Page 12 of Now and Forever

“No, Lola will come for you when the men go to the office.”

My eyes widened. “You won’t be there?” I was a twenty-three-year-old woman, but I found security in having my mother present.

“Andrés said no.”

My breasts pressed against the bodice of my dress. In less than six months I’d be married to Dario, living with him far away from my family. He said he wanted to marry a woman, not a child. While I didn’t like my thought process, I knew Papá was right. I needed to face Dario as a capable woman.

“Camila,” Mama said, “would you please go change for dinner?”

My sister met my gaze. “You’re about to get the sex talk.”

“Camila,” Mama scolded.

After my sister left my room, closing the door behind her, Mama took my hands in hers and met my stare. “Cat, according to your father, no one has questioned your virginity.”

“Mama.”

She stood taller. “It’s important, especially to a family like the Lucianos. It’s why most men choose younger women to marry. I’m not asking you if you’ve saved yourself.”

My lips were sealed, wondering where she was going with this.

“I’m imploring you to tell Dario that you are pure. If you don’t marry in a white dress, it could reflect poorly on Dario and as the future capo, he doesn’t need that.”

I am a virgin. Those words were on the tip of my tongue. Instead, I asked, “Are you telling me to lie to my husband?”

Mama pursed her lips as disappointment shone in her eyes. “I’m suggesting that you start your relationship fresh. There are causes for the rupture of a hymen besides sex.”

“Is anyone asking Dario the same questions?”

Mama stood taller. “Men have needs.”

“And women don’t?” I asked.

“That’s not what I mean. The Lucianos are a respected family.”

“I’ve never had sex,” I said truthfully. “I’ve never had the opportunity.” Well, other than Aléjandro’s disgusting offer. “And I guess I wanted it to be special.”

Joy and relief radiated from my mother’s expression. “You’ve always been a good girl, Catalina.” She squeezed my hands. “You never cease making me proud.”

A knock came to my door. Leaving Mama with her happy tears, I went to the door and opened it, finding Lola on the other side. “SeñoraRuiz,SeñorAndrés wants you to be present when the guests arrive.”

Mama nodded to Lola and smiled at me. As they left, I heard Mama asking about the preparations for the evening. She had a seven-course dinner planned for our VIP guests.

I paced around my room as I waited for my summons.

Finally, it came.

Miguel knocked on my door. Opening it, I met his familiar stare. “Have you met him?”

“Sí. He and Capo Luciano.”

“Did they bring a lot of guards as Em was concerned about?”

Miguel shrugged. “Each side is being cautious. It’s why I’m here to escort you.”

“Will you stay in the office with me?”

“Only if Dario’s man stays.”

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