. She nudges Penny, wrapping a hand around her elbow but Penny refuses to budge. I lived with her for years, I can practically recite every facial expression she has ever had based on memory.
This is her‘you’re wasting my time’ face. She’s pissed she’s here, and even more thatI’mthe reason she’s here. But there’s something else simmering behind her amber eyes.
Hate? Why does she hate me so much?
So many questions build in my head, causing me to ping pong my head back and forth between these two women and my deadbeat criminal of a father.
“What––why––what is going on?”
My voice wavers, my emotions suddenly overpowering every ounce of effort to remain neutral.
Santos takes that moment to cross the room, not stopping until he reaches Penny.
His hand grips her chin, forcing her to tear her gaze away from mine to his. He snaps his fingers in her face.
“Get that nasty look off of your face, sweetheart, unless you have a death wish.”
He whispers the words, but it echoes back into the silence of the room.
I feel my eyes widen as I take a step in their direction.
My father looks over his shoulder at the sound.