Page 21 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“Hear, hear,” Lexi slurs, holding her heels up to the sky.

Con cackles and releases me, swooping Lexi up into his arms. “You gonna be alright, love? I’m gonna take the princess here up to bed.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve gotThe Bone Breakerwatching me.” I nod in his direction.

Conor rolls his eyes before giving me a gentle smile. “Have fun with that one. He’s been a pain in my arse since he’s arrived.” With those parting words, he walks through the dissipating crowd towards the sliding glass doors.

My eyes retreat back to Diego who is already making his way over. The band announces that this will be their last song. Like a classic romance movie, Diego outstretches his hand.

“Dance with me,Mariposita.”

“Fine,” I sigh as our hands connect and butterflies assault my stomach. Amazing how he can make me feel like a ball of nerves, yet so completely comfortable in his embrace at the same time.

Warm, strong hands find my waist as he guides us to the center of the dance floor. It’s just us. Killian would normally be out here enjoying one last dance before announcing the end of the Gala—but he’s not around. Sel looked exhausted and she has a big day tomorrow. I bet the two of them snuck away earlier.

Diego pulls me flush against him and claims my left hand. His index finger traces where my wedding rings once sat. We start to sway and my body relaxes against his. The addictive scent of mint and coconut wraps around me, bringing me temporary peace. Those tired and tipsy eyes of mine flutter shut against his chest, allowing him to guide and support me. Naturally, I relax further into him. The soothing beat of his heart acts as a sound machine, slowing the pace of my own.

Just like the ocean, just like him, our bodies ebb and flow to the music like a lullaby.

“Tell me this doesn’t feel right,” he whispers into my ear, his chin resting at the crown of my head.

“Mhm,” is all I can come up with at the moment.

The rumble of his deep chuckle vibrates against my face. “You’ll see. We didn’t get much time to get to know each other. I’m sure there are things you’d like to know about me before you decide on forever with me—which you will.Again. Until that day comes, I’m here to show you all of me. All the ugly, awful partsof me. And all the monotonous parts too. Like the fact that I enjoy watching baseball on my down time or eating shredded wheat cereal for breakfast,” he laughs in such a boyish way.

The kind of way I only ever experienced a handful of times.

The rough pads of his fingers lift my chin to greet his gorgeous eyes.Sapphires on fire. For a second, I am breathless. Lost in the depths of them and in awe of how he’s baring his beautiful soul to me.Again. For the second time today.

“The Bone Breakerversion of me and the Diego you fell for. I want you to see both. That way if you can love both monsters, you’ll never find a reason to leave me again. I know why you ran.” A painful expression carves his usually smooth features.

My hands come up as the song slows down to a close. They cup both sides of his face before pulling him closer to me.

“I ran because I was scared. Scared of who I was becoming. Of how much I enjoyed it. When in reality, I was never designed to be part of a life full of violence and chaos. I’m a rule follower, Diego. Not a rule breaker. Yet, how addicting it was to have that risk come with the kind of love I never could have imagined. Certainly not one I would have experienced in the medical field or in my hometown. This adventure…the constant push and pull, the heightened risk of actually losing the person you love adds a certaincharmto the chaos. Living in Arizona,now thatis mundane. I want adventure, I want the unknown. And most of all, I want to stop overanalyzing everything.”

With force, I tug his lips to mine, opening up to quench the craving I’ve had all night. Mint tingles on my tongue as his runs along mine.

“Don’t go back to Arizona. Stay,” he insists breathily between kisses. His fingers find my hair and twine through it, holding me hostage between his powerful hands. “Let’s go back to Miami. Wait, fuck that. How about we take the new yacht they built, that’s currently waiting for us at the island, and travel the world?Spend time with me the proper way. Get to know me. Your husband.”

I don’t know what to say. That sounds amazing—completely out of a fairytale, and perhaps even unrealistic, but amazing nonetheless. I want to.I really. Fucking. Do. But I need to at least start by moving back to New York. Spend some time with my family. Be around for Sel and Lexi for all the wedding events. I need to get my plans in order to open up the coffee shop….

The microphone gives off a high-pitched frequency before Liam’s deep voice fills the speakers. I glance over at him on the stage. His mask is off and his shirt is unbuttoned to reveal the black ink of his ravens tattoo. One tatted hand remains in the pocket of his tuxedo pants as the other grips the microphone with white knuckles.

“I wanted to thank everyone for your attendance this year. Your generous donations to this year’s organizations and charities are deeply appreciated. With the Gala coming to an end, I wanted to make sure to inform those of you who are not yet aware, that my brother and I have decided to switch roles. With the blessing of the other members of our family near and far, I am now the official leader of the Tri-State Syndicate. My brother has stepped down but will continue to help with decisions moving forward. Anyone who has any questions—or anyissues,” he chuckles deeply, “Can take it up with me. Have a great night, everyone. Please get home safely.”

He returns the microphone to the stand without breaking eye-contact with me.What the fuck?Killian always said he didn’t want the power, that he wasn’t cut out for it like Liam. I guess fatherhood and the events of last year proved that to him.Should I go up and congratulate him? Did Diego know about this?

In question, I twist my body to look at him. The man doesn’t even seem the slightest bit surprised. He knew. It’s not like I was owed this information. A heads up would have been nice. Diego notices me staring and shrugs.

“I personally feel Liam is a better fit. I’ve got two bullet holes in my body to prove that.”

“I should go congratulate him.” I look down at my feet.

Why do I feel so awkward right now? Diego and I were just having a moment and along comes the Universe adding a bit of zest to my already fucked up fairytale.Oh, shit. I’m bleeding. Bright red blood is smeared down the side of my foot.

Goddamn heels!

Diego realizes at the same time I do. “Christ, baby. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

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