Page 26 of Queens and Monsters

“What the fuck?” I asked, determined to not allow that to happen.

“She’s not a Luciano.”

“We know that too,” I said. “Who? Who are you negotiating with?”

“If you were paying attention, you’d know the answer. Since you haven’t been, I don’t need to answer to you, boy.”

Boy?

“Rei, that’s enough,”mí padresaid.

“We have an alliance in place,” I said. “Respectfully, her current last name isn’t as important to me as her future last name.” I took a step forward. “Sir, you know Jasmine’s worth. It’s why you keep her so very well protected.” I brought my right fist to my chest. “I will do the same. With me, she will be my queen.”

The capo pressed his lips together. “This will not be mentioned again during the holidays. You’re welcome to remain in my city and my home through tomorrow. Stay away from Jasmine. My wife has plans for the holiday, and we will indulge her. Our minds need to be on winning our war. Is everyone agreed?”

Chapter

Nine

Jasmine

After scrubbing my face, I dropped the washcloth, cupped my hands and splashed water to remove the soap. Opening my eyes, I saw that my flesh was pink. Still, dark circles remained. I dabbed makeup remover on a cotton ball and wiped away the remaining mascara and eyeliner as my mind replayed the evening. If only I’d said no. If only I’d done what I usually did and followed the rules.

If I were honest with myself, I wanted another kiss. The one Em and I shared last night had run repeatedly through my mind. Never in my life had I been kissed like that. That wasn’t true any longer.

Staring in the mirror, I ran my fingertip over my lips and sighed.

Rei’s kissin the booth.

Just thinking about it did something to my insides.

While Em’s kiss set a high bar, Rei’s kiss pole-vaulted over that bar. There was nothing tentative about Rei. What had he said last night in the living room? He’d said danger excited and turned me on. That was what it was like to kiss him, dangerous, exciting, and sexually awakening.

And to think the kiss I’d wanted was another from Em.

When he whispered in my ear and asked if I was ready to get out of here, I didn’t consider the consequences. It was as much my body that wanted to go as my mind, probably more so.

The boots, jeans, and sparkly top were gone and replaced with pajamas by the time Catalina knocked on my bedroom door. “Come in.”

The door opened, and to my surprise, my visitor wasn’t Catalina.

Contessa’s red and puffy eyes brought back my emotions. “Jasmine, child.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Are you hurt?” She came closer, reaching for my hands. “I was so worried. I’ve been praying.” She scanned me up and down. “Did they…?”

From the first day we arrived in Dario’s home, Contessa welcomed both my sister and me with open arms. More than a housekeeper or house manager, Contessa had been the grandparent I’d lost too early to remember.

I squeezed her hands. “No, I’m not hurt. I went with them willingly. We just wanted to have somefun and see the city without the normal restrictions.”

Contessa took a step back. “You left willingly? With two dangerous men?”

“Aren’t they all dangerous? Isn’t Dario? Isn’t Dante?” I spun in a slow circle, remembering Rei’s comments about them being monsters. “Every man down there tonight at dinner is a killer. It’s what they do.”

“Not the same,” she said. “The famiglia has honor.”

My head tilted. “I’ve never heard you say anything bad against anyone before.”

---