CHAPTER 13

AMELIA LEAL

I feel belittled, ashamed.

I run my eyes to Peter and see him staring at me with confusion apparent in his irises.

Oh, heavens... Is he believing this?

"So, remember that and respect her. Amelia has always been a good girl and that jerk Alencar was arrested because he's a thief!" My mom says, puffing out her chest and eyeing Dad squarely.

His attitude impresses all of us and leaves Dad speechless for long seconds.

"Anna..." he starts, his tone more controlled and almost tamed.

"No more, Augustus." Mom doesn't allow him to finish, turning to align our eyes, cupping a hand on either side of my face.

"Go up to your room, Amelia." Mom says and I do, not looking at anyone as I walk up the stairs.

And with every step I take, all I think about is how much Henrico has become my worst nightmare and how much I hate him.

And... damn, the bastard kissed me.

Unfortunately the kiss doesn't get out of my head, even though it was awful.

I smile at Vivi and Dieguinho's smeared faces, both