Chapter 5 WHEN WOUNDS KISS

Later That Night

The river was quiet, blanketed by the velvet hush of night. The lights from the city shimmered on the water like scattered stars, dancing with each ripple. Spanish moss hung like whispers from the trees, and a gentle breeze curled around them, cool against their skin.

Nattie stood at the edge of the pier, her arms folded, her eyes fixed on the dark water. She didn't hear Rodrigo walk up behind her. She only felt the warmth of his presence-steady, unspoken.

"You followed me," she said softly.

"I couldn't let the night end like that."

She turned to face him. The glow of the old gas lamp lit half his face, casting the other in soft shadow. He looked like a man carrying a thousand unsaid things.

"Nattie, I know you're scared," he said, stepping closer. "But I'm scared too."

She blinked. "You? What do you have to be scared of? You're a billionaire. A Sanchez."

"Exactly. I'm scared that all you see is that name. That legacy. That damage. And not me."

The wind caught her hair, brushing it across her cheek like a lover's hand. She turned her face, trying to hide the sudden emotion rising in her chest.

Rodrigo reached out slowly, gently tucking a strand behind her ear.

"I see you," he whispered.

Nattie swallowed hard. "You don't even know me."

"Then let me," he murmured, stepping closer. "Let me learn your mornings, your scars, your favourite song. Let me learn the quiet corners of your world."

The tears came without warning. Not loud, not messy. Just silent streaks down her face.

No one had ever asked to learn her like that.

He cupped her cheek with both hands now, his thumbs brushing her tears away.

"You said your father was ruined by mine," he said softly. "I can't undo the past. But if I spend the rest of my life trying to bring peace to that name, will you let me start with you?"

The words weren't perfect. But they were real. And real had always been what Nattie longed for most.

So she nodded. Just once. Her voice caught. "I'm still angry. Still confused."

"Then let me hold you through it."

She leaned into him, finally letting herself collapse into his warmth. And as he wrapped his arms around her, the tension that had wound her up for years began to loosen. Not completely. But just enough to let breath in.

They stood there for a while, tangled in silence, hearts thudding against each other.

Then he pulled back, just enough to look at her. "Can I kiss you?"

The question hit deeper than any touch.

She nodded.

And when his lips met hers, it wasn't fireworks.

It was something slower. Wilder. Like a river finally giving in to the pull of the ocean. It was all the things neither of them had ever said, poured into one breathless, aching moment.

Her fingers clutched the fabric of his hoodie. His hand slid behind her waist, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened-not just mouths meeting, but wounds pressing together, trying to heal.

When they finally broke apart, breathless, neither spoke for a long moment.

Then Nattie whispered, "I don't know what this is."

Rodrigo smiled, brushing his forehead against hers. "Something worth fighting for."

And somewhere in the shadows beyond them, a camera clicked.

Bernado had eyes everywhere.

And he had just captured the one thing that could ruin them both.