His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 278

Elena

“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” I bumped my forehead against the sink in the restroom. After seeing him, I freaked out and made a run for it—and now I was too afraid to face him.

The cold expression on his face was enough to prove that he was not that happy to see me either. I mean, it was understandable-after I had walked out on him for a second time.

Marvin was Tiago’s brother?

Tiago was Marvin’s brother?

Marvin and Tiago were brothers?

It was all so obvious, and the signs were literally there, but I couldn’t see it. I was aware of Tiago’s last name, but I couldn’t make the connection because it didn’t make sense. How could someone as sweet and soft as Tiago, who could not even look someone in the eye, be part of a cartel family?

What about Linda and Karina? One was way too kind, and the other one way too stupid.

“Oh my god, I’m at a cartel wedding.”

The realization had finally kicked in, and so did the fact that my dad and Alex were probably nearby, and if they would’ve seen me inside-they would’ve dragged me by the hair to get me the hell out of here.

“I should leave!” I spoke as I stared at my reflection. That was the only thing going through my mind. I should leave. I couldn’t be here, and neither could Rona or anyone else for that matter. How could she, of all people, not recognize him at the cocktail bar after I showed her a picture of him?

I took a deep breath and replayed the past few weeks in my head. Dad and Alex were so invested in the case where this Danny Hernandez dude got arrested in our bar, and right after that, Rona had told me about Tiago’s brother. I should’ve known back then, but I was too stupid and missed the signs.

Was I really a DEA agent daughter? Did I had the right to call myself Elena Torres?

What would Victoria think? Someone like her would’ve been judging me, especially now that they were representing the guy the Castillo’s had reportedly set up for murder.

“Guys, it’s the time!” Tiffany called out. I panicked and grabbed my phone to call my dad, but my mind went back to Anya. “I am not a bad person. I am not a bad person.” I whispered with closed eyes. What would H even tell my dad?

I’m at the wedding of my prison pen pal’s brother, who also happened to have murdered your best friend and partner. His name is Marvin Castillo, and if looks could kill-I would’ve been dead by now because I left him behind on our

date.

No, that would’ve been embarrassing on my part, and I wasn’t ready for that. I also wasn’t prepared to ruin Anya’s day. I could tell that she was a kind girl who just wanted to marry her high school sweetheart. Running away just wasn’t an option because that also meant I had to bail on Rona-and I did not want the cocktail bar to receive a bad review.

a good girl, finish your job and leave,” I spoke to myself. I looked crazy, but it didn’t really matter anymore. My hands were shaking as I reached for the handle to open the door. I didn’t have to could just pretend like we never

I kidding? He

stood in front of me. “Finally, I really

of what kind of mess

any minute, but he was

his shoulder before I walked off to face

I entered the room, and the only thing

bouquet in my hands. “It’s time to

beside Marvin while my eyes could only see the floor. Marvin’s presence struck a chill in me, and I could sense him staring. All the noise in the room had completely disappeared as all I could hear was

my dad hated the most: his biggest enemy and the one who took away the life of his

I would’ve said you are the one getting

believe it.

he talking

at him while he still carried the same stoned expression on his face. Was he flirting with me? He

shook his head in disbelief. “To the

was not flirting.

he pretending like this was our first meeting? Was I so irrelevant that

so why was it bothering me? He wasn’t asking me any questions, so I figured Tiffany must’ve

an angel was a personality of a demon. What if he was plotting my murder at

me?

interrupted by two little girls who attached themselves to Marvin’s legs. “Spin me around!” The younger one of the pair ordered as she stuck out her hands. I was surprised when Marvin picked her up and planted a kiss

“Next time, okay?”

course, little children loved grown-ups who looked like princes and did not know who they were dealing with. Being kind to children was just part of his act. A

the children. “Cisco, do you know that the three of you are very important?” He ruffled his

Marvin nodded his head and turned to the two girls. “And the two of you…. Anya

at him in awe. “Wow.” They spoke in unison. He even got me fooled for a second, but I quickly realized that this was all part of his

my

was left behind with the biggest con artist of the century. What bothered me even more than his identity and lack of brains was his carefree

stared at Marvin. I knew he could see me, but he didn’t seem to mind, and I was wondering what was going through his head. Without any

turn away, but I couldn’t. I stared right into his eyes while he raised. his eyebrow. I was waiting for him to make a comment, but it never came-and the look in his became too much to

eyes

as Marvin grabbed my hand, and I once again looked at him with big eyes. What was his

dryly. I grew an embarrassed smile on my lips and looked down at our intertwined hands. “Right,” I mumbled. My hands were warm and sweaty, while his hands were the opposite.