Chapter 20

Rita burst into tears at the relief that flooded her. She couldn't believe that he wasn't angry like she had expected. This made her love him the more and she couldn't wait to be in his arms again.

"It's okay baby, please stop crying", Rodrigo said.

"I thought you'd never speak to me again after how I treated you", she croaked, wiping her eyes.

"No, I would never resent you for that. I know you were only doing that because you were scared and confused. That's why I told you to never allow him rule your mind", Rodrigo said.

"I didn't want him to suspect a thing. You fail to underestimate him, he's very smart and cunning. One small lie could make him do things that are much bigger then him. I was trying to protect you from his madness", Rita said, taking a seat.

"He's truly mad. Away from him, how are you princess?",he asked.

Rita smiled, curling a strand of her hair. She never got tired of his hearing his sweet endearments. Most days, she desperately wished she could elope with him but she knew that wasn't possible. No matter where she runs to, her father and Edmundo were sure fi find her.

"I'm fine... But I'll be better if you were here", she sighed.

"I miss you more than anything right now. Don't worry, just imagine I'm there cradling you in my arms", he smiled.

"How is your mother?",she smiled.

"Good, she's okay. Darling, the way you look after my mother makes me feel jealous",he laughed.

"I love you and your mother and that's never going to change", she smiled.

"Gosh! How I wish you were here, I'd show you how much I love you", he groaned.

Rita bit her lips, loving the way she affected him. There was no telling she was deeply in love with him, Theresa was right.

"Rodrigo, have you found out anything about the shooting yet?",she said.

She hated to ruin the conversation by bringing up that topic but she wanted to know who was behind it. She had a feeling they were not safe and whoever was behind that would surely come back to finish off what he started.

"I'm afraid no. That's what keeps bothering me. I can't believe we haven't found anything yet on whoever was behind it. I don't know but it seems as if the person covered his tracks really well", he said.

"Does my father know anything about it. I mean, what has he done?".

"To be honest, I really don't know what he's thinking now but knowing who your father is, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets the person behind this sooner than we expected. I never underestimate that man, he's too smart"

"I know, that's why I'm keeping our relationship a secret, at least for now. I don't know how he'd feel when I finally open up to him about us".

"Do you want my honest opinion?",he asked.

"Gosh Yes!".

"I feel that he's going to be on board with us. I mean, your father is not a heartless man, I see some sense of understanding in him. The real problem we'd be facing is Edmundo and his parents and of course, your mother".

"You just said all the words raging through my mind. Can you believe that's what I've been thinking all these days. No doubt, my mother wouldn't support my involvement with you but u really don't care what she thinks".

"Darling, you should. She's still your mother no matter what happens", Rodrigo said, gently.

Rita sat up, biting her fingernail, an habit she never failed to stop since she was little. She knew he was right but she wasn't going to agree with him at least for now.

"Theresa knows about us", she said quietly.

Rodrigo remained quiet for a while and Rita cursed herself for telling him. She hated not knowing the expression on his face.

"Oh, I see now why she was smiling at me when I saw her in your house this morning", he chuckled.

This was news to Rita but she smiled, relieved that he didn't take offence which made her think about what could really make him angry.

"Wait, you were in my house?",she asked.

"Well, yes. Your mother had me drive her to a little get together of all her friends downtown but then I met Theresa who came to visit your father", he said.

Rita found this odd but she decided to let it slide. She would ask Theresa when she sees her but for now, she just wanted to talk to the love of her life.

"Okay, I guess she just came to drop something off with him. Her husband holds some shares in our company", she said.

"Okay. So where is your fiance", he chuckled.

"Oh please don't call him that, makes me feel entitled to him. He's asleep and that's the only way i could call you if not, I wouldn't even be here talking to you", she said.

"Does he ever gives you a break? I really do not like that man, he's too clingy", Rodrigo muttered.

"Me too but don't worry, we'll be together soon", she smiled.

"I know. That's why I love you, for sticking with me even when I can't offer you diamonds or cars or gold. Thank you for staying with me", he said, smiling into the phone.

"Rodrigo, I'm not with you because of all that. I have those in abundance".

"Sometimes, I wonder what you see in me when I can't clearly offer you anything".

"You know what I see in you? I see a strong, brave and honest man. A man who loves unconditionally and wouldn't want to see those he loves in pain. Take for instance what you do for your mother and how you saved my life the other day. It only takes the heart of a honest man to do that", Rita said.

"Sugar girl, do you want to make me cry", Rodrigo chuckled.

"Well I think so. Come to think of it, I didn't count you as one who crys", shw laughed.

"Well, I did once. Twice in fact, when my sister died then my mother informed me that my father died a long time ago and when my mother was diagnosed with the recurring ailment. Shoot, make that thrice".

"Oh Rodrigo, I'm so sorry", she sighed.

"You don't have to apologize my sweet. It wasn't your fault, everything only made me stronger and I'm glad I met you, the source of my strength".

"You're a really sweet man", she blushed.

"You want to know how sweet I am? When I put my mouth on those lovely lips of yours and in places you never imagine".

"Oh gosh! You're just so naughty", she laughed, holding her side.

"Only for you sugar, only for you".

"I've got to go now, but I promise I'll call you tomorrow after the damn wedding".

"Don't worry, I'll call you even before you think about it. I love you sugar girl".

"I love you too Rodrigo, more than you can ever imagine", she said before cutting the call.

She placed her phone on the table but not before deleting his number from her call log. She couldn't trust Edmundo not to search her phone when she wasn't there.

Later on, she prepared for bed, smiling as she recalled the conversation she had with Rodrigo. She drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face. Unbeknownst to her, Edmundo had finally gotten the answers he was looking for concerning her involvement with her chaffeur.