Mariana's Pov

Father smiles as though accepting the challenge. “What the fuck did you just say to me, young lady?”

Leah side steps Mariano, exposing herself to the danger coming after her. This girl—her oblivion will be the death of her. “I said,” she gulps, “with all due respect, sir, I’d like to point out that you’re the most uncultured human being I’ve ever come across.”

It’s silent for a second, filled with heavy, angry, and fearful breaths. But the look in my ...