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Chapter 22

The Reyes' partnership with Leandro Santos was turning out to be a major success. Franco had to admit that Leandro, despite his past personal troubles with him, proved to be a very great colleague and even a trustworthy friend. He felt bad for him especially when he found out he was struggling with so much debt and was denied the help of his rich aunt, the elderly Raquel Uribe. What really motivated him to help Leandro was the fact that he had helped a desperate Oscar even though Oscar had stolen Jimena away from him.

With the promises of Franco's new and ongoing wealth, Leandro Santos is at peace with his booming business in the fashion world. Out of gratitude, he announced that he will be opening his store with a spectacular fashion show that he and the Reyes brothers will be hosting. Franco was deeply touched and gave Leandro his word that he will surely not miss the opening night.

The night finally came. Franco and Oscar were getting ready. Franco noticed the television in Oscar's room switched to a commercial. It took him a moment to register a Native-dressed Jimena, modeling a new fragrance called "Indian Savage".

"Oscar!" called out Franco as he adjusted his tie. "Look who's on television!"

Oscar hurried out of his bathroom. He was perfectly dressed but his hair was a bit askew. Franco signaled him to the television, where they saw Jimena kissing another male model.

"That shameless woman!" shouted Oscar, snatching the remote control from his bed to shut off his television. "I can't believe she's full on making out with other men knowing we're still married!"

Franco laughed at his brother's jealousy.

"Well…" he began to say, amused by Oscar's understandable envy. "She's more beautiful than ever."

Oscar grumbled under his breath and stalked over to his table, where a black gift bag sat. Franco eyed the bag curiously.

"What's that?" he asked.

"It's for someone who needs to go out as much as we do." Oscar simply answered. "Eva. I took the liberty of buying something nice for her. She needs to know we care about her just as much as she cares for us."

Franco agreed, moved by Oscar's generosity.

It took some time to convince Eva to change. The poor older woman was so embarrassed. She confessed to them that she never had the privilege of attending anything fancy. This made Franco upset. All those years of serving a rich family like the Elizondos, Eva was never treated as she deserved. His heart broke for her.

They arrived at the grand opening night. Leandro welcomed Franco, Oscar, and Eva with open arms. Eva was so embarrassed when Leandro grabbed her hand and made her spin to showcase her new look. Franco and Oscar had to remind her to relax and that she's welcomed to anything she wanted. She tensed when they spotted Leandro's younger cousin, Ruth Uribe and her boyfriend, Antonio. Franco and Oscar also tensed for Ruth still reminded them of their lost sister, Libia.

Apart from Ruth's absence since she found out about their chaotic relationship with the Elizondo family, Ruth was still kind to them.

Franco heard Leandro gasping excitedly at some newcomers. He excused himself from the Reyes and Eva and walked over to whoever caught his attention.

Franco's heart dropped when he saw who Leandro made a fuss about. Sarita and Jimena. Both of them were dressed up elegantly, especially Sarita. Never could he have imagined her to be so beautiful as she did tonight.

He caught her smiling adoringly at Leandro who gushed over her strapless, tight, dark blue dress that clung sinfully to her womanly curves. The color suited her beautifully, for it brought out the delicate glow of her porcelain skin. He felt his throat go dry when she coyly gave a little twirl, giving him a fantastic view of her flawless back and shoulders which were completely bare. He noticed the gentle curve of her voluptuous ass and the rise and fall of her small but modest cleavage.

She smiled brilliantly at Leandro, her cheeks blushing as Leandro and Jimena applauded her new transformation. Her smile began to falter when she caught Franco staring at her from a distance. He couldn't take his eyes off her, feeling his mouth salivating at the sight of her exposed fragile neck and impeccable collar bones. He wondered how she'd react if he nipped and teased her delicate fair skin.

"Oh look at my Jimenita.." exclaimed Oscar, his eyes filling with lust. "She looks like a million bucks."

Franco only had eyes for Sarita, who nervously bit her bottom lip and averted her gaze from Franco's probing ones.

"There's little Sarita…" he moaned. "I didn't think I'd see her tonight. I hope she doesn't start anything."

"Well...ignore her!" said Oscar, his eyes undressing his wife from afar. "I'm going over there to say hi."

And so he did. Franco tore his longing gaze from his arch nemesis and brought his attention to Eva who wanted to go somewhere private because of her discomfort.

The fashion show could've been more enjoyable if Franco didn't have his attention solely set on Sara, who was on the opposite side of the runway with her sister. His eyes were intently glued on her, and every once in a while, he'd catch her gazing over at him and then back at Leandro's busy models. His heart began to race profusely, admiring how her hair was elegantly pulled back into a graceful bun but a few tendrils of curls framed her face, enhancing her beautiful doll-like face. She was captivating, her sooty long lashes fluttering lightly as she looked over at him, her painted but full pouty lips whispering a few words to her sister regarding an outfit a model had on.

Despite all the hatred in the world he had for her, he needed to confront her. He needed to speak with her.

After the fashion show ended, Franco was pleased to see that Sarita was alone. He found her wandering around for her sister or anyone else she knew. He smiled at how lost she looked. He had never seen a woman look so precious as she did now.

Sarita noticed Franco heading in her direction. She tried to turn to the opposite side to avoid him, but it was too late when Franco opened his mouth.

"What's wrong?" he asked. He grinned watching her stagger nervously in her spot. "They left you alone? You were in good company earlier, right? They're tired of you already, or what?"

"That's none of your concern." she spat at him. Franco had his eyes on her mouth. Even when she's so nasty to him, her lips called out to him. They practically begged him to taste them.

"And step aside!" she demanded. "I have enough of seeing you in the paddocks to put up with you here!"

She may look beautiful tonight, but her temper is also igniting him. He had the sudden urge to break her out of it.

"I feel the same way." he grinned. "But what are we going to do? You always stumble upon those you least want to see."

She shot him a curious glare.

"Then why are you speaking to me?" she challenged, her brows furrowing as her lips pouted adorably. "You should ignore me as I do to you."

He smiled deviously at her, and in his mind he's glad he has her closer to him. He was admiring her beauty. It's so much different than her sisters'. In her own way, Sarita was precious despite her feral ways. She really did resemble a doll. With those dark long lashes, full pouty lips, fair skin, sultry brown eyes, and her tiny slim stature. Sarita was a desirable woman.

"You're a liar, aren't you, Sara? He teased her, knowing damn well that she kept gazing at him throughout the fashion show. "You think I didn't notice that you couldn't take your eyes off me?"

Sarita giggled in disbelief, her sultry brown eyes sparkling menacingly at him.

"Well, it doesn't mean I'm attracted to you, no?" she hissed at him.

"No?" teased Franco, taking a step toward her, nearly closing the gap between them. His eyes were lingering on her inviting lips which were still moving.

"It's because I find you repulsive! Even though you're feeling like a big shot, I'll always see you as the poor farmhand I met in my home as a bricklayer."

It was Franco's turn to laugh. He had something for her. She wanted to get nasty, he'll show her.

"Well, for me you look very pretty." he told her, watching her blink in surprise at his words. "That's how it is for me."

Her expression was priceless. The only thing she could do was blush a little and flutter her perfect lashes in embarrassment. He wasn't done with her yet.

Franco tore his eyes from her face and let them roam over her dress, his pupils dilating with need and appreciation. She truly was sensational.

"Dressed like that as you are, you're very precious, Sara."

His voice softened noticing how demure Sarita started to appear as she blushed harder, her gaze lowering from his to the front of her dress. He even noticed a bashful smile forming on her lips. He swore she looked more like an angel than a doll.

"And every time you smile", he continued once he met her eyes, which were now sparkling tenderly at him. "You seem like a fragile and delicate flower."

"You mean that?" she asked meekly, her eyes gleaming innocently at him.

He smiled tenderly at her, loving how she's softening to him. Oscar had been right all along. If he speaks nicely to her, she softens beautifully like a budding flower.

"Of course." he assures her. "Nothing to do with that brute and unpleasant woman who picks fights with her employees."

She giggled shyly. Franco has never heard such a beautiful sound in his life. Her little laugh was like a bell.

"I know that every man here would fall at your feet." he added, observing how vulnerable and sweet she was before him.

Biting her full bottom lip, Sarita looked up at him. Franco felt himself go hot when he felt the longing embedded in her precious brown eyes. He let his eyes linger on her lips, which were begging for him. If he could have her, he would...but he needed to teach her another lesson she'd never forget.

"But for me I already know you personally as you are…" he teased, smirking at her, "a dull, unpleasant Tomboy who still smells like horses."

His smirk widened, watching her cheeks drain from embarrassment. He took a sip of his drink and excused himself, leaving her mortified and broken where she stood.

Franco knew he did wrong but he thought back about all those times that damn woman ridiculed him. He tried not to feel bad. He was proud to put her in her place. As he continued to walk away to chat with the other guests, he turned to see that Sarita went in another direction. She seemed a bit sad but Franco knew she's strong enough to handle a defeat. And he was right. She was now having a brief conversation with Bettina, Leandro's trusted business companion.

Franco couldn't also help but feel a little disappointed in himself. He had her where he wanted her. She was so vulnerable and tempting as he lavished her with those compliments. He could've had her. He could've just done himself a favor and stolen a kiss from her. It seemed like she was allowing him to with those damn sultry eyes and full inciting lips of hers. He muttered a curse, now knowing that Sarita's vulnerability will forever haunt his mind.

He then spotted her desperately speaking to Leandro, who seemed to be getting annoyed. Curious, Franco walked over and stood next to Leandro.

"Is there a problem?" he asked, glowering at Sarita who rolled her eyes at his appearance.

"I'm trying to convince Sarita not to leave this late alone." answered an antsy Leandro. "But she's stubborn as a mule."

"I don't think it's wise to go out there alone." agreed Franco to an annoyed Sara. "It's very late and dangerous at night."

"I'm in greater danger here with people of your stripe!" she scoffed at him.

Franco shook his head at her insolence. Clearly, she's still angry about the stunt he pulled on her.

"I'm leaving, Leandro!" she shouted.

"At least let me escort you to your car." Franco offered, secretly enjoying how fired up she was getting.

"No thank you." she hissed. "Your help isn't necessary. I'm used to taking care of myself, sir."

Franco smirked at her. She's too feisty for her own good.

"Sarita.." scolded Leandro. "Don't be so mean. Franco is just trying to be nice to you."

Sarita huffed stubbornly, her lips pouting adorably.

"I don't trust his kindness, Leandro."

"Franco, are you leaving?" asked a worried Eva, who suddenly appeared behind Sarita, who was getting extremely impatient.

"Not yet, Eva." he assured her. "Just wait here a moment. I'm going to accompany this young lady outside."

Before Sarita could respond, Franco yanked her by the arm and roughly pulled her outside of the store. Never mind the guests' prying eyes, Sara tried to escape from Franco's strong grip.

As soon as they were out, Sarita tore her arm away from his hand.

"Don't touch me!" she yelled.

"Sara, don't get like that!" he yelled back. "At least let me walk with you!"

"Fuck off! I don't want you to!"

"Sara!"

"I said don't touch me!"

"Let me just walk you to your car!"

"I told you I don't want you to!"

"Come here!" Franco demanded and grabbed her arm again. He was practically dragging her up the street. This girl is something else.

"Get your nasty hands off me!"

Sarita pulled away from him and proceeded to walk alone. Franco didn't give up and continued to walk close behind her.

"I had enough of your company, Franco!" she shouted as she kept on walking.

"Where did you leave your car?" he asked, his eyes examining the smooth creamy skin of her bare back and frail shoulders.

"I don't know!" she bit back. "It's far. Please leave me alone!"

"I don't want you leaving so late at this time." he reasoned with her, still walking behind her. "Just wait a bit for me and Eva. It's a long way to the ranch, Sara!"

"I don't need escorts, Franco." she fumed. "Let alone sneaky bastards like you."

Again with the insults. Franco had enough. He grabbed her arm again and forced her around to look at him.

"Enough with your arrogance!" he shouted at her. He watched her flinch at his tone. "We're going the same way!"

She narrowed her brown eyes at him, that fire still embedded in them. Franco felt himself captivated by them. That temper of hers is intoxicating.

"I don't live in fear." she assured him, her voice stern but calmer. "I'm used to driving alone."

She turned her back to him to find her car.

"I just don't understand why you care what happens to me." she added.

Without thinking this time, Franco grabbed her arm for the final time, turning her around. She looked at him, confused by his longing expression. He studied her for a moment. He fixated on her sultry brown eyes, her small button nose, those adorable specks of freckles adorning her cheeks and neck. Lastly, his eyes settled on her lips. Her beautiful plump lips that had been teasing him for far too long...

"Of course I care..." he whispered, pulling her closer to him. He felt her lithe supple body trembling against his when he descended his lips onto hers.

She gasped, her small hands pressing against his chest as if to push him away. He wasn't having that. He needed her. He needed this. He tightened his hold on her, his hands sliding up her slender neck to cup her face, until she learned to return his wanton kiss. He felt her respond to him and he took this chance to deepen his kiss, devouring her mouth for all she was worth. Franco felt himself grow heavy with desire. She felt incredible like this. So soft and warm...

Sara tentatively pulled away, her petite form shivering as Franco placed more but chaste kisses on her bruised lips.

"Why did you do it?" she whispered, still his arms.

In between his chaste kisses, Franco answered her, his mind dazed.

"I don't know…" he told her and groaned when she finally pulled away from him.

He observed her. She looked flushed and out of breath. Her eyes were also dazed and her lips were beautifully ravaged.

"If you don't know" she rasped, her chest heaving. "Respect me, idiot!"

She struck him hard across his face before stumbling to her car. Franco was quickly brought back down to Earth. He glared at her when she opened her car door.

This woman was unbelievable.

"I probably had too much to drink!" he shouted after her, his anger replacing his lust. "Don't think I kissed you with a clear mind!"

She glared back at him, her eyes watering as she entered her car.

Fuming under his breath, Franco turned to go back to Leandro's store. He couldn't believe that woman. Actually, he couldn't believe he had the nerve to kiss that feral creature. What else could he expect from a beast like her?

His mind was so clouded with his own fury that he didn't notice a dark figure blocking his path. In a matter of seconds, Franco was rushed into an unknown car with two strange armed men.

So it begins... Chapter 23, here we go! Thank you for reading!