Free Exposed by Naomi Chase

good as ever.”
    Tamia smiled.“You don’t look too bad yourself, papi.”
    It was true. Though he’d gained some weight around his midsection and the pores of his pockmarked skin seemed more pronounced, Lou was still good-looking by anyone’s standards. His thick black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and a tattoo of a serpent climbed up his neck past the collar of his loose shirt. With craggy brows that sank low over piercing eyes, full lips, and a swagger that oozed machismo, he resembled Benicio Del Toro enough to draw double takes wherever he went.
    Although it was rumored that the Puerto Rican porn king personally auditioned every actress he hired, Lou had never so much as propositioned Tamia. Which was why she’d always liked and respected him.
    “Can I get you something to drink?” she offered.
    “Naw, I’m good. I just came from dinner.”
    Tamia glanced up and down the quiet, darkened street. “Where’s your driver?”
    Lou gestured vaguely. “Cruising around.” He took her hand and led her over to the porch swing.“Let’s sit outside. It’s a nice night. Not too muggy, you know?”
    As they sat down, the rickety wood creaked and groaned under their weight.
    Fragments of memory drifted through Tamia’s mind. The gentle rocking motions of the swing on a sweltering summer afternoon … The sound of her grandmother crooning her favorite hymn as she braided Tamia’s unruly hair … Fiona’s childish squeals as she raced around the small yard, blissfullyoblivious to her sister’s envious glare … Tamia, feeling appeased when someone brought her an ice cream cone … licking eagerly to devour the cold sweetness before it melted down her arm …
    “Heard about your sister. Damn shame. How’s she doing?”
    Roused from the soft haze of her reverie, Tamia answered Lou, “She’s doing well. Holding up better than I thought she would. She gets out next month.”
    “Good, good.” Lou leaned back, stretching out his long legs.“Think she’ll stay out of trouble this time?”
    “She’d better,” Tamia muttered,“or I’ll kill her.”
    Lou chuckled. “She’s lucky to have you looking out for her.”
    “That’s what I keep telling her.”
    Lou nodded slowly, abstractedly.
    Tamia waited. She knew he hadn’t shown up at her house after all these years to discuss her wayward sister.
    After several moments, he finally spoke.“About two weeks ago, a man came to the studio asking questions about you.”
    “I know.”
    Surprised, Lou stared at her.“You knew?”
    “Yes.” She hesitated.“He showed up at my job.”
    “
Puñeta coño!
Why didn’t you come and tell me?”
    “I was in shock. I didn’t know what to think.” She met his stunned gaze.“I didn’t know who to trust.”
    Lou gave her a wounded look.“You thought
I
told him?”
    “Honestly? I didn’t know
who
talked.”
    “Well, it wasn’t me,” Lou growled. “I gave you my word that I’d keep your identity a secret, and I have. You think it’s been easy? Do you know how many inquiries I still receive about you? My distributors have been urging me to reproduce your videos and put them back on the market. If you were still in the industry, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But you left that life behind, so I have to respect your decision and move the hell on.”
    “Thank you,”Tamia said humbly.
    He waved a dismissive hand, mumbling under his breath in Spanish.
    Tamia sighed, feeling like shit for ever doubting his loyalty. “How much did he offer you?”
    Lou snorted. “He didn’t get the chance. As soon as I saw where the conversation was going, I had him tossed out on his fucking ass.” His expression turned grim. “But he obviously found
someone
willing to talk.”
    “Do you have any idea who?”
    “Maybe,” Lou muttered darkly.“Don’t worry. I’ll be looking into it.”
    Tamia sighed heavily. “Thanks, Lou. But it doesn’t really matter who talked. What’s done is done.”
    Lou sent her a sharp