Lucas stood just outside, in front of the black car holding the car door open as Alejandro guided Elise out of the house. In front of that car and behind it were a few of Alejandro’s men seated inside other cars. A measure that Alejandro had always put in place for security reasons.

Elise swallowed countless times as she moved closer. The life she lived now was not a life she had ever imagined herself in, despite having big dreams.

Her heels clicked against the pavement as she walked, and as soon she slid into the seat at the back, she exhaled. An exhale that was quickly short-lived, as Alejandro...