Page 35 of Till Death Do Us Part

“I don’t know.” She shook her head and spun toward me, her arms crossing over her towel-covered tits. “You didn’t force yourself on me. I don’t understand how rape is a macho thing, but to some it is. Sex is too. Dario didn’t force Catalina, yet everyone was thrilled they’d had sex. I guess I don’t want them to think less of us.”

“Us?”

“You for being kind or me for not doing what I was supposed to do.”

I cupped her soft cheek. “What you’re supposed to do is be honest with me. The rest, what anyone else thinks, is bullshit.”

“I’m surprised you’re being this understanding.”

A smile curled my lips. “Not as surprised as I am. I had my mind set on fucking you last night.”

“Thank you.”

I inhaled. “I wasn’t sure what I’d say if I was asked, but if you want the lie, we’ll lie together.”

“Giorgia, my cousin—I guess she’s to me what Reinaldo is to you. I never had a sister, and Dario and Dante aren’t exactly the sharing type. She’s been my confidant through everything. I probably won’t lie to her.”

“Do you trust her?”

I nodded. “Without question. Even Antonio won’t know the truth.”

My cheeks rose. “Then it’s set. We fucked like rabbits all night long.”

Mia’s smile was perfect.

And then she surprised me. Pushing up on her tiptoes, she kissed my cheek. “Thank you, Aléjandro. I was terrified.”

“I’ll never hurt you more than you want.”

“I can’t imagine wanting it at all.”

“First, you need to learn that I can be trusted.”

“Can you?” She looked down. “Sorry, it’s just that the man whose name you don’t want me to say didn’t think highly of the cartel.”

“I hope he’s fucking rolling over in his grave at the thought of you in my bed. By the time you’re begging for my dick, he’ll be wanting to claw his way out.” I shrugged. “Kind of difficult after what your brother did to him—well, both your brothers.”

Mia’s cheeks rose. “Let’s not talk about that.”

“We have family waiting downstairs.”

“We’ve been busy…rabbits.”

The tension from last night seemed to evaporate as we both dressed for the day. While I put on blue jeans and a black t-shirt, Mia dressed in a long blue dress that had ties on both shoulders. I imagined untying those bows and getting another good look at her perfect tits.

She dried her hair, bringing back the multicolored highlights, and pulled it back in a low ponytail. I reached for her hand and lifted it, leaving a kiss near her wedding rings. “You won’t regret this.”

Mia’s smile seemed sadder than it should be. “I don’t yet. It’s a start.”

Together, we left the room and made our way downstairs to the sea of voices. Unlike the fucking production that the famiglia made the morning after Dario and Cat’s wedding, by the time Mia and I made it to the first floor, the men and women were sitting and standing in clusters around the kitchen and dining room, eating and talking. Roríguez guards were stationed around the property.

Civilized people.

ChapterNine

Mia

Giorgia cornered me as Aléjandro left my side to find us both coffee. Her eyes were huge, and she looked as if she hadn’t slept. “Are you okay?”

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