Saving The Capo's Heir

Fourteen

Esmé

First things first, I need a quick shower. The sēxual tension between Mason and I is getting stronger by the second. I need to cool myself off before I run back down there and forget that we are in a time crunch. I pushed my bedroom door open, headed straight to where my breast pump machine and I made sure that everything was set up and that I had the breast milk bags ready for storage.

I head to the restroom, turn on the shower and go back to the bedroom to gather my clothing. The water can run for a minute while I gather everything, regardless I do not shower with cold water. My mind is running over the strategies over and over. What could go wrong? What if this is a set up? What if I don’t get Aaliyah back today? My anxiety is at an all-time high right now.

I grabbed a pair of ripped jeans, a T-shirt and my converse. I am not sure what would go wrong today, but I will not be running in heels. Not when my daughter's life is in danger. I drop everything on top of the bed and head to the shower. Fifteen minutes later, I was showered and dressed. The only thing missing is to put my shirt on, but its futile since I will be sitting down for the next 25 minutes to pump.

I grabbed my cellphone and began the text thread with Mason.

Me: What is the status?

Mason: Waiting on you.

Me: Currently connected to the human milking machine, be ready to leave in 25 minutes.

Mason: *thumbs up emoji*

I guess he wants his phone to be shoved up his ass today. I hate it when they send me a thumbs up emoji. It's like they don’t even want to talk to me. I exit the message thread and open up the cameras that surround the house. I am browsing the cameras, making sure that all spots are covered, when a slight knock interrupts me.

I grabbed the small throw blanket that I had set on the edge of the couch and threw it over me. “Come in,”I announced, my door slightly opens, and a worried mother comes in.

“Mom, why that face?” I asked her as she sat on the other side of the couch. I took the blanket off and put it back down.

“I am worried, Esmé.” Her voice wavering, her hands were slightly trembling. Sometimes, I am not sure if it's due to what she went through or the fact that she is really nervous. She has gained some weight and her therapy sessions have lessened, meaning that she is slowly getting better.

“Don’t be mom, I know how to take care of myself. Either way, that gringo and Javier will never allow anything bad happen to me.” I assured her, although my own heart was racing a million miles per beat.

“You never know what they are after. What if it's a trap?” She asks, patting my thigh.

All I can do is sigh; how do I really assure her that I will be fine when no one really knows. “Mom, I will be wearing this ring that has a tracking device on.” I showed her my wedding band and placed it on my finger, maybe that will give her a sense of assurance.

She raises a brow, “Mija, what if they remove that ring? Do you really think that they haven’t thought about that?” She asked, now getting irritated. She stood up from the couch and is now pacing right infront of me.

“We did think about that, that is why I also have this.” I turned my head, moved my hair out of the way and bent my ear just a bit. Thank god for handless breast pump bras.

“You don’t have anything there, Esmé.” She huffs while shaking her head.

“Mom, that is the point. No one can see it but trust me, it is there. Will you please just trust me?” I asked her, checking the time and making sure I was already done with my pumping session. Seeing as I am no longer leaking, I shut off the machine and begin disconnecting myself.

“Esmé, trust me, it is hard to. What is going on with Ysabel? Why is she going with you on this mission?” She asked, worried. I remember her asking me that same question not too long ago. I assume that she hopes that maybe I trust her again.

“Mom, I am just trying to keep you safe. I am not sure what it is, but I am just not trusting her.” I advised, as I slowly filled up the breast milk bags. Once I am done, she has stopped pacing and her hands have stopped shaking.

“In the meantime, Saul will be your bodyguard.” I notified her, as I slid my T-shirt over my head. I wanted to slowly drop that information on her. I wanted her bodyguards to be females, but because of the fact that we are in a time crunch, and I do not have any other females, she will have to do with a male.

“Saul?” She questions. She never really leaves her bedroom. Therefore, she is not aware of the other guards around the house.

“Yes, he has been with us for some time now. I think he is one of the most mature men that we have on our roster and is not a youngster. I am sure that Javier made a great choice by picking him as your new bodyguard.” I let her know as I finished zipping up the breast milk baggies and placing them on the fridge that I have in our room. Hopeful that Aaliyah will be home with us tonight.

“When are you leaving?” She asked, standing up straighter than when she walked into my bedroom.

“Now,” I answered, walking toward the door. I opened the door, allowing her space to exit, and closed it right after her. We walked in complete silence down the stairs toward where Mason, Javier and Saul waited for us.

“You ready?” Mason asked, watching how my mother was reacting to her new bodyguard.

I nodded. “Everyone in the car?” I asked, while taking the last steps and standing in front of Mason.

“Yes.” Javier and Mason answered at the same time. Who knew these two would sync so well?

“Ysabel?” I asked, turning my head toward the exit.

“In the car, she did seem surprised that she was going on this mission with us.” Javier mentioned as he clipped his bullet-proof vest on.

“Good, let's see what happens. Let’s go.” I commanded, turning back around to give my mother a kiss on her forehead, a tight hug and one stern look toward Saul.