"Wow!" She eyes the Cuban inspired colors and design of the mansion and estate as much as she could in the dark before catching up to his long legs. Inside, the open mansion with high ceilings and grand things she couldn't describe were being taken in by her large emerald eyes. She could feel his eyes unashamedly staring her down, her blush making its way across her face. His moment of peace is broken by a call from his work phone. Answering begrudgingly, he steps away to speak.
"Mi hijo, you're back a lot earlier than usual." Calleigh turns to look at Diego coming in from who knows where, just as confused as she is. She hears footsteps coming from behind her "Papi! I have to look up these numbers. Can you fill her in on anything I missed? I'll be right back love."
Diego carts her off to the garden area outside, there she's met with…"Chief Rayaz or no. Abuelo?" While her voice was humorous but she really has no idea what's happening. She knew Esteban would be getting these calls being as he is a doctor, but she expected to at least be able to settle down before meeting the family.
The Chief smiles warmly, something that she was used to. As much as he was imposing, with a frame of 6"3' and a commanding voice, he was surprisingly a big softie. "Little one hello… may I ask what's going on? You weren't supposed to be here for another week." The men look at her expectingly, she was nervous however. "Your Abuelo asked you a question bebe."
Whipping around quickly, she failed to notice the woman creep up behind her. Nervously she forces herself to respond "Uhm, Esteban came to me earlier tonight. He told me that I've been given as collateral for the Cruz bust, which is just an excuse for you guys because he was going to claim me anyway." With a shrug she takes a look around the fire pit, choosing to settle down on the couch next to Diego. He wraps his arm around her frame and gives her a loving embrace.
"I'm Vina Navarro, but you may call me Abuela." Obviously she's heard of him. Diego having a chair in City Hall, and practically owned every square inch of Miami, gives contributions that primarily keep the lab doors open. But the woman sitting next to him, (your Abuela nuevo) she's never recalled hearing her name before. Clearly they're related and it was even clearer that she was the eldest of the two. Her breath picked up as Vina began to speak. "Your Lieutenant has taken a liking to my fine grandson." Calleigh couldn't hide her surprise. This was not how she imagined spending her Sunday morning. She was hoping they weren't asking for favors, she was fresh out of them.
Looking back into her eyes the Chief begins. "I'm sorry you have to go thru this. I've tried to keep you as far as possible, but your Lieutenant's antics lately have my hands tied." Calleigh's confused face meets the eyes of the elder man. "Horatio can be… insistent." Her tone was soft, unable to break the upbeat mood. Vina lets out a guttural laugh. "If disrupting an 80 million dollar business, harassing my family, and unashamedly slandering my grandson is insistent then yes. He is." Calleigh could only remain silent, having no idea where the Navarro's were going."Now, instead of being crass and cutting funding to the lab we were seeking a different form of repayment."
Calleigh turns to the Chief who offers a smile before picking up. "I've always had to keep you at arm's length when it came to keeping the peace. Horatio has done a fine job with keeping order in the city, but in the same breath he's been causing damn near irreversible damage.
"It's my job to keep everyone in the Miami crime business in line with a certain status quo, and when Horatio goes all out, the scale starts to tip. Many are done with the cash payouts, or territory. The latest stint in the Lieutenant's legacy was the ring bust a few months ago. You remember?" Calleigh nods her head. "He knew inciting the anger of the Navarro's is far worse than any amount of prison time." Calleigh gave the trio a pointed look. Just what the hell did she get herself into?
Diego turns to look her in the eye, having been seated directly next to her. "We lost out on a lot of money. At first we demanded monetary retribution but upon recent events we were inclined to another payment. My son has taken a liking to you, more than a crush I'd say. He's been walking around the house like a lovesick puppy. He's been asking for access to you for months now. And what a better payment?"
"Yea, he told me. I don't like it at all. But it's not like I have a choice either way. Better to make the most out of it right? He told me he doesn't plan on hurtin.." Diego turns her torso towards him, eyes set ablaze. "None of us are going to hurt you. If Esteban is rough with you then you come straight to me. He's gentle really, but I'm concerned he might be too excited to realize that he may be doing more harm than good. He's going to be very persistent as you guys settle down together. I'd really hate for you to end up being unhappy and tortured."
Calleigh shakes her head, the night finally catching up to her. Did I really just get in the car with a confirmed serial killer because I'm bored? She suddenly hears Diego's words and she sets her eyes at the trio.
"I'm not some object that can be moved at the will of other people. I have my own life. " She was mortified beyond belief. What the fuck is going on? Thinking only afforded her to discover that she was becoming lightheaded.
"Calleigh, I tried to keep you as far as possible from such affairs, but the Lieutenant's antics have finally come to bite him in the ass." Calleigh turned furious eyes towards the Chief. "So why do I have to suffer? I've been distancing myself away from him for this very reason. I don't want to be his repentance." The Chief gives her a sorrowful shake of his head, Diego continues. "You're in no way going to 'suffer' Bebe. I just told you my son has a crush on you. We're not demanding your head, he wants your hand." Ignoring the Navarros she fixes the Chief with another glare.
"And you're okay with this? Selling me to these… these… people? Why should I have to pay for another man's sin? Why not take Horatio?" Her breathing picks up, at this point she was unable to properly control her emotions. Despite the obvious situation she's finding herself in, she can't comprehend what exactly was going on.
"Horatio is a stickler for corporeal punishment. He's lived his life bearing the pain of others Bebe. The only way to get to him is to get to his team. Fortunately for you, the great Lieutenant managed to piss us off. Many people have their eyes on you." Vina's voice was direct. They weren't messing with her. This was actually happening. To her of all people. Hasn't she suffered enough?
"I owed Vina a favor anyway, last year….. Esteban just happened to put in his claim for you at the right time. This isn't negotiable Calleigh. You're staying with them. I see you and Esteban hit it off pretty well anyway." She nodded her head. It wasn't that she minded being with him, it's the fact that she's being forced to. "And if I refuse?" They all shook their head. "You don't actually have a choice mi hija. But trust us, we're not going to do you any harm." She felt her world close in.
The Chief speaks up "You're part of the family now. As much as I regret it, you've been offered as collateral for Caine's indiscretions. I understand completely. If you at any time feel overwhelmed, come see me in my office okay?" She nods blankly. The hand she didn't know was at her back pressed harder, massaging away at her confused state. "I am my own person." Diego pulls her closer to him, planting kisses to the top of her head before continuing. "We know bebe, trust us.
"Horatio's been untouched for too long. Only, he internalizes his own pain, so torture is out of the question. But get to one of his people, and he's a different man. The Russians and Mala Noche know that. They've had their eyes on you recently. But the Chief let anyone and everyone know that his seal of approval is necessary. Not everyone can go about and lay claim to you. But having cost us millions in revenue since early last year, he had to make an exception" her eyes widened at his statement.
"What's going to happen to me?" She felt the fear creeping up on her. "Nothing. You can work if you still want. We just ask that you behave yourself" she scoffs "Behave myself?" "Yea, any whisper my way about anything that transpires in our presence will result in punishment." "What type of punishment?" She asks, curiosity dripping from each word. "Esteban's never felt like this before with another person. Ever. It's interesting. So I really don't know what he's thinking, or how he's going to react." Calleigh had the sense to nod her head. "What are you thinking?" Asks Vina.
She refused to give her a verbal answer, choosing to look down instead of in her face. Diego jerks her head up. "Bebe, you're part of the elite now, you look down to no one. Except your husband of course."
"I just want to lay down. I have to think about this more." Diego pulls her even closer and runs his hands up and down her side. "This may seem like a lot, but I guarantee you will be alright. We'll take good care of you." Her tears seep thru his shirt and his heart skips a beat. "Let's celebrate huh? You just ended a very hectic case, then we'll speak more on it Bebe." She turns teary eyes to Diego "Okay."
Esteban makes his way across, his smile growing larger when their eyes met. She felt the blush spread across her cheek as he approached. "You okay?" His concerned look made her feel like Diego's words were true. Maybe Esteban really is intent on being a good husband to her. Or no, I got in a car with a self proclaimed serial killer going to an unknown destination… because I'm tired of fighting.
"Tired" She shrugs her shoulder before making space for her shudder husband. With a look to his father he scoops her up and carries her off in the distance. "Be gentle mi hijo, don't you dare scare her away!" Calleigh didn't know how to feel, she should feel fear or regret. But the only thing she could focus on is her nervous breathing. "Off to bed with the both of us I'd say. We can celebrate tomorrow." He brings her to a separate townhouse and carries her up steps to the bedroom.
"We can tour the estate tomorrow. Unfortunately I'm aware of just how tired you are." The bed felt incredibly comfortable, and she just about moaned as the sheets were pulled over her body. Rolling over she comes face to face with what she hopes isn't her oppressor. His face was content, like everything in his life has come to fruition. "You sure you won't try to run away in the middle of the night?" His profile fell like a child who lost his candy. She could only laugh, "No, I don't even know where I am right now. But I'm glad I have the means to." And just as he moves closer to her, a familiar ringtone meets their ear. She jumped up at the sound, she knew that ringtone.
Esteban reaches for her phone and she retreats from his form. "Babe? Whats…" his voice trails off as he looks at the person on the other end of the phone. "Here, it's better if you answer." She reluctantly brings the phone to her ear.
"Hey Eric, what's up?" She tries to keep her voice neutral. "Hey, I just wanted to catch up with you, you didn't meet us at the bar." With a sigh, she runs her hand thru her hair, biting her lip in frustration. "Yea, I wasn't in the mood for that. I just wanted some quiet time." She's met with silence on the other end. "Querida, I'm sorry for earlier." Looking at Esteban she folds in on herself. "You and Horatio felt like voicing your opinion and that's fine. There's nothing to talk about." Esteban makes his way to her, pulling her onto his lap. She would've tensed had it not been for the calm environment. She puts her phone on speaker. "We're just looking out for you Calleigh. Horatio says Esteban has been voicing his interest in you for a while now. He's voiced them to you too. Popping up at crime scenes and being tied to how many murders now? We all know he's the Taunter, but his pockets run deeper than his mouth. Of course we're going to worry about you." She rolls her eyes and sighs heavier.
"You guys have every right to want to protect me, but maybe I don't need the protection." She turns to look up at the man she and Eric were currently arguing over, feeling guiltier the more seconds pass. "Just make sure you keep an eye out, you know we care about you." She felt tears come to her eyes. "I.. I will. See ya." She hangs up with a huff.
Calleigh can feel the eyes on the top of her head, turning, she gives him a small smile. "Why tears baby?" She shuffles in his lap, facing him. "When… when I shot Eric a few years back, I overheard Horatio confessing fears to him while he was unconscious." She never told anyone about the exchange, afraid she'd cry if she did. And she was right. "What else? I doubt you're near tears because of that." Damn him, how the hell does he know?
"He said that Eric is the only family he has left, and that he was alone. But I've been there for him the whole time too. For years, even though I've helped him thru so much. After Horatio married Marisol, it's like nothing and no one else mattered to him. Especially after she died, he closed himself off from everyone. After I got kidnapped, he didn't even see me." Esteban's eyes widened in surprise. "The way he threatened me a while back, I could've sworn he was more involved with you. He did seem concerned for you"
She lets out a dry chuckle. "I'm convinced that just like the city, Horatio feels like he owns me. He hasn't been himself as of late, I don't even recognize him anymore. Scott comes around more so than Horatio, and as much as I used to hate him, I've come to see him as a person to go to."
Calleigh knew she was going to cry, between the current situation and her cups of wine, it was inevitable. But unlike her usual nights where she cries into her pillow, Esteban brings her in for a hug holding her close to his chest. It felt good to finally be able too just let it go. Her sobs were muffled slightly, but she didn't care. "Better out than in Leigh, I'm here for you."
This is wrong, she shouldn't be finding comfort in such a man as he. But she couldn't deny the way her heart swelled at Esteban's sincerity. To say she is still confused is an understatement. The only thing she's sure of is that she was enjoying being held.
She could make light of recent circumstances, she after all didn't have a choice but to. And she'd rather try to be happy than constantly be in misery because she's acting out.
"Esteban?" He pulls her off of his chest and looks her in the eye. "Yea?"
"When you go out to… play?" He nods his head.
"Can you let me know. I don't want to be scared all the time. That and I need to know that the victim the team and I are currently seeking justice for is not one of yours. It'll make me feel better knowing that at least that body isn't your doing." He looks her straight in her eyes, the moonlight bouncing off his brown orbs."And if the victim is one of mine?" She startles a bit before regaining her composure "I'll be better able to prepare myself, it's not just me I have to convince that I'm fine. It's the team too. They're already going to know I'm not my usual self, it's going to be easier so please just let me know please?" He could hear the panic behind her voice. "Of course Leigh. Let's get some sleep"
They settle down, spooning with one another. Calleigh wasn't sure whether or not she should get comfortable. It mustn't be comfortable for Esteban if she was tense, and she didn't want them to get off on a bad foot. She can't imagine being "stuck"in a hopeless and miserable marriage. She'd take a more positive view, if keeping him content is all he needs to slow down considerably, she'll take it. He made it obvious that he won't ignore his urges and that he has more bodies out there.
"And look at it this way mi amor. He might think he owns you. But you know who really does don't you." It wasn't a question either. She nods slightly "Yea, I do. You do know that I am very independent right? I don't want you doing too much."
His laugh blows her hair in her face "Trust me I know babe. I'm really just here to make life easier for you you know. As your dearly beloved I'm here to take the stress away from your day, keep you grounded and that sort of stuff. I don't want you to feel smothered but you do need to realize that you no longer have to. Besides if you need any financial help you don't even have to ask, you're getting a split of our percentage of stocks now anyway."
"Don't say stuff like that at such a time. I have way too much on my mind right now. Have a good night." He kisses the back of her head and snuggles in. His deep breathing matches her own as they settle in for the night.