Page 93 of Now and Forever

“We’re at Mr. Luciano’s apartment building.”

“Dario’s? You’re here.”

“No, ma’am,” Giovanni replied. “Mr. Vincent Luciano.”

I didn’t know he had an apartment. “Is it here in the city?”

“Yes. The two Mr. Lucianos went upstairs about twenty minutes ago.”

“I need to get a message to Dario.”

Giovanni said, “I can…” His voice lowered in volume. “Shit. They just came out of the elevator.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Ma’am, I need to go.”

“Please ask him to call me.”

“Will do.”

I disconnected the call. Taking a seat on one of the lounge chairs, I stared down at my phone, willing it to ring. My thoughts were filled with scenes from the last two months. I never expected to have such strong feelings for a man I basically recently met. There was no denying that my feelings were there. I knew that Dario could be a ruthless man as Armando had said, but that wasn’t the man I knew.

What if by telling him about my family, I was condemning my own family to death? Could I take that chance? Would my family do my husband harm? Or would he kill them?

Closing my eyes, I recalled Dario’s patience with our lovemaking. My core clenched at the thought of his caresses, kisses, and ministrations. I’d known my body would belong to him, I never expected that he’d also own my heart.

I didn’t want to choose between the cartel and famiglia.

What kind of choice is that, anyway?

I knew by the ache in my chest and the way I was worrying about Dario that my feelings were true. In a short time, I’d given him everything I had. My virginity. My loyalty. My love. It didn’t matter if Dario would never say the words, telling me he loved me. I saw his actions. That would have to be enough. I loved the man who I’d grown to know.

Despite my anticipation, I jumped when the ring and vibration came. Looking down at my phone, I saw Dario’s name was on the screen.

“Are you safe?” I asked as the call connected.

“Cat,” he said, his deep voice and the use of my nickname sparking my already-frayed nerves. “There’s a lot happening. I want you and Jasmine to stay in the apartment. Don’t go out for any reason.”

“My uncle and father are on their way here.”

“I know.”

I gripped the phone tighter. “You know. Is this about the coup?”

“How did you find out about their trip?”

“Camila told me. She said they left an hour before she arrived in California. Em and Nick are with them. She said they were coming for me.”

There was silence before Dario spoke. “Do you want to go with them?”

“No,” I answered quickly. “I’m where I want to be.”

Dario exhaled. “You’re mine, Catalina. Your father can’t change that. When did you speak to Camila?”

A smile tugged at my lips at his declaration. “Not long ago.”

“That means they should be here soon. Do you know where—which airport—your father’s plane landed when you arrived for the wedding?”

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