Married to my brother-in-law

3

Yesterday was my wedding night, and early this morning, I went downstairs for breakfast. The table was filled with food. Noel, Michael’s right-hand man and trusted servant, attended to me.

Michael’s parents passed away when he was just sixteen. His sister, Julia, was ten at the time, and he had to take responsibility for the family and the family fortune. His other relatives wanted to separate us and take the money from his parents, but he rebelled.

Julia used to tell me that he took on the role of their father and became a cold, distant man.

I looked at Noel with gratitude as he served me breakfast. His precision and dedication were evident in every movement.

“Thank you so much for the breakfast, Noel,” I thanked him, trying to show a warm smile.

Noel nodded respectfully, maintaining his professional composure, though I could notice a slight softness in his eyes.

“Mrs. Foster, the sir has ordered that we be at your disposal and that we move your belongings to the guest room,” he announced in a firm but polite voice.

I nodded, grateful for Noel’s efficiency, but his words echoed in my mind with an unsettling echo. I hadn’t expected Michael to send me to the guest room. It’s clear that he either feels pity for what happened to me or wants to get rid of the problem I represent.

“Well, thank you,” I responded, trying to keep my voice steady.

Noel withdrew with a polite bow before disappearing through the door. Barely a moment later, Michael appeared in the doorway, his imposing figure and unreadable gaze.

“Good morning, Michael,” I greeted him, trying to hide my nervousness.

“I don’t have much time, Rubí. I have too much work,” he responded, not even looking at me, as he poured himself a coffee.

“Why did you send my belongings to the guest room?” I asked, unable to contain the worry in my voice.

Michael looked directly at me, his eyes cold and calculating.

“Because I don’t want to f**k you, or have you changed your mind?” he replied with a harshness that took my breath away.

I shook my head, trying to compose myself.

“I thought you already knew me, but I have to make clear what I am and what I am not. I’m not a romantic husband, nor am I cheesy. I didn’t marry you for love, but for business,” he said, without an ounce of emotion.

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

“Well, I don’t expect love from you either,” I replied, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment.

Michael nodded, almost satisfied with my response.

“Perfect. I’m not a f*****g monk, so just so you know, I’ll keep having s*x with whoever I want. I don’t want any jealousy scenes or drama,” he warned, with a cynical smile.

“And you won’t make me jealous either,” I added, looking at him determinedly.

Michael smiled faintly, as if he found some amusement in my firmness.

“Of course not, jealousy only shows weakness. You can live your life and I’ll live mine,” he concluded, before turning on his heels and leaving the room, leaving me with a mix of emotions I couldn’t decipher.

[…]

Over the past month, Michael has kept his word. He never looks at me, let alone touches me. My life continues as it was. In the mornings, I attend university, and in the afternoons, I work at the company in the finance sector. Ryan, my brother, is teaching me about managing the company. I have a small position, but I strive to learn more every day.

I also occasionally visit my parents or my brother. I attend charity dinners or go to church with my mom because religion is very important to her, and I grew up with that education.

In fact, right now, I’m chatting with my mom. She watches me with a mix of affection and concern, always attentive to the details of my life.

“My dear, could you do me a favor? I need you to take some money to Father Matías,” she said, her tone as kind as ever.

“But mom, can’t you transfer it to him?” I asked, trying to find a more practical solution.

“Sweetheart, you know Father Matías isn’t very good with technology,” she responded with an indulgent smile.

“But you have the drivers, mom,” I insisted, trying not to sound impatient.

She sighed, with a look of resignation.

“You know your father doesn’t like me leaving the house and has forbidden the drivers from obeying me,” she explained, her voice filled with contained frustration.

“Okay, mom,” I finally agreed, giving her a hug. I couldn’t say no to her, especially when she had always done so much for me.

“Thank you, dear. You know how much this means to me,” she said, gently stroking my hair.

I said goodbye to her with a smile. Mom handed me the bundle of bills, which I put in my purse before leaving the house. I have no problem leaving because Michael hardly pays attention to me. In fact, he almost never comes to sleep at night, and I stay in the mansion alone with the servants. I’m convinced he has a mistress.

When I arrived at a park near the church, I parked there and began walking. Father Matías lives in a dangerous area, so I decided to leave the car a little further away to avoid drawing attention.

The park was almost empty, with only a few people walking in the distance. My steps echoed on the pavement, creating a strange feeling of loneliness.

As I walked, I began to feel an increasing discomfort. I looked around, but I didn’t see anything unusual. However, the feeling persisted, like an invisible shadow following me. I quickened my pace, hoping to reach the church soon.

I must admit, I feel somewhat scared being in the park in the middle of the night with a purse full of money. I just need to cross it and I’ll be at Father Matías’ house.

I was very startled when I heard police sirens and practically jumped when I heard footsteps behind me.

I quickened my pace without stopping, but the person grabbed my arm, making me turn around. When I saw him, I realized it was a tall man dressed in black with a hood and intense blue eyes.

“Don’t do anything to me!” I pleaded, trembling with fear.

“I won’t do anything to you, Paloma,” he said, his deep voice echoing in the night.

“I’m Rubí.”

“You’re stupid, girl. You just told a criminal your name. I think sanity took a nap at home,” my subconscious scolded me.

“I know very well,” he said, taking my waist firmly.

I quickly pushed him away and screamed with all my might. He raised his hand to my mouth, covering it, and practically dragged me behind some bushes. He threw me to the ground and positioned himself on top of me, pinning me down.

“If you want, take the money, but…”

He covered my mouth. “Shut up, Paloma! I’ll just wait until they leave, and then I’ll let you go. You’ll stay quiet, right, doll?”

I thought I was going to die because I did the opposite: I bit his hand and started screaming. He looked at me furiously, and I thought he was going to hit me, but he did the opposite.

He pressed his lips against mine and began kissing me. It was a kiss different from Michael’s. This one was soft and slow, savoring my lips.

I must be crazy because I couldn’t help but get carried away by his gentleness and followed the kiss.

I didn’t understand why I felt this electricity running through my body or why I didn’t stop the kiss.

His lips moved down to my neck, leaving soft kisses. I think my sanity went on an indefinite vacation.

“Rubí, I’ve always dreamed of kissing you and touching you,” he whispered.

He lowered his hands to the buttons of my blouse and tore them open, exposing my bra.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Don’t be scared, I would never hurt you, Paloma,” he said, placing a necklace around my neck.

“Who are you?”

“I’m the love of your life, Paloma, but you can call me Alacrán.”

After the sounds of the police car faded into the distance, he quickly pulled away from me, disappearing into the shadows of the park with unsettling agility.