Page 13 of Now and Forever

I forced a smile. “Chess.” It was what Miguel always said. One could plan a few moves ahead, but it was important to always be ready for the opponent’s countermove.

“Sí,” he said with a smile.

The hallways were empty as Miguel and I made our way toward Papá’s office. The doors weren’t fully closed, and as we approached, I could hear male voices. While the conversation seemed pleasant enough, as soon as we entered the room, the tension was palpable. I scanned the faces—Papá, Em, Luis. That was where the familiarity ended. My breathing caught as I took in the other three men. Based on age, I believed the older man was Dario’s father, Vincent. The shorter man was about Dario’s age, and I recognized my future fiancé by the pictures I’d seen. He had the same handsome features I’d found in the photos, except in person, his presence seemed even more intimidating. If he was supposed to be happy about this evening, he hadn’t alerted his expression.

“Catalina,” Papá announced, gesturing for me to come closer. “Gentlemen, let me introduce my daughter, Catalina Ruiz.”

My flesh warmed, and I hoped I wasn’t blushing.

The older man took a step forward. “You’re lovely, Catalina. I am Vincent Luciano, and this is my son, Dario, and my son-in-law, Rocco.”

Dario was a head taller than Vincent and Rocco. The way Rocco looked at me, unashamedly scanning me from head to toe, made my stomach turn. I nodded to each one. “Hello.”

I don’t know if Dario saw Rocco’s lascivious look, but as he scowled, Rocco turned away.

“Shall we leave Dario and Catalina alone?” Vincent asked.

My pulse increased as the room emptied, leaving me alone with Dario.

Clasping my hands behind my back, I met Dario’s gaze. “Would you like to sit?”

He took two strides toward me, close enough for the spicy scent of his cologne to tickle my nose. I lifted my chin to maintain eye contact, wondering if he would reach out to touch me or hold my hand.

The tips of his lips curled slightly upward. “I was told of your beauty” —the baritone timbre of his voice reverberated through me— “Catalina. I must admit you’re even more gorgeous than I could imagine.”

My cheeks flamed from heat that I feared was also reddening my neck. “Thank you.”

He tilted his head. “Tell me the truth. Are you marrying me of your own free will?”

I inhaled, wanting to ask him the same question.

“You see,” he said, “in my world, women are often promised without their consent. I was told you were only recently informed of our plans.”

I lifted my chin. “Yes, Dario, I’m marrying you of my own free will. I understand the world in which I was born and loyally accept my duty.”

He nodded. “This is why I didn’t want to marry a child. Your understanding is appreciated. As mine, you’ll forever be safe and protected.”

Dario reached into his jacket, and I had a quick peek of a holster. Before I could give that more thought, he pulled out a small velvet box and opened it. Inside was a stunningly large round diamond solitaire on a white gold band. It didn’t have the filigree or small diamonds I’d seen on other rings. It was simple, stunning, and huge.

Dario plucked the ring from the satin lining. “Catalina, this ring has been in my family for generations. I’m honored that you’ve agreed to wear it, for now and forever.”

Is that a proposal?

I supposed it wasn’t. It was a confirmation of what had already been decided.

Dario’s words hit me as he placed the ring on my finger.

Now and forever.

Staring down at my left hand, I saw the ring for what it was meant to signify. It was the outward sign that I was now taken. As Dario said, I was his.

He reached for my fingers. His warm touch sent shivers throughout my body. I looked up.

“I want you to know,” he said, “that it’s all right with me if I’m not your first as long as I’m your last.”

Sex.

We were talking about sex as our second topic of conversation.

---