The Hustler's Daughter {DC Bookdiva Publications}

by Pinky Dior

  “What are you talking about?” Maria had no idea what he was referring to.

  “Don’t play stupid bitch!” Emilio yelled. “You knew this whole time didn’t you? You knew your father would come looking for you. You left Cuba without telling your own father and you disobeyed one of his most important rules. Don’t ever mess with any of his customers-and you did it anyway! Now look what you created, a bloodbath for the Carter family!”

  “I had no choice!” Maria shouted. “I had to leave or my father would have killed me and my baby. You don’t know shit! You don’t know what love is, even if it showed up and smacked you in the fucking face.”

  “I love your daughter, and she’s falling in love with me too. And I’m not going to have anyone standing in my way…I killed Chino, your husband, and I killed Roy!” Emilio smiled with pride.

  “I was sent here by your father to find you and bring you back to Cuba. I honestly don’t give a fuck if you live or die. Niggas don’t play by the rules out here anymore. I killed them to be with your daughter. I love her and even you can’t stop me! I can’t allow anyone to ruin what we have and the love that we share. That’s why it’s your time to go.”

  “You stay away from my daughter you sick bastard!” Maria spit at Emilio as she tried to get out of the chair, but she was unable to do so. He wiped the spit off his face and rushed towards. He wrapped his hand around her neck and squeezed.

  “You better keep that spit in your mouth before you won’t have a tongue anymore. It’s time for you to be with your husband and the rest of the Carter family!” Emilio told her. He grabbed and twisted her jaw.

  “Fuck you Emilio, go to hell!” Maria still managed to yell with his hand tightly crushing her jaw.

  “You’re the one who’s about to feel like you’re in hell, since that’s what you put your family through!” Emilio got closer to Maria and placed some duct tape over her mouth to keep her from screaming.

  He poured gasoline on the floor and all around the living room. He made sure he poured it all over Maria’s arms and legs as well. He laughed callously during this process; he only cared about killing the last person who could come between him and Mercedes. He pulled out a match, lit it and dropped it at her feet. Flames surrounded Maria and jumped onto her fuel soaked skin.

  “Say hello to Don Carter for me.” He tossed the match and stood there watching her burn for several seconds before turning around and running out of the house. The fire spread quickly; he needed to leave before he was trapped as well. Emilio watched the home erupt in a ball of flames from his car. He knew Maria was dead. He took pride in annihilating the entire Carter family. Emilio beamed with pride that he was able to carry out such a difficult task. He would finally have Mercedes to himself and there was no one who could stop him. He figured with her family dead, her only choice would be to lean on him. He was ready to take care of her in her vulnerable state. Piece by piece, his plan was starting to come together.

  xxxxxxxxxx

  It had been a few days since Mercedes last saw Emilio. He constantly called her, but she sent his calls straight to voicemail. When she wouldn’t accept the calls, he showed up at the house. She pretended she wasn’t there. She really cared and had love for Emilio, but she didn’t know the real him. She often wondered why he kept secrets from her and hid his true identity. She couldn’t be with someone who wasn’t truthful.

  One day while Mercedes lay across her bed reading, she heard the doorbell ring. She knew it wasn’t any of her friends; they always called to let her know they were coming.

  “Who is it?” She asked, while waiting for a response. Her heart jumped in her throat when she heard the voice on the other side of the door.

  “It’s Emilio.” He was hoping for a chance to talk with her.

  “What do you want Emilio…I mean Francisco.” Mercedes mockingly said. She leaned her back against the door.

  “Please Mercedes, open the door and let me explain.” He begged and pleaded as Mercedes rolled her eyes. She eventually unlocked the front door and folded her arms across her breasts.

  “Can I please come in?” Emilio asked. Mercedes looked down and saw he was holding a bouquet of red roses in his hand. He tried to hand them to her, but she ignored them and stepped aside. She was allowing him inside, only for a minute.

  “I brought these for you.” Emilio presented her with the flowers. They were accompanied by a weak smile.

  “Put them on the table.” Mercedes rudely responded as she eyed him up and down.

  “I’m here to apologize Mercedes. I’m so sorry I lied to you about who I am. I’ve just been through a lot. I changed my name when I came here. I was born in Cuba, but I moved to California. I didn’t like the person I was in Cuba; I wanted to start over. I understand if you don’t want to forgive me. I just want you to know I want to be with you. I want you to love me for me and not my past.” He grabbed her hands to appear more genuine.

  “Okay, are you done?” Mercedes uncompromisingly asked.

  “You’re so damn arrogant.” Emilio smiled. “Please Mercedes, just give me another chance. I need to prove myself to you. I want to show you how much I really love you. You’re the woman of my dreams.” He gently grabbed her hands and kissed them. “Let me make it up to you, PLEASE!”

  “How?” Mercedes was interested to know how he was going to make up to her this time.

  “A vacation for two, you and me in the Bahamas for three days. How does that sound?” Emilio pulled out the tickets and flashed them in Mercedes’ face. “You know you want too!”

  “When are we leaving?” Mercedes smiled and her façade of anger quickly faded. She definitely needed a vacation. She had seen the beauty of the Bahamas in pictures; she was ready to see it up close and personal.

  “We can leave today, if you want.”

  “I’m not packed or prepared to up and leave just like that.”

  “You have until twelve-thirty, so get ready.” Emilio winked at her. He knew he had her under his spell.

  “Boy you are so slick. You knew you would get me.” She playfully nudged him in the shoulder.

  “I’m going to go pack so we can leave.” Mercedes ran upstairs to pack her things. She immediately pulled out her pink Louis Vuitton bag and began stuffing clothes and bathing suits inside. After she finished packing, she ran down the steps and found Emilio sitting on the couch reading a XXL magazine. She was ready to head to the airport.

  They left in his car. Mercedes was excited and dialed her mother’s number. She wasn’t able to reach her. She was a bit concerned because it had been a few days since they spoke. They usually spoke daily. Emilio noticed her discomfort and reached over to touch her leg.

  “Babe, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” Mercedes smiled. She was trying to put the worry out of her head as they arrived at the airport. She smiled and placed her hand on top of his. She wanted to make the best of the situation, but her nerves were telling her otherwise.

  You and I

  The Bahamas was a dream come true for Mercedes. She had dreamed to visit this place since she was a little girl. They got off the plane and took a cab to their hotel, which happened to be one of the most expensive in Nassau. As they entered their room and settled in, Mercedes walked over to the window. She saw a magnificent view of the waters. It was breathtaking.

  “Babe, get ready. We’re going out to get something to eat.” Emilio said to her. He wanted to show her a good time and help her forget about everything. She did as she was told and proceeded to get ready for dinner.

  They entered the dining hall and were escorted to their table. Within minutes, they were enjoying their meal of exotic seafood and pasta. Emilio looked at her in amazement and satisfaction. He raised his glass to her and began to speak with emotion.

  “I want to let you know, Mercedes, that I love you. I finally have you to myself and you’re all mine. It’s just you and me against the world. No one can ever come between us.” Emilio smiled as
he reached across the table and kissed her. “A toast to you and me.”

  Mercedes smiled as she raised her glass. After they finished eating their meals, Emilio grabbed her hand and whispered in her ear. “I want to walk around on the beach.”

  “Alright, let’s go.”

  Mercedes and Emilio took a stroll down the beautiful beach and walked hand in hand. The sun was already set and the light from the restaurants shone onto the sand. They stopped briefly to look at the stars. Mercedes gazed at the sky as she leaned her back head onto Emilio’s chest while he embraced her from behind. No matter what happened, she always thought of Chino when she looked at the stars. A single tear fell from her eyes and landed on her cheek. Through her tears she still smiled, for she knew Chino was looking down on her and protecting her.

  “This is beautiful.” Mercedes smiled. Emilio stood behind her and kissed her on the neck.

  “Not as beautiful as you.”

  “Oh, is that so?” Mercedes turned around smiling and wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him on the lips.

  “Yes, no one is as beautiful as you Mercedes.” Emilio assured her. “Well you’re almost as cute as me.” Emilio joked.

  Mercedes giggled and playfully pushed him in the sand. She hopped on top of him to give him a passionate kiss.

  “Emilio,” she stopped briefly and looked him square in the eyes.

  “Yes Mercedes.”

  “I just want to apologize for that night when we were arguing. I’m just going through a lot and I don’t know what I was thinking…” He cut her off by placing his fingers up her succulent lips.

  “Shh, Ma, I understand. I’m not mad.” Emilio assured her. “Just make love to me.” Mercedes slid her tongue inside of his mouth and they danced to the tune of their beating hearts. She pulled up her skirt and he slid her panties to the side and positioned himself beneath her. He opened his zipper and his erection popped through his boxers. She discreetly sat on his lap and began moving up and down as she rode his dick. This was her first time making love on the beach, and she was enjoying it.

  They both moved in unison to the waves crashing ashore. Emilio slipped her breast out of her top, freeing it to roam his lips. Mercedes moaned as his tongue tickled her nipples. She closed her eyes and moaned softly as he ran his fingers through her hair. The speed increased and they both became more aroused.

  “Mercedes! Ahhhh, Mami.” Emilio yelled her name and held onto her hips as she worked it. Mercedes smirked as she noticed him moaning and groaning. She was putting it on him.

  Emilio couldn’t take it anymore and flipped her over into the sand. They were under a sand dune and it was dark, but they didn’t want to take chances. He straddled her and with every stroke Mercedes scratched his back. He crammed his meat into her body. She looked into the sky and watched the stars dance. She couldn’t help but think of Chino. Her heart wanted what it wanted, regardless of who she was with. As much as she wanted to let go, a piece of her always remained with Chino. Her thoughts were invaded by Emilio’s voice as he whispered to her softly during climax.

  “I love you Ma.” He then released his seed in her and they breathlessly collapsed onto the sand.

  xxxxxxxxxx

  After their midnight rendezvous on the beach, Mercedes woke up in bed with no clue as to how she got there. The sun beamed into her eyes and she looked around in the bed and didn’t see Emilio.

  “Emilio!” In he walked wearing only boxers and holding breakfast on a tray.

  “Good morning Babe.” Emilio greeted her and walked over to the bed and placed the tray of food on the bed.

  “Morning.”

  “Damn, Baby something smells good.” Mercedes reached over and kissed him on lips.

  Mercedes eyed the tray of food. It was French toast, sausages, eggs and pancakes. She licked her lips as her stomach growled. “You made all of this for me?”

  “Yes, all for you. I already ate.” Emilio plopped down on the bed and turned on the TV. He relaxed while watching SportsCenter and Mercedes indulged in her breakfast in bed.

  “Damn, you were really hungry Baby?”

  “Yeah this food was delicious.” Mercedes placed the tray on a table and sat back with a pillow behind her back. She lay back on the bed and Emilio made his way between her legs.

  “I bet you taste better.” Emilio reached over and removed the sheets from her nude body. He began placing kisses on her taut stomach. He explored her mound and traveled down to her clit. He slowly kissed it. He kissed soft and slow and Mercedes moaned as her legs quivered. Climax was imminent and Emilio took it all in. He enjoyed her and cleverly smiled as she looked at the ceiling. She was spent.

  “Well, I was right. You do taste better.” He said while licking his lips.

  “Yes I do, I’m going to get dressed. I don’t want to spend all day in bed, although it would be nice.” She got off the bed and headed into the shower. She turned the water on and began lathering up. Soon, Emilio came in and wanted to join.

  “May I join you?” He asked.

  “You’re already in here.” Mercedes chuckled. Emilio got behind her and caressed her body. They both began to get aroused again.

  “Let’s stop before we stay in the shower for hours.”

  Mercedes winked at him and washed up. She left him in the shower and threw on her outfit for the day. She chose to wear a black Gucci bikini and shorts to match. She wanted to relax and maybe swim a little. Her goal was to enjoy this vacation as much as possible.

  “Babe, come on. I want to show you around and take you shopping.” Emilio yelled out from the bedroom.

  “Alright, I’m coming.” Mercedes applied her clear lip gloss and walked in to find Emilio just getting dressed.

  “You were rushing me and you ain’t even ready.” Mercedes lightheartedly rolled her eyes.

  “My bad Babe, let’s roll.” Emilio smiled.

  Mercedes wrapped her arm in his and they left to spend the day together. They hopped in a cab and explored all the sights. They shopped and ate and enjoyed themselves a great deal. They exited the Versace store and made their way back to the hotel to drop off their bags. After they did, they ventured out to the beach. Reclining in a lounge chair, Mercedes closed her eyes and soaked in the Bahamian sun.

  Emilio sat on the edge of the chair. He was chilling and looking as the sun shone on her body. The sun tan lotion she wore made her skin sparkle. Her bikini showed off her sexy body and flat stomach.

  “It feels really good out here, doesn’t it Babe?” Emilio asked as he looked around and enjoyed the beautiful view.

  “Yeah, it really is perfect out here.” Mercedes said.

  “I’ve been thinking…what if we could move out here?” Emilio asked.

  Mercedes sat up in horror at the thought of leaving her mother behind. Her heart literally began palpitating. She didn’t know if the sun was making her hot, but she began sweating profusely.

  “I can’t leave my mother, she’s all that I have left.” A tear formed in her eye as she thought of being away from the one person she had left who represented the Carter name.

  “Babe, you have to learn that when you grow up you move on from childish things. You have to do things on your own. Your mother won’t always be there.”

  Mercedes looked away and Emilio put his hand on her thigh. “Are you alright Mercedes?” Emilio noticed she was silent for a while.

  “Yeah, I’m fine Emilio.” She looked at him with a smile and turned away.

  “Are you sure? You don’t look too sure.” Emilio wanted to know what was going through her head. He placed the seed of doubt into her head. He was trying to make her understand that she would be able to survive without her mother. He needed to make sure that his point was well-taken.

  “I still haven’t heard from my mom. I have a weird feeling that something terrible has happened.” Mercedes took a deep breath.

  “Maybe she’s on a vacation or something.” Emilio was trying to make excuses. Merced
es cut him off, she knew better.

  “No, that’s not like my mother. She would have called. We usually speak daily; she would have wanted to know if I was out of the country.”

  Mercedes got up from the chair and grabbed her towel. She walked away from Emilio. He called out to her, but she ignored him. She wanted to be left alone. She headed toward the elevator and decided to try once more to reach her mother. After a couple of rings it went to the voicemail. Mercedes decided to leave a message to let her know she was worried.

  “Hey Ma, it’s Mercedes and I’m really starting to worry about you. Please, can you give me a call to let me know that you’re okay? Alright love you Ma.” Mercedes hung up the phone and got on the elevator heading up to the room. Once she arrived on her floor, the elevator doors opened. She got off and approached the room. She opened it with the keycard and immediately began stripping into more comfortable clothes. She was overcome with anxiety. She walked out onto the balcony to clear her thoughts. Emilio walked in and interrupted her train of thought. However, he didn’t deter her from speaking her mind.

  “I want to go back home.” Mercedes said.

  “Why?” he asked.

  “Emilio please, I want to go home!”

  Mercedes turned to him and spoke gently with tears in her eyes. “I want to go back home, if that’s okay with you.” She walked back inside and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Alright Mercedes, we can leave tonight.” Emilio sighed. He watched her pack her things. His plan failed and she still wanted to leave. Some things couldn’t be avoided; Mercedes would soon have to depend on him for everything.

  She continued trying to reach her mother to no avail. Frustration was written on her face and Emilio saw it. The plane ride was a silent one. Neither of them had nothing to say. He thought the choices he made on her behalf would make them closer. In actuality, it would tear them apart.

  The Hidden Truth