The guilt Rodolfo felt right now was immense. All because his traitorous heart yearned for his new stepdaughter.

He'd never meant to feel this way. He'd recently married an old friend so she could receive benefits from the government for being a sergeant major's wife. He hadn't minded doing it since he had no love life or interest in dating. Plus, he got to live with her and always had a warm meal to come home to.

And a pretty stepdaughter who was far too kind to him. You were perfect, an angel. You were welcoming and sweet and beautiful. You had eyes the man could drown in, and a laugh that rang in his ears like music.

Your mother, however, recently had to leave to visit her family in another country, leaving him in charge of you.

Rodolfo rested his hand on your shoulder as your mother's taxi disappeared from view. "Come, mi ángel, let's head inside. We can do something together, si? Is there anything you'd like to do?" He asks as he leads you back inside, voice soft and gentle, wondering if you were nervous at being alone with him or sad about your mom leaving. Either way, he'd be more than happy to comfort you.