I’m not so sure about that.
“Why did you do it?” Daniela probes. “Why did you allow those pictures to be splashed all over the internet?”
It’s a good question.
“Because. Because you have the power to shut down our business. The work is important. Vitally important. It seems childish in the light of day, but I thought if I drove a wedge between you—embarrassed you—maybe you’d go back to the United States. There were no good options. I was desperate.”
Daniela doesn’t blink, but I’m struggling not to wrap my hands around Sonia’s throat and squeeze until she’s blue and limp.
“Why would I want to shut your business down?”
“You wouldn’t shut it down—not directly—Antonio would. He doesn’t like Lydia anywhere near the business, and he doesn’t want you near it. He believes it’s too dangerous. Since you arrived, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before he abandons it completely.”
She’s not wrong. It’s crossed my mind. The truth is, I should have shut it down years ago, but I didn’t because my mother would just go behind my back. I’d find out eventually, but maybe not before something tragic occurred.
“I have a brain,” Daniela says firmly. “And my own opinions. I’m not some puppet who dances when the master pulls the strings. You should have come to me.”
Hell no.I glower at Sonia so she doesn’t ever think that’s an option.
“What you’re doing—both of you,” Daniela murmurs, “is of the utmost importance.”
Not more important than you, Princesa.
“You have no idea,” Sonia whispers.
“I think I do. And I want to help.”
We’re done here.“No fucking way will I allow you anywhere near that business.”
“We’ll discuss this privately,” she replies, her eyes sending me a pointed dagger before turning their attention to Sonia.
You won’t get a different response from a private conversation, Princesa.
“I fully support the endeavor, and I’ll do whatever I can to assist you. But if you ever,ever, try to make trouble in my marriage, or hurt my family in any way, you’ll have to contend with me. And trust me when I tell you it’ll make dealing with Antonio feel like a spa day.”
I bite back a smile, as I’m filled with pride. My little vixen has sharp claws, and she’s willing to use them to protect our marriage. But there’s no fucking way she’s going near anything that smells of trafficking. There is nothing more dangerous than men with a stake in the flesh trade.
Sonia blinks her eyes several times, still gawking at Daniela.
I’m sure she never expected this. Daniela’s a formidable adversary. Anyone who underestimates her does so at their own peril. I’ve learned that lesson firsthand.
This tête-à-tête was useful, but it also raised more questions.
“You’re absolutely certain you didn’t send the photos? Because now’s your time to come clean.” I peer at Sonia, gauging her reaction. I’m hoping she walks back her denial. It would be easier if there was only one culprit to track down. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t be too concerned about photos like these, sent anonymously. This kind of thing is usually meant just to stir trouble. If the photos had been sent to me, it would have been about extortion. That’s another matter entirely. But right now, I need to take all threats seriously.
“I did not send them to anyone. Electronically, or otherwise. I was emailed a link, but I never made a copy of the photos.”
She’s telling the truth.
I’m done. “Get out,” I tell her gruffly.
“Are we done?” Sonia asks.
She’s not wondering about the meeting, but about something bigger. I’m not in the mood to make her feel better. As far as I’m concerned, she hasn’t suffered anywhere near enough. “For today.”
“What about tomorrow?”
“If you were anyone else, you wouldn’t even live to see tomorrow, let alone continue as my business partner. Don’t push your luck.”