Chapter 16

Peyton

“Can I meet her?”

Peyton felt nervous even asking, knowing how hard Hadina had tried to keep Itza a secret all these years. It still amazed her—and left her a little dumbfounded—that Hadina had practically raised a child without any of her family knowing. Though when she evaluated it more closely, Peyton knew that the lives of everyone at Adis Itza is safe and ready to see you.”

“Adrian?! What the fuck are you doing here?” Peyton blurted out before she could stop herself. She spun around to Hadina. “I thought you said nobody knew about Itza.”

Hadina shrugged, smirking slightly. “Harris has a unique set of skills I needed. Besides, this fool knows he can’t ever betray me—he’s seen what I do to people who have.”

Adrian blew Hadina a kiss while rolling his eyes. “Love you too, Hadi. But we both know I’d be able to take you in a fight.”

“ Pendejo, keep dreaming. I’d have you gutted before you could open your mouth to say anything.”

“Oh yeah? How are you gonna gut me with those shaky ass hands?” he rebutted, his eyes widening immediately as he realized he’d said too much.

Peyton frowned. “What was that about shaky hands?”

Harris scratched the back of his head nervously. “I’m gonna…go check the perimeter again.”

“ Pinche puto ,” Hadina muttered as he walked past her, her glare burning into his back. She opened her mouth to explain to Peyton, but was interrupted by an excited screech.

“Tía Hadi!” A young girl came barreling out of the house and launched herself into Hadina’s arms, her auburn curls bouncing behind her. She held Hadina in a vice-like grip, one which was returned with even more affection.

Itza pulled back after a long moment, her beautiful face beaming at her aunt. Hadina grinned, cupping the teenager’s cheek in her hand. “ Hola, mi belleza. ?Cómo estás? ”

“ ?Bien! Mejor verte, Tía Hadi. ” Itza’s eyes shone brightly as she smiled. Peyton shifted awkwardly on her spot, catching the girl’s gaze. “ ?Quién es ella? ”

Hadina grabbed Peyton’s hand and squeezed gently, pulling her closer to her. She looked between them, her smile so pure that it made Peyton want to weep. “Itza, this is my partner, Peyton. Peyton, this little firecracker is my niece, Itza.”

Itza considered them both for a moment, her eyes evaluating in the exact same way she’d seen Hadina do so many times, before she beamed again. “ Tía Hadi! You finally let yourself get close to someone? OH MY GOSH , wait till I tell my dad!”

Peyton watched as Hadina winced, her face scrunching up. “ Se?or ten piedad . Your father doesn’t need to know everything, Itza.”

Giggling, Itza shrugged. “He doesn’t need to know, but he’ll absolutely want to know! This is so exciting, Tía ! And PEYTON,” she yelled, startling Peyton, “I can’t wait to get to know you! You’re so freaking PRETTY! ”

“Oh, thank you!” Peyton said shyly. At the same time, Hadina said, “Itza, leave the woman alone. Calm down.”

Itza put a hand on her hip, giving Hadi a look filled with attitude and teenage sass; Peyton had to swallow down her laughter. This girl was full of life and happiness and it warmed Peyton to know that Hadina had her in her life, that she’d been the one to keep this kid safe and help her have an amazing life so far.

And now she got to share in that happiness too.

“Ignore your tía, Itza. You can ask me any questions you want because I can’t wait to get to know you too. Why don’t you show me around inside and then we can–”

“ Sí, I have some questions, too.” Peyton jumped at the voice behind her and spun around to see a man standing in the doorway, fury etched into his features. “Let’s start with why there is some random güera meeting my daughter without my permission?”

Peyton sensed Hadina’s presence as she stepped up behind her, snaking an arm around her waist. The man—who Peyton presumed to be Darío—noted the action, the storm behind his eyes settling in a silent understanding. He didn’t change his face, but he offered a very slight nod to Hadina, who returned the gesture.

While Darío had been sizing Peyton up, ready to put a bullet in her, she was sure, Itza had heard his voice and taken off running excitedly.

“Daddy!”

Darío’s expression softened and the Puerto Vallarta Don practically beamed as his daughter threw herself into his arms. Peyton knew just from looking at him that the man was built solidly and would not be easily moved, yet he made a show of falling backwards into the doorframe, Itza clinging to him.

“ Te he extra?ado, mija .”

“ Te he extra?ado más, papi. ”

As Hadina’s fingers massaged gently into her stomach, Peyton realized she didn’t have to understand the Spanish being spoken to know that father and daughter had missed each other more than any words could accurately express.