“Growing up on me, are you, Tallulah?”
I shriek with excitement and throw my arms around his shoulders. He pushes the redhead out of the way, which gives me a sick sense of satisfaction. As I pull back, I realize the woman seems pretty annoyed too, but I’m too wrapped up in Xavier to notice. It feels so good to see him again. To inhale his scent of sharp pepper. I’ve been counting down the days to this event all year.
“Do I look that different?” I ask, spinning around in front of him. “Probably not... I’ve only grown an inch since last year.”
“You look different every year,” he mutters, his eyes silently drinking me in. “Aren’t you going to invite us in, angel?”
His nickname that he uses only for me makes my heart sing, and I nod vigorously, stepping aside to allow them to enter the Palacio.
After they exchange polite hellos, we head to the veranda so I can open Xavier’s presents. There’s no explanation to who the woman is, and none of us ask.
One gift Xavier bought for me is a gorgeous red velvet cake that’s heart-shaped and surrounded by red roses. He tells me he had it made just for me, and I squeal on the inside.
While I dig through the other treasures in Xavier’s beautifully packaged gifts, I risk a look at my little sister.
Mathilda is clinging to our mother. Even though she’s shy with everyone, Xavier makes her especially uncomfortable, and she’s told me before she fears him.
But I don’t share those feelings, and I leap to hug my godfather every time I open another box. My parents and Mathilda, however, can only manage tight smiles for the entire exchange. None of them say a word.
Unluckily for me, the woman Xavier’s brought with him keeps babbling on and on. It quickly becomes apparent she’s going out with Xavier. My suspicion is helped by her constantly running her hands all over my guardian. He doesn’t make a move to stop her.
I’m struggling with my feelings of jealousy as I unwrap another gift. This one is a golden tiara, and even Mathilda’s eyes widen at the sight of its glittering stones.
“This is too much.”
Dad has finally spoken up, and he’s glaring at Xavier as he shakes his head.
“She can’t accept that.”
“Why the fuck not?”
Mathilda gasps when Xavier growls the response. Neither we nor our parents curse. She slips further behind our mother.
“Because it’s too expensive, and we’re not interested in making Tallulah’s birthday all about money.”
“Well, why not?” Xavier smirks. “We have plenty of it, right? Why not shower her with gifts?”
He looks at me, winking and making butterflies float in my stomach.
“You deserve to be spoiled, don’t you, angel?”
“Enough.”
My father’s tone is enough for all of us to look at him.
“I don’t want you in my house anymore,” Dad mutters. “You need to fucking leave.”
“Kicking me out already?” Xavier laughs. “I’ve barely been here five minutes.”
“Seems really fucking rude to me,” the redhead says. “I don’t think you should let them treat you this way, Xavier...”
There’s a moment of unbearable tension in the room. I can see my father signaling to the guards that are always watching us. One of them reaches for his gun, making Xavier laugh at him.
“Relax,” he says calmly. “We won’t spoil angel’s birthday party, will we, slut?”
I watch with wide eyes as the redhead swings herself on his lap. They kiss sloppily, and Xavier’s hand goes to her throat, choking her.
The sight is enough to send my mind spinning. By the time I’ve come back to my senses, Mom is trying to drag me away, along with Mathilda. I shake her off until she finally leaves with my little sister in tow.
“You need to fucking leave,” Dad hisses at Xavier, who now has the redhead straddling him.
Xavier’s fingers travel all over the woman’s back, and I watch him unclip her bra through her dress before tearing off her panties with a loud rip that sends a shiver down my spine.
My eyes keep widening until they’re as wide as saucers. I don’t even dare look at Dad - he’ll be angry without a doubt; he despises Xavier.
Xavier picks up the woman, and she wraps her legs around him as he carries her out of the room. They kiss again and the woman giggles, throwing her head back.
She’s so carefree. I’ll never be anything like her.
“Sorry for spoiling your birthday, angel,” Xavier winks at me. “Better luck next year.”
He steps outside where his lacquered black Cadillac and guards are waiting for him.
I don’t know what Xavier does, but I know he’s just as rich as we are, or perhaps even richer. His presents are always luxurious and over the top. I love that he likes to spoil me.
Before Xavier has time to say anything else, Dad slams the door in his face and I cry out, stomping.