Page 41 of What She Wants

Chapter24

Esme

My social mediais blowing up with news about the Delgados rolling into the island. This shit is getting real. I haven’t seen him or spoken to him outside of a few texts in the last three days but it’s more of me hanging back and giving him space to be with his family.

I don't see anything in the news about Marín with his dad but I'm assuming it's that way for a reason. If I, a Founder’s Kid, didn't know that Nico Santiago is Marín’s dad then I can guarantee the rest of the world is completely oblivious. But why? It must be something to do with ole stupid ass Mireya.

Besides, him getting sucked in with the Bishops like Wyn did means that there will be times he goes away and I’m not allowed to know why. I know I’ve joked about being part of the team sometimes but I don’t know how I feel about Marín having to be involved. I don’t want anything to happen to him. The concern in my thoughts worries me and I feel the need to occupy my mind.

I busy myself with making drinks since my sisters like my cocktails. I don’t know when but it became something I was known to do but it’s my speciality for my family. My sisters, Ainslee, and Sienna are supposed to come over and have a girls’ night in because fuck we’re some overworked women.

I can’t believe I’m hosting a small bachelorette party for a man I’m supposed to marry in less than seven days. A man who I keep learning something new about everyday. They all arrive within minutes of each other. I give the drinks to the ones who are drinking but chalk Karessa’s refusal up to breastfeeding.

We fall into an easy banter as we make our plates by picking options from the charcuterie board. We’ll have a more hearty meal if they request but right now just snacks. Karessa and Imala insisted that I have a bigger event but I wasn’t in the mood to cuss out Mireya for her bullshit. Besides, sometimes comfortable clothes and a good conversation is all a woman needs to have a good time.

My phone pings from across the room and I get goosebumps like I already know who’s texting me. I take my time on purpose; I refuse to run to my phone because a man texted me, even if I’m supposed to marry his sexy ass.

After a few minutes, the phone pings again and aptly spikes my curiosity.

Marín the Liar: Come to the balcony.

Marín the Liar: Now, Esme!

I don’t think I know a man as bossy and impatient as he is and I know a lot of powerful men.

“Grrr…” My growl makes all the ladies look up from their conversation.

“What’s wrong,” Karessa asks with a tilted head.

“Your unhinged doctor. He’s so bossy.”

“Y’all should have seen the way he grabbed her the other night,” Sienna added. “By the neck. His dad wasn’t even that far away.”

“Don’t remind me, he almost messed up my hair,” I grumble.

“You liked it,” Imala said, not even bothering to pose it as a question.

“If the kiss they shared after meant anything, I’d say so,” Sienna shared with a giggle.

“He’s a damn good kisser. I can’t even lie about that,” I admit with an eye roll.

Karessa looks queasy like she does every time I mention anything outside of Marín being a doctor. Of course, she’ll have to make peace with it soon since the wedding she co-planned is next weekend.

“Anyway, Mr. Bossy wants me to go out to the balcony,” I explain as I walk in that direction.

I push the doors harder than necessary, accidentally banging one against the wall. Chuckles sound from below so I make my way to the edge to find out what’s going on. Delgado is standing below with other men. I recognize his dad and one of his cousin’s, Desi. I’m not sure who the other ones are but I’m certain I’ll be introduced eventually.

“What’s so funny down there?”

“You, Chispa,” Marín teases with a soft smirk on his face.

He’s wearing a white guayabera partially unbuttoned and some dark pants. He looks damn good and so does his daddy. Hell, they all look good.

“So you came here just to taunt me with your crew?”

“Nope. Your attitude is amusing.”

I fold my arms and lean on the balcony. “I don’t have an attitude, you’re just bossy. Aren’t you supposed to be out doing guy things?”

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