Delgano: A Dark Contemporary Interracial Romance

“You’re welcome, querida.”

“So, there’s more. Only a few short years ago, I was in culinary school. I managed to graduate, and I already had a position lined up until, one day, this black van shows up outside my apartment complex.” Tears collected in her eyes. “These guys burst into my place, gagged me, and dragged me out of my bed. I thought, for sure, I was dead, and no one would ever find me. Turns out, the guys were following orders from my mother and Hannah.”

“Who’s your mother?”

“Mora Bentley.”

He eased away slightly. “You’re the domesticated hen?”

“She’s still using that?” She reached up, tucked his hair behind his ear, and her focus remained fixed on the spot. “Anyway, they tell me that there’s some leak, and I’m in danger. I have no say in the matter, and in less than ten hours, I was on a plane.”

He took one of her hands.

“I’m not proud of this, but I fell into a severe depression. At first, I was kept isolated. Central, who my mother works with, put me up in a wing at the villa, thinking I would be fine in isolation because I enjoy reading.”

He stroked her knuckles. “So do I, but it’s still torture.”

“Exactly. So, I…” She shrugged. “I did something stupid out of desperation. The weapon wasn’t loaded, but I guess it was a wake-up call that humans need interaction. My mother saw it as a cry for attention and was going to lock me down even further, but Hannah stepped in. Then Hannah told me about an assignment where they had thirteen people to smuggle out of Mauritania into Morocco. There were different designated ‘safe houses,’ and each person or group had varying lengths of time where they would stay in a safe house to prep them for the new life.”

“Hence your connection to the country.”

She nodded. “Hannah trained me—not with weapons much, but how to remain covert.”

“What is she?”

“Former Marine.”

It made more sense than he expected.

“Qas and Ahmed have been with me the longest. It’s how I eventually became their ‘sister.’”

“So, do you believe something was compromised?” he asked.

“I believe two separate things are going on. My mother knows about the gang, but either doesn’t see them as a real threat, or she’s purposefully letting them get close. Then, I think she sent Novi because she doesn’t trust me, especially after the name I gave you when we first introduced ourselves.”

“What’s your real name?”

She tipped forward, kissed his forehead, and then wrapped her arms around his neck. “It really is Sayeda.”

“What name were you supposed to give me?”

“Nihal.”

“Either would have suited you, honestly.” He kissed her temple. “And I don’t know how much this will help, but I’m staying with you here until further notice. The boys are going to the villa. Once someone comes to get us, you’ll come with me.”

“Come on. You know it helps.”

“I know. Still, I was expecting dissent.”

“I want to be with you, Adrían.” She eased back. “Close your eyes.”

He closed them, and her lips against his followed. Although the kiss was brief, he felt every bit of her gratitude.

She pulled away. “Are you hungry?”

He opened his eyes to a fully covered face. “Yes, but let me cook. This has been a tiring day for you.”

“Cooking helps to calm me, my love.”