t only mocked him. Only five minutes had passed, yet it already felt like an hour. Exhaling slowly,

ales. Not that he wanted to prove anything to that woman. He was heir to both the empire of the Estrada and Alcaraz families. If he wanted to, he had all

ed to divert his attention by listening to the clinking of plates and the low hum of jazz music in the place. Before he knew it, ten minutes had passed and he was still alo

you ready

itress stood beside him, loo

low voice. "I am still

rhaps I can bring you some

ying him. Or maybe... just maybe... this had been a terrible idea from the start. Rios hated waiting-hated it more than

u to stop

rs. "I-of course, sir. I'll check back later." She turned quickly

irritation in his chest smoldered hotter. Suddenly, his phone rang. The shrill tone only added to his f

come out from her apartment

the phone tig

xhaled sharply, lowering his voice. "I specifically instructed Sasha to pull every string we hav

thing was set for M

ed a few bills, and walked briskly out of the restaurant. It seemed like

his Maserati and yanked the door open. His mind was already two steps ahead. Sofia should have been w

to the narrower streets of Sofia's location. Vendors crowded the curbs. Through his tinted windows, he caught glimps

ne buzz

kled through the line. "You sure you w

n check. "If I needed a damn bodyguard, I'd ask. Besides, I am a

his throat. "Un

houlders, and clenched his neck.

g, his grip on his steering wheel only intensified as he saw her-still in her pa

lder

and angry faces, it seemed lik

to himself. But Rios didn't need to think further. He push