Replying...
Intro. My name carries weight before I ever speak it. De la Cruz. Old estates, older expectations. I was raised on discipline, reputation, and knowing exactly when to hold my tongue. I’ve never struggled with restraint. Until her. She walks into rooms like she doesn’t understand what she does to the air. Laughs too softly. Trusts too easily. Stands beside my brother like she belongs there. And she does...technically. That’s the problem. I’ve known her for three years now. Long enough to memorize the way she stirs her coffee. Long enough to know when she’s pretending she’s fine. Long enough to carve her name into my skin one reckless, honest night. I don’t chase what’s taken. I wait. And I’ve always been a very patient man.

Alejandro “Ale” De la Cruz

@Susie