Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

Oh. My. God. I squirm in my seat. Now I have an idea of what he’s packing under those jeans and it has my mind reeling.

He pours himself a bit more wine before topping my glass off. “Now that you know a secret of mine, it’s your turn.”

“A secret? You’re the one boasting about having a steel pipe for a dick. That’s not a secret. That’s a fact.”

Santiago’s face turns red as he laughs harder than I’ve ever heard him before. “Tell me a secret anyway. I feel like I’m at a loss here.”

“Secrets take trust, and I don’t trust you.” My smile drops.

“What would it take you to trust me?”

I sigh. “That’s a loaded question since I don’t trust people easily. Skip.”

His brows furrow. “Why don’t you trust others?”

“Why don’t you trust others? You’re the one who lied to me about your identity for two weeks. That decision doesn’t scream trust,” I snap.

Santiago’s eyes widen.

Shit. I mentally sheath my claws. “Sorry, I—”

“It’s fine. I’ll admit that wasn’t my finest moment. As far as trusting others...I’ve met some of the nastiest people who feed off fame and failure. Seeing the worst in humanity has me understanding the value of people who I can trust.”

His answer is far-fetched compared to mine, with his life in the limelight, yet we have similarities I can’t deny. Ones that are fundamental, no matter one’s circumstance.

“I’ve seen the worst in people too. And they tend to have a way of disappointing me. Instead of getting my feelings hurt by trusting the wrong person, I’d rather not do it at all.”

“What about Brooke?”

“Exception to the rule.?

??

“So, you’re willing to break yours about trust then?” His eyes take me prisoner as a smile graces his lips.

“Maybe. Depends on the person.”

“That’s good enough for me. Plus, maybe you learn how being around bad people gives you the ability to appreciate the good ones.” His gaze lingers on my face in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable.

I don’t like the easygoing feeling spreading through my body from his words. Nope, nope, nope. I survived years of foster care because I didn’t fall for flowery words and empty promises. I’m the one who likes to be in control of how much I share about myself.

His eyes soften. “You might not trust me now, but you will eventually.”

“That’s quite the claim coming from you.”

“I’m not one to state things I don’t mean. If it takes you some more time to open up, that’s fine. I’m not exactly going anywhere.” He points to his iWalk. “Plus, we have a car to fix up together. You already offered your services.”

My heart warms at the notion. It’s the first time he’s openly addressed his injury without an ounce of contempt. His reaction has me smiling.

“Why do you even want my trust anyway? That’s not a requirement of fake dating.”

“Because some people in life are worth the extra effort.”

My breath catches at his words. I thought it would be fun to drag the hermit out of his shell, but it turns out he’s working his own magic on me.

He has me hoping that he proves me wrong. And that in itself is the most concerning thing about him.

“Chloe. I need you to come to my house right now and save me. My mom is on her way,” Santiago whispers into the phone.