Episode 5

Pedro

JC's conversation earlier struck me as odd—he's fallen for someone yet remains secretive about their identity. Could he actually have feelings for Julia? That rumor's been bouncing around the hill for a while, but I'm not convinced. The sheer amount of loathing he harbors for her is a dead giveaway—it must be her. I've never witnessed such intense dislike for someone without reason. Damn, if that's the case, he's heading towards a massive showdown with MT, considering how protective MT is over her.

With these thoughts occupying my mind, I hopped onto my motorcycle and descended towards Aunt Marina's house. Once a week, I'd babysit little Manuzinha so that Marina could have a night out to enjoy herself. Initially, she was hesitant, fearing it was too much to ask, but I insisted it was no trouble at all, and truthfully, my affection for that child was overwhelming.

Upon arrival, I took charge of Manu and signaled one of the lookouts to retrieve my bike and bring me a car since taking Manu on the motorcycle was out of the question. While Aunt Marina prepared herself for the evening, the lookout took my bike and returned with my BMW—fitted with a child seat, no less. This BMW, mostly reserved for outings with Manuzinha, had the child seat permanently installed in the back for her safety, an essential measure for any sudden trips out of the hill.

Aunt Marina gave me and Manu each a kiss before she went off to get ready. I secured Manu in her child seat, packed Marina's things in the trunk, and began the gentle drive back up the hill, adamant about driving responsibly with Manu in tow.

Once home, I found JC sprawled on my sofa, which wasn't unusual at all—Joao practically lived there and even had his own room. The house was as much his as it was mine, and I was perfectly fine with that.

Seeing us, he scooped up Manu. Despite not being the most natural with kids, he handled her with care. Sure, he'd tease her, playfully calling her little names, but from what I could tell, it seemed he cared for her as deeply as I did.

She was in his arms while I retreated for a much-needed shower.

Emerging from the bathroom, I noticed Joao on my bed playing with Manu. Maybe it was my imagination, but when I stepped out just in a towel, his gaze lingered a moment too long before he quickly looked away.

I dressed in the closet, considering Manu was in the bedroom.

JC - What's for dinner?

Pedro - Not sure, bro. What do you feel like?

JC - Pizza?

Manu - Pisa, pisa, pisa.

Pedro - You shouldn't be eating that stuff, young lady (I said, now dressed and reentering the bedroom).

Manu - Want pisa, daddy.

Pedro - Only a tiny bit then.

Manu - No. (She pouted).

Pedro - Yes, miss, that's how it is.

Manu - That's how it is (she mimicked me).

JC - You two are so similar in temperament, you could pass for father and daughter. (he said with a chuckle).

I looked up at Joao, amused by his comment, yet something in his gaze gave me pause—he looked at me differently than I'd ever seen. As fellow outlaws, such a look was unfamiliar, especially from him to another man—a brother, at that. Something unusual was going on.

But I brushed it off, opting not to delve into the matter.

Pedro - Go ahead and order the pizza then.

JC - Got it. Stroganoff for you, right? (He said, already heading out of the room to grab his phone).

Pedro - Always.

JC

Lately, I've been losing my grip on things. That moment he stepped out of the bath, towel-clad, revealing contours of his abdomen, the outline of his hidden anatomy evident, my composure slipped away. I'm not myself. I've managed to restrain my feelings for him until now, but it seems he's stirring something more profound. If this continues, I may have to leave the hill. As much affection as I hold for this place, I can't stay if I fail to conceal these emotions. Falling for him, of all people—the kingpin himself—is brutal. Being gay is hard enough in our world; falling in love with him is impossible.

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