Chapter 2 No Name, No Way Out

Valeria straightened her dress as best she could, still breathing heavily, her heart pounding in her chest, and her lips swollen from the kisses she still felt burning. The night, hot and humid, suddenly became unbreathable. She pushed away from the wall, her head spinning, and looked at the younger of the two, the one who had invited her, the one she had-supposedly-come to see.

Iván was serious. His easy smile had disappeared.

"Was this a plan?" she asked, trying to sound firm, even though she knew her voice was trembling. "Did you both come to see what would happen?"

The young man shook his head, annoyed, lowering his gaze.

"A plan? No. He didn't know we'd be seeing each other. I did. He just showed up. Like always. To ruin everything."

"And who is he?" she whispered. She couldn't help it.

"His name is Elías. And he's a bastard." An abuser, if you ask me. He always gets his way. He always thinks he can take what he wants," she said through gritted teeth.

Valeria swallowed. She didn't know how to feel. Her body was still tingling, vibrating inside. Guilt tried to settle in, but couldn't find the space. Because, although yes, it had been a robbery, an interruption... it had also been one of the most intense kisses of her life.

Iván looked at her with disappointment. And said no more.

Elías didn't return. Only the echo of his presence lingered in the air, like a fire that wouldn't quite go out.

"I'll walk you to the car," Iván said without enthusiasm.

They walked in silence along a dirt path, barely lit by a flickering streetlight. When they reached his car, Valeria thanked him softly. He barely looked at her.

"Take care," was all he said before turning and walking away with heavy steps.

Valeria got into the car, her hands still shaking. He closed the door, started the engine, but it didn't start. She stood there in the darkness, the dashboard lights staining her face, a feeling of complete lack of control.

She could still taste those rough lips. There was something about the way he kissed that was unlike anything she'd ever experienced before. Direct, rough, as if he wasn't used to asking permission. The touch of his hands-still with his tactical gloves on, leaving only part of his fingers free-had awakened an animal desire in her skin, as if every caress carried an electric current.

And his breathing... ragged, hot against her neck. That way of holding himself back just on the edge. That power to disarm her with a single look.

Valeria tried to convince herself that she should be angry. That it had all been wrong. That he'd taken her by surprise.

But the truth was different.

She was happy. So fucking happy.

Because, even though she didn't say it out loud, even though she didn't allow it, her body spoke for her. She shuddered just remembering it. She grew moist with each scene she relived when she closed her eyes. She bit her lip, wishing he hadn't left.

And, in the midst of it all, a single question tormented her, drove her crazy, made her want to run out and search for him in the shadows:

How am I ever going to see him again if I don't even know his name?

And then she knew.

She had to keep in touch with Iván.

Even if it wasn't fair. Even if it wasn't honest.

Convincing him to give her Elías's number was the smartest thing to do. The only thing that made sense now.

And she was going to do it, even if she had to play her own game.