THIRTY-SIX

Setting the Shackles Aside

He knew she was following him. He had learned a long time ago to watch his back, to listen to the air and the furriest of steps on the ground, so when she staggered after him, he was almost flattered. Almost. Hayden had no idea what he was doing. This was what he wanted; to conquer his brother’s future wife and then gloat about it. It was expected of him, revered even. He’d hit the jackpot now, so there was no use sticking around to her. Even she should know that. Yet the sinking pit in his stomach could not be quenched. He wanted more than she was offering. He wanted her.

When he rounded a palm decorative tree at a corner, Hayden turned back. Lolita stopped abruptly at his sudden movement, surprised that he had discovered her too soon. She wanted to get him in a more secluded place, away from the others.

She laughed nervously. “I guess for a former drug lord, you would hear me walking behind you.”

“What do you want?” he asked.

She nervously scratched the ba