Page 30 of Chris

Just not tonight.

“Well?” Chris asked when Jorge stayed silent.

“I tried to find the right way to phrase this, but perhaps being blunt is the better option, sí?”

“I prefer a man who is frank rather than one that hides his issues or intentions behind the guise of politeness.”

Jorge nodded. “I will remember that, then.”

“And?”

Because he didn’t think this man had approached him for that exchange, to be honest. He wasn’t disappointed.

“For future reference, Christopher, if I catch you with my wife where the guards cannot see you, I will cut off your hands, and have them delivered to your mother in a box lined with satin. I hope I have made myself clear.”

Well, okay.

He always had appreciated a good threat, even if it was leveled on him. Maybe there was a broken part of him, but he always took them as challenges. Undoubtedly, his twin would tell him to be careful here, to be mindful of where he stepped with the man in front of him. His twin wouldn’t be wrong, either.

“That so?” Chris asked.

“It is.”

“Hmm.”

Jorge arched a brow. “Are we clear?”

Chris’s jaw tightened.

Jorge never looked away.

“Crystal clear,” Chris murmured.

“Perfect. Have a good night, and I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks when we get things settled for you to come in again. Next time we meet, I suspect it’ll be at the ranch, although most of us call it the compound.”

Yes, and he looked forward to that.

Not that Chris said it out loud.

“Of course.”

All at once, Jorge stepped back from Chris, that kind—but fake—smile firmly back in place as he gestured at the car. “Safe travels to the hotel, amigo.”

Friend.

Right.

They wouldn’t ever be friends.

Chris didn’t reply, simply nodded to the man, and turned his back to him. The one and only time he would ever put his back to Jorge, all things considered. Rounding the car to get in the back with his father, he looked over the roof of the vehicle in just enough time to see Jorge head back through the gate.

He swallowed hard, realizing something.

Jorge would go to Valeria.

Chris could leave, but she could not. Her torment continued. What would happen to her tonight? Had his little trick of taking her on a walk caused her more pain?

The idea made his heart ache.