Page 2 of The Devil's Pawn

His cousin got married and we were invited, to my absolute displeasure. I had to act like the devoted fiancée all damn night while everyone came up to us, telling me how much they can’t wait to attend our wedding. Carlito was practically glued to me the entire night.

If only there was someone to help me run far away from here. I’d leave it all behind—my family, my job, everything—for a chance to escape.

Once the car stops in front of the house, I immediately get out from the passenger side, hoping to finally be away from my future husband. I wait for my mother to join me, but she doesn’t.

“Come in for a cup of coffee, Carlito,” she says from the back, opening the door.

My eyes widen.

What the hell is she doing? It’s late!

“You sure?” he asks, grinning like a fool.

“Yeah.” She waves a hand. “Come on. I’m not even tired.”

“Okay.”

Mom shuts the door, allowing him to park in the driveway. I can’t believe she’s entertaining him at this insane hour. My father would’ve been at the wedding too, except he’s currently at war with someone. He’s been in hiding with my uncles for over a week now. I don’t ask many questions. I don’t want to know any of it. The further I am from that, the better.

Chiara and I both want nothing to do with this lifestyle. She swears she’s going to stay single forever, or at least until she can meet someone who can defend her against her father.

Who’d be willing to do that?

My other uncles, Benvolio and Agnelo, are the underbosses in the family, in that order. I do have another cousin, Aida, who’s Agnelo’s daughter, but we aren’t close, though we could be if she was allowed to do anything. Chiara thinks something bad is going on with her, that Uncle Agnelo has her scared. I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s got a frightening way about him, like the devil is constantly on his shoulder, leading him into hell.

Once the car is parked, Carlito gets out.

“What a beautiful wedding that was, wasn’t it, Raquel?” My mom’s voice goes all chirpy. “I bet it made you want to have your day too, right?”

“Right,” I grumble in response, waiting a few feet ahead.

I’m not sure what she’s trying to pull, bringing this up when she knows my feelings. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, since she doesn’t hide her extreme desire to see me marry this horror of a man.

Begrudgingly, I follow Mom and Carlito into our house.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell them while I head for the stairs. “I need to go change.”

“Okay,” Mom replies, slipping out of her shoes, leaving them in the foyer closet, and then going to the kitchen.

“Wait.” Carlito’s tone crawls with a roaring whisper as he grabs my upper arm, his fingers viciously piercing into me and making my skin burn.

Glaring, I whirl around with pursed lips. “Yes?”

“What’s with the fucking attitude?” he chides with the odor of his liquor bathing my lips, twining with his nasty breath.

I internally hurl in disgust.

“Got something to say?” he throws out.

I have a lot to say, but I’m also not stupid.

“I’m tired. It’s almost three a.m.”

He clenches my arm tighter, his drunken expression turning hostile and his nostrils flaring. “Who was that guy you were talking to at the wedding?”

“No one.” My lips contort with a grimace from the pain he’s causing. “He’s a doctor. A friend of the groom’s. He found out I’m doing my residency and was asking how I liked it.”

“Remember whose ring you’re wearing. You don’t fucking talk to other men. You hear me?” he barks in a whisper as he lowers his face to mine, the tequila on his breath slithering into my mouth. “If you tarnish my name by acting like a whore, I’ll make you pay for it. You understand?”

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