Page 18 of Queens and Monsters

Straightening my neck, I met his gaze. “You’ve made up your mind? What about me?”

A smug smile lifted his cheeks. “Your nipples are hard beneath this top. They were last night too.” He lowered his face to my neck and inhaled. “I’d place money that your panties are damp. You smell like the sweetest arousal.” He lifted his brow. “That is, if you’re wearing them. Tell me if you’re wearing panties.”

I blinked. “I can’t— No one has ever spoken to me?—”

“If anyone does, I’ll kill them. Only me.”

That was the second time he’d said that.

“Your body has told me what your words haven’t. Jasmine, you’re meant to be mine.”

This was moving too fast. “The thing is…I’m not a Luciano, but that doesn’t mean I’m easy or I’m less. Dario’s rules still apply.” Before he could respond, I let my anger be known. “I’m not a Luciano. You’re the son of the drug lord. What are you offering, Rei? Maybe I could be your mistress? I know, a piece on the side but not one you bring home to Mom and Dad?”

Reinaldo’s phone vibrated and his eyes opened wide as he released my hand. “Fuck no. I didn’t intend to insinuate...” He pulled his phone from his pocket and read the screen. His attention came back to me. “I don’t give a fuck about your last name, only that because of your relationship with the capo,mí padrehas agreed to talk to Dario.”

“About me?”

His jaw clenched as he disconnected the incoming call and tossed his phone on the table. “Sí. He has spokenwith the capo. My intentions should be made public before anyone else thinks they have a chance.”

This was insane. “I’m not a hot commodity. I’m not Mia, the daughter of the capo. Vincent, Dario’s father, wouldn’t even speak to me.”

“He was an ass.Mí padrewas leery of him. Dario, he trusts. The current capo dei capi knows your worth. That’s why currently, Piero is having his ass chewed.”

I scrunched my nose. “I don’t want Piero in trouble.”

“Those calls were from Jano. We’re probably screwed.”

Before I could reply, the music stopped, and the patrons clapped. Once the applause quieted, I turned back to Rei. “I don’t want to think about what will happen when we get back, but I do think you’re wrong about me.”

“I’m not.”

“Catalina says that Dario wants me to finish my bachelor’s degree before I consider marriage.”

“Forgive me,” he said, “but that was what was said about Camila.” Rei took a drink of his bourbon. “And she’s married.”

“You missed out on her, so you want to put your name on me?” I began to scoot away from him and toward the end of the booth.

Reinaldo reached again for my hand. “Stop.”

I looked at his hand and back up to his dark gaze. A moment ago, I wanted to continue our kiss. Now, I wanted to leave. His phone vibrated again on the table.

“Great night, Rei. I’m ready to go home. Maybe I am second class—or second choice.”

He shook his head, bringing his face to mine. His words came out as more of a growl. “If we were alone, I’d place you over my knee. Do not put words in my mouth.”

Over his knee.

Is he serious?

“I’m not a child to be punished.”

“You’re not a child. You’re being unreasonable.”

“Me?” My voice was louder than I intended. “I think you’re refusing to face facts. Dario won’t let me marry and even if he would, I’m not good enough for you.”

Rei closed his eyes and exhaled, his nostrils flaring. “Listen to me. You are neither second class nor second choice.Mí padrewanted me to marry Camila. She wasn’t my choice. You are.”

A cascade of thoughts avalanched through my mind.

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