Page 26 of What She Wants

A moment later, a text comes in.

Wife: You will pay for this.

I chuckle because nothing she does can top what I can do for her. To her.

LATER ON, the look of shock on her face is evident as I walk into Markos and Bambi’s wedding. Although they are a thrupple, Bowie isn’t part of the ceremony except for when he’s standing at the altar and right after the ceremony, I knew what was going down between the three.

Everyone was told to leave by Markos or get a show. If I wasn’t trying to snatch Esme up for a moment of teasing and showing her what I will be like as her husband, I would have stayed for the show that he very much was willing to put on for us; kinky bastard.

The reception was where things needed to move along. It was great seeing them all happy together but the icing was when the Latin music came on giving me the chance to dance.

I love dancing and unfortunately, there weren't too many people dancing so as soon as I saw Bambi moving, I joined her on the dance floor and decided to have fun. Hardly anyone else was dancing and I knew that this wouldn’t be acceptable for my wedding.

Even though there were only a select few of us who knew how to really dance, it didn’t stop us especially when Ainslee and Andres joined us on the dance floor.

* * *

Esme

Delgado dances around with Bambi like he’s the one who just married her. Where are her damn husbands? I try not to squint my eyes lest someone is watching me for a reaction but I find that I don’t like it. Not even a little. He’s seductive when he’s not dancing so being in the moment, gyrating to Spanish music like Bambi is his lover is far sexier than it should be. I feel like grabbing his arm and telling him to stop being a hoe.

My mind goes back to the bullshit he said earlier.

Marín had guided me out to an empty garden. His cologne was trying to invite me to his house and he should never be allowed to wear a tuxedo again. I was trying to ignore how he looked donned in all black with his attitude on high. His green eyes shone with irritation as he spoke.

“You don’t have to keep fucking and leaving me like I’m a secret. The entire island knows we’re engaged.”

“It’s not about that, Delgado. I still don’t understand why you want to go through with marrying me. You hardly know me.”

“If you feel like I don’t know you, muñeca, It’s on you. It’s okay to open up more than your legs for me.”

“What?”

He folded his arms. “You heard me.”

I get distracted from my recollection when Karessa and Oran’s nasty asses return trying to look like they weren’t hooking up at someone’s wedding. I guess it’s fair game when everyone knows the bride got double-teamed at the altar.

One of the perks of cooperating with Delgado is the fact that the tabloids have been very quiet about me. In fact, they are so quiet, I don’t have to worry about being painted as the sad or stalking ex who went to Markos’ wedding.

Marín throws his head back and laughs at something before he spins Bambi and continues to dance the night away. The music thumps through my body and I’d normally be on the dance floor mixing it up with everyone but I’m not quite in the mood. Maybe just maybe if I could peel my eyes from my so-called fiancé, I’d be able to enjoy the party. He dips Bambi, her knee arches up like the Latin dancers in the movies and I fight the urge to go unplug the speakers. The song changes, prompting Andres and Ainslee to join, but it doesn’t lighten my mood.

“I need a drink,” I grumble as I move towards the bar.

“You look awfully jealous for someone who doesn’t want a husband,” my mom teases as she slides next to me.

“Just because I don’t like him shaking it for everyone like a hooker doesn’t mean I want to marry him.”

“So date him, then.” I can hear the amusement in her voice which tells me she’s not concerned about my crisis. “I know his mom can be a raving bitch but I’ve always thought he was nothing like her. Plus, your wedding is going to be so fun.” She nods in his direction and I look up in time to seem him do some type of Latin male shimmy.

“He gets on my nerves and if the wedding really happens in less than two weeks, I don’t have time to date.”

I find myself speaking louder because I’m floating away from my mom as I move closer to where Marín is dancing. Enough is enough. I happen to catch eyes with his mother, we’re both moving in his direction for different reasons yet each of us gives the other a distrusting look. We’re about the same distance away. It feels like Marín is in a tug-of-war without being aware.

We quicken our steps but I realize that I'm hoping that he sees me first. I’m not sure if it’s because I want a small victory against his mother or if it’s because I truly want his attention. Only time will tell.

My heart flips when he looks up and throws me a genuine smile. I’m so wrapped up in the validation when he moves towards me that I don’t realize his intentions until he leans in and kisses me in front of the whole damn wedding.

Chapter17

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