Diego's POV
“Oh, my goodness, Hernandez. You are unbelievable!” I kissed my teeth, slamming my hand on the table. “One thing I have noticed until now with you is how good you are at running your mouth. Probably because you are a lawyer, it's easy for you to say things you are incapable of.”
He bites deep into the apple in his hand, chewing slowly on it like he doesn't give a fuck about whatever it is I am saying. Somebody had better hold me back before I decide to maul him.
“Why are you always so impatient? It's been barely two days, and you are already frustrated. I told you to leave it to me, I never said you wouldn't be involved in the active search. Do I look like a matchmaker to you?”
I grabbed one of the heavy books on my table and flung it at him. With his usual poise, he dodged it. “I will kill you.” I growled.
Hernandez shrugged, “threaten me all you want, you still won't be able to escape going to that club with me tonight. You know it's more important than ever now.”
I hate how right he is, I never thought I would say this, but I am desperately seeking for ways to make my Nana happy. After Hernandez revelation of her hospital visit, I paid a bit of attention to her by asking one of my men to keep a close eye on her and realized how much of a shadow of herself she had become. She leaves the house every day to go to the park just to see children play. It hurt me so much, knowing I could provide her with that happiness. Nobody gets to me except her, I remember how much she had to sacrifice to train me, despite the grief of losing her children that she battled with. Nana has been protective and amazing over the years.
I couldn't sleep a wink and had to pester Hernandez to present his grand plan. Only for him to say we would be attending club's and restaurants for the next seven days, ladies flock around these places, and he thinks we would definitely see one that catches my interest. A day and a half in my blood seems hot, and I want to drill a hole in his forehead so bad. Not only were the ladies acting slutty, they all seemed stupid. I don't want a child from such a woman. Whoever will carry my child has to be worthy of birthing a Sanchez heir.
I huffed tiredly, “even if we have to do it this way. Why does it have to be Rodriguez's club of all places? You know how much I despise that young man.”
“Hate the game, not the player. Rodriguez has the highest number of young ladies flocking his club every night. He is handsome and uses himself to sell the club.”
“But I own one too. Why not go there instead?” I insisted, almost forced to pout.
“Your club is the last resort. When you are searching for something, you have to reach outside your comfort zone. It's the only way to get varieties of options. There is no need to respond to whatever Rodriguez throws at you. We can all agree he is a brat. Just keep your cool and feast your eyes on the goodies there. That's all.”
“You make it sound like that bastard wouldn't throw his weight around. I am so going to punch him in the face if he comes to me.”
Hernandez slapped his forehead, looking exhausted. “Do you want to be in the news again? Why do you always have to set yourself up for the wrongest reasons?”
“Oh, it's my fault now?”
There has always been bad blood between Rodriguez and I. His father and mine were friends, but the both of is never got along. And that's because Rodriguez is the definition of an asshole. Full of himself and most importantly, he fucked my girl. I don't care that I already ended things with her. I will be his sworn enemy for life. The last time I was tagged ruthless and called the most feared man in Atlanta, I had beaten the shit out of Rodriguez on the streets, causing him to undergo a face construction surgery.
My grandmother had me grounded for three months, even though I was an adult. She felt my temper wouldn't allow me to govern the Sanchez empire right. I had to learn to control my emotions and be diplomatic. I hated all of those lessons then, but it did pay off. I wasn't surprised that the news was tweaked in his favor. But I guess that earned me more respect, and they all give to me. Each person's knows better than to mess with me. I use both my fist and gun to gut their insides out.
“Diego, this is for Nana Isabella. Don't fuck it up, please. After tonight, if you find it unpleasant. I will get you a list and have you pick from them. Do we have a deal?” Hernandez suggested.
I snort, knowing there is no other way out of it even if I wanted to. “Okay. Let's get it over with.”
Hernandez insisted we get to the club thirty minutes earlier, that way no one will notice our entry and exit. I strongly agree, more because I actually want to avoid Rodriguez. He has gotten bolder over the years, thinking that plastic face of his can match my fist now. I learned he has been learning to throw a bit of punches. It still won't match mine, I can bet that. But tonight isn't about him. It's about my future, so I will in my best interest ignore any negativity.
Just as we settled and, Hernandez settled himself to started flirting in his usual way. Thirty minutes into our arrival, my eyes caught sight of her. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulder and the dress hugged her curves so well one could say it was solely made for her. My eyes had been apparent that day, noticing the hidden beauty. But I didn't think she had this fierce side to her. All the men around also couldn't take their eyes off her.
I got curious and wished to know what brought her here. At the same time, it's none of my business. What I should be concerned about is her paying me my money. Two days from now, I will get back my property.
“Hey, your 3 o'clock.” Hernandez nudged me on the side.
Jolting out of my reverie, I decided to focus on the main objective. Let's get this party started.
Two Years LaterKamara’s POV“Mama!” Axel ran on his little feet towards me.“My baby.” I cooed, lifting him off the floor.His nanny, Diane met with us panting heavily. “I am so sorry, miss. He began to run the moment his feet touched the ground.”I laughed, kissing his forehead. “Is that so, Axel? Have you been bothering Aunt Diane?”He held up his cheeky smile, shaking his full head. “No mama.” The mischief was clear in his eyes. He is so much like his father.“Okay, baby. Mama believes you. But do not be a bother to Aunt Diane, remember you have to be a good boy okay? Mama has to go now. I will see you soon, my love. I love you.”“I love you too.” He replied in his childlike voice before going back to his nanny. Taking a deep breath, I went into the dressing room to get myself together. After my masters acquisition in fashion school, I am finally having my first fashion show to reveal my new collection. The anxiety that has crippled me in the past four months of working intensely
Two Months LaterKamara’s POV“You should go to bed now, Nana.” I urged, kneeling in front of her.Nana held up a weak smile, caressing my face. “Is he still being adamant? How will he take his pills if he refuses to eat?”I sighed, “I think he is just trying to wrap his head around the whole situation. I will do my best to talk to him.”“You must be stressed after the whole trip back and forth.”“Not at all. I am just glad that we have you to lean on.”She hummed, “Thank you for coming back, Kamara. I know my boy isn't deserving of you, but thank you for being by his side when you didn’t have to.”“Axel needs his father, I only did what I thought was best. You should go and rest now.”“Alright, I can't say no to you.” She chuckled, getting on her feet.I helped her upstairs, tucking her into the bed before leaving. Had to check on Axel too. He was sound asleep, handsome as ever with his innocent look. It's been over two months of emotions swirling. After Diego collapsed in New York,
Kamara’s POV“It was you right?” I queried Chantelle the moment she stepped in.Her face was blank. “Tell me what?”“You gave Diego this address. No one else knows this except you.”“What if I did? Is that enough reason for you to leave him out there?”I couldn’t believe the audacity in her response. “Are you kidding me right now, Chantelle? That man is the reason I am broken. Yet you who call yourself my friend, brought him here. What sort of game are you trying to play? Are you intending to open up a can of worms?”Chantelle sucked her teeth, “Maybe opening the stupid can of worms is what will make you heal. You think I don’t hear you? The wails at night while you work? Is it the needles that are making you cry? Only two weeks here and I can feel the depth of your pain. You hide it so well during the day, but what happens when night falls, the city goes quiet and you are only left with your thoughts. Is it not until you lose your mind that you decide to address it? I am your friend
Diego’s POVA light yawn escaped my lips as I plopped into the comfy couch. “How are you settling in? Do you find the hotel to your liking?” Fernando asked on the other end of the line.“Hmm, it's good. Thanks for making it happen in such a short time.”“You don’t know how glad I am that you eventually gave in to this. I was almost losing my mind watching you wither away. Damn! You are stubborn, Diego. Ensure you get her to respond to you no matter what.” His words sounded like a threat.“I can only do my best.”“Do everything you would, you have to return with her. Have you confirmed where she would be?”“Yes, Chantelle already sent me the house address. I am shocked she is doing this for me.” I mused, still surprised by the gesture.Fernando rolled his eyes, “My girl can be sweet too you know? Don’t be such an ass.”“Right, you two are a perfect fit for each other.”“Anyway, did you remember to hold your pill?” he asked in a low tone.I grumbled a bit even though he had every reaso
Kamara’s POVChantelle beamed brightly at me, her eyes dancing in amusement. “How was class today?” Chuckling with an eye roll, I replied. “Something tells me that is not the response you are expecting from me. You keep jumping on a video call like there is something you are seeking.”“You can't blame me. Not after I set my eyes on that hunk in your class. Who would have thought men like him would study fashion design?” she giggled.I slapped my forehead in disbelief. “Sometimes I wonder what planet you dropped from. You are talking like you have been locked up in a shell for ages. Men are into fashion design, we have a chunk of them in the industry. Moreover, I will advise you to take your mind off him.”“Why? Do you suddenly have an interest in him?”“Don’t be crazy. I am going to stop answering your calls from now on if you won't stop obsessing over the unattainable man.”“Try all you want. You won’t be stopping me from getting what I want because I just got my internship approved
Diego’s POVThe pain seared through my spine making me gasp for breath. I searched the drawer hastily for the pills. It didn’t surprise me when I saw that it remained just two. I have been consuming it a lot in the past few weeks, which has done nothing to ease the pain. Instead, each experience leaves me weaker than the last. Groaning, I popped the pills into my mouth and chugged them down with whiskey. I ignored the twist going on in my belly, staring lifelessly at the wall. From a distance, I can hear Axel crying. It made my earache. It's been two weeks since Kamara decided to leave us. Since then I haven’t stayed in the house beyond a few hours. Can't bring myself to look Axel in the face. Maybe because he reminds me so much of his mother or the guilt of being undeserving of an innocent soul like him, I never would have indulged in this mess if I knew it was going to mess me up this much. It makes no sense that Kamara will just leave after everything we have been through togethe