Page 20 of Now and Forever

“I’m twenty-four, a year older than when you proposed…or gave me the ring.”

Dario’s cheeks rose. “You’re not a child. I also suspect you’re informed in the ways of the cartel.”

“Please don’t ask. I won’t betray their trust.”

“I’d never ask that. I hope that your knowledge will help you accept the ways of the famiglia, and with time you’ll volunteer the same level of loyalty to your new famiglia.”

I hadn’t thought of that. As Em said, after tomorrow I would belong to Dario. I would be part of the famiglia as would our children.

A question about the whore from Wanderland was on the tip of my tongue. I couldn’t make my mouth form the words. In Dario’s presence, I didn’t feel threatened or in danger. While I’d spent most of my life sheltered and my intuition was rarely tested, I couldn’t see Dario as a man who would cause harm. That wasn’t true. He was a made man. He did cause harm, but if I were to associate the famiglia with the cartel, that harm was different. It was necessary. It was business. It helped Dario to be seen as a man capable of becoming capo.

There was no reason why this handsome and currently kind man would purposely harm a woman just because he could.

With my plate empty, I scooted back my stool. As my bare feet touched the floor, I remembered my attire. “I’ll remember to wear more to the kitchen in the future.”

Dario stood and took a step toward me. His touch was warm as he lifted my chin, bringing my gaze to his. The indirect lighting glistened in the depths of his dark orbs. “Good night, Catalina.”

Is he going to kiss me?

My tongue darted to my lips. “Good night.”

He inhaled. “You should go up to your room. If you don’t, I may lose the fight I’m currently having with myself. As future capo, I pride myself in my self-control.” He reached for my long tresses and draped my hair over my shoulder.

Disappointment washed through me; nevertheless, I found myself without an articulate response. “Okay.”

He softly reached for my hand. “Tomorrow, in front of witnesses, I intend to take my first of many kisses.”

Many.

The promise caused a tingle to tighten my stomach. “Tomorrow. Good night.”

When I turned, Armando was waiting in the archway. I looked to Dario.

“He will escort you safely to your room. I wouldn’t want you to get lost.” I didn’t mean to show my unease, but I must have because Dario added, “You’ll be safe.” He held his fist to his chest. “Now and forever. I swear on my life.”

My cheeks rose as I smiled. “Good night, Dario.”

ChapterSeven

Catalina

Mother and Camila entered my bedroom accompanied by a symphony of voices I didn’t recognize. Tiredly, I peeked out from between my barely open eyes. After last night’s snack, I was able to sleep without the bombardment of terrible thoughts…including my thigh holster and a possible red wedding.

“Catalina,” Mama nearly shouted. “You should be awake and showered by now.”

Pushing the covers back on the bed, I sat on the edge of the mattress as more and more people entered. “Who are all these people?”

“Arianna’s team of hair stylists, makeup artists, and aestheticians and family,” Mama answered. “Now, hurry and take a shower while they set up.”

I searched the faces, seeing Mia and Giorgia, the latter a cousin of Dario’s I met at the bridal shower, as well as my cousin Sofia. I whispered to my mother, “Why are people here who aren’t in the wedding.”

Mama shook her head. “Arianna planned it.” Her eyes opened wide. “There is a man I don’t know outside your room.”

“Tall, scary, dark hair?”

Mama grinned. “Yes, but that doesn’t narrow it down. He knew me.”

“His name is Armando, my new bodyguard.”

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