Once inside his room, Carlos shrugged off his jacket and tossed it onto a chair before sinking onto the bed. He pulled out his phone, planning to ignore everything for the rest of the night—until he noticed an unread message.
His heart clenched when he saw Cee's name.
He hesitated for a second before opening it.
Cee: Carlos, I know you're mad, but please listen to me. I wasn't defending Ryan. I just didn't want you to do something you'd regret. Seeing you like that... it scared me, not because I thought you'd hurt me, but because I knew how much you'd hate yourself later. I don't want you to be the guy who loses himself in rage. Please, just talk to me. Let me explain in person. I love you.
Carlos exhaled, his grip tightening on the phone.
She loved him. Even after today, after everything, she still said those words.
Without overthinking, he texted back.
Carlos: I left because my father summoned me. I wasn't ignoring you.
Her reply was instant.
Cee: Then why didn't you pick up my calls?
Carlos: I was pissed. And I was with his secretary, being briefed about this weekend's charity event.
There was a pause before another message came through.
Cee: Oh...
Carlos hesitated for a moment before deciding to tell her everything.
Carlos: He wants me to take the minister's daughter as my date.
The response took a little longer this time.
Cee: What?
He smirked at the reaction, imagining the way her brows must have furrowed, the slight pout she always got when she was irritated.
Carlos: His way of strengthening business connections. He wants me to ask Laura to be my escort.
Another long pause.
Then—
Cee: And you're going to do it?
Carlos leaned back, amused.
Carlos: Jealous?
Cee: I'm asking a question, Carlos.
He chuckled.
Carlos: I have no choice, sweetheart. My father doesn't take no for an answer.
Cee: Maybe I should find myself a date too then. Since you'll be busy entertaining another woman.
Carlos' smirk faded slightly. His grip on the phone tightened.
Carlos: Don't even think about it.
Cee: Why not? You'll be parading Laura around all night, might as well have my own fun.
Carlos' jaw ticked.
Carlos: I'm not 'parading' anyone. I'll be there because I have to, but don't test me, Cee.
Cee: Oh? And what if I do?
Carlos exhaled harshly. He knew she was pushing him, teasing him, but damn if it didn't light a fire inside him.
Carlos: If you do, I'll remind you exactly who you belong to.
Cee: Big words. But you're not here, are you?
His blood heated.
Carlos: You're right. I'm not.
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration and something far darker curling in his chest.
Carlos: But if I was, you wouldn't be able to walk by the time I was done with you.
A beat of silence. Then—
Cee: Is that a promise?
Carlos groaned, running his tongue over his teeth.
Carlos: Baby, you have no idea.
He could almost hear her laugh, see the way she bit her lip when she was trying not to smile.
Cee: Maybe I should book a flight and come over. Just to see if you keep your word.
Carlos: Don't tempt me, Cee.
Cee: Why? Afraid you won't be able to resist me?
Carlos growled, gripping his phone so hard his knuckles turned white.
Carlos: You know exactly what you're doing.
Cee: Do I?
He shook his head, rubbing his jaw. She's going to kill me.
But damn if he didn't love it.