his car, a sleek black s

hey were headed to a very fancy neighborhood, fill

guard stepped out to greet them. "Mr. Lone, wel

id. "She'll be staying with me for th

e. "Welcome to the Lone estate, Mrs. Martins. Please let me know

eemed so surreal. She followed Pedro into the house, marvel

e foyer, and she nodded

ed along with a lady in

id said. "Mr. Lone has told me all about you. He's very

could barely manage a "no thank you" to the maid. She followed Ped

caught a glimpse of her reflection in a gil

reached a large, ornate dining room, with a massive table set with fine china and cr

Carmela. She sat down, feeling awkward and out of place. Th

startled by the sudden noise. The figure was dressed all in black, with a long black cloak draped around his shoulders.

?" he asked, his v

his is Mrs. Martins," he

her. She felt a chill run down her spine, and she tried to catch he

an in black said. "I want to know why she is here.

r to stay here because she needed help. Sh

re to bring an outsider into our home, without permission? You know

I'm sorry, George, but I don't have to tell you any of that." he said, his voice barely a whis

ur excuses," he said. "You have betrayed our family. Yo

o shout. "You can't do this!" he cried. "She is a

, his voice cold and hard. "Our family does not assoc

. Pedro turned to her, his eyes full of sorrow. "I'm so

nease and wish she could

tepped in front of her, blocking his path. "You will

ause of her?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "You know

"I won't let you hurt her," he said.

at Pedro, but

stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock. Pedro took advantage of the mome

asping for breath. Pedro stood o

. "If you ever come near h

his shoulders hunched in defeat. Pedro turn

meant for you to get caught up in our family dra

dro led her to a guest room, and showed

rink," he said. "I know this ha

face twisted in anger. "You'

heard a light knock on the door. She was surprised t

ger twisted with anger. "I'm so sorry for how I behaved la

say. Finally, she nodded. "Yes,"

l but genuine smile.