I Don't WANT You [ 𝑀𝑀 ]

Chapter 13

I wake up slowly, searching out instinctively, wanting to curl into Carlos' warmth. But my hands meet nothing but the cold emptiness of the bed. Confused, I sit up, scanning the room.

"Carlos?", I call, my voice rough with sleep.

No response. Where the hell is he?

"Carlos!", I shout, my irritation rising as unease coils in my stomach.

I grab my phone and dial his number, my fingers trembling slightly. The automated voice that answers sends a wave of frustration through me.

This participant is currently unavailable. . .

"Damn it", I mutter, hanging up. My mind feels hazy with anger, my thoughts scattered. I stalk into the bathroom, splashing cold water onto my face in a desperate attempt to steady myself. The icy shock grounds me but my fury simmers just beneath the surface.

Minutes pass, the silence pressing in around me, until the faint sound of the elevator reaches my ears.

Finally.

I storm out of the bathroom, my voice sharp as a blade. "Fuck, Carlos, where have you been?"

But it isn't Carlos standing in the doorway.

It's Lucas.

"Oh. . . uh. . . sorry", he stammers, his gaze dropping to the floor.

I sigh, annoyed, trying to mask my disappointment. "I have a towel, Lucas. No need to act like this"

God, why does everything feel so wrong today?

"Carlos would probably kill me", Lucas mutters, his voice low but firm.

My eyes narrows as I step closer to him.
"Look at me, Lucas, and tell me why you're here. Where is Carlos?"

"He. . . he has business with Alejandro"

Business. That damn word. He promised me it would only be the first day. Just one day.

"Are you serious right now?", I snap, my voice laced with disbelief.

"Yes", Lucas replies evenly, "He told me to stay here with you"

"I'm going", I head toward my clothes, my movements sharp with anger.

"No, you can't", he says, stepping in front of me. "He told me you're not allowed to go out"

I freeze, turning to him slowly. "Did you just say he doesn't allow me to go outside?"

"Yes"

"And why the fuck is that?"

"I can't tell you"

"Lucas", I growl, my patience hanging by a thread. "Tell me what the fuck is going on"

"I can't", he repeats, his eyes softening with regret. "I'm sorry, Juan. Now put on some clothes"