Page 27 of Queens and Monsters

“Jasmine, you’ve been sheltered. There’s a side of life you don’t know about. Horrible things can happen to a young woman like yourself. Monsters lurk behind handsome faces.”

But were all monsters bad?

Contessa continued. “Josie wanted to protect you. We’ve all helped to do that, but one day you’ll need to grow up. Not all men are the same as Mr. Luciano or Dante. Those young men. I see the way they look at you. You’re not safe with them.”

My neck stiffened with each of her words as a need to defend Reinaldo and Emiliano surfaced. “You are wrong about them.”

“If Josie were here?—”

“If she were here,” I interrupted, “she’d want me to be happy.”

“If she were here” —she paused— “a lot of things would be different.”

Dario wouldn’t be capo. The alliance never would have happened. Catalina would be only one of the cartel,not in our lives. None of them would be present. I missed my sister. That didn’t mean I wasn’t happy with the family we’d created.

“You know what Josie taught me?” I didn’t wait for an answer. “She taught me to see the good in people. She could always find a reason to be hopeful. She also showed me what it’s like to live a life that others don’t think you’re good enough to live. I would never think less of the men I’ve met from the cartel just because we have different backgrounds.”

Contessa inhaled. “I’m not saying?—”

“You are and that disappoints me. You can welcome Catalina and Camila but not the men in their family?”

“I worry for you.”

My door opened and Catalina stepped in. “I’m sorry. Ariadna was awake. It took longer than I planned to help her settle.”

“Do you need me to check on her?” Contessa asked.

Catalina smiled. “No, she’s sleeping now. I think the company has her off schedule.” She looked at me. “I can leave.”

“Please don’t.”

Catalina nodded, closing the door and stepping inside my room. “Am I interrupting?”

Contessa reached for my hand. “I just want you to be safe.”

“I am.” I swallowed. “I love you.”

Fresh tears formed in Contessa’s eyes. “I love you. You’re right about what you said. Even old women can learn to do better.” She walked toward the door. “I’ll let the two of you talk.”

Once Contessa was gone, I sat on the floor, crossing my legs. “Will Dario come talk to me after he’s done downstairs?”

Catalina shrugged as she sat on the edge of my bed. “I don’t know. I’m not sure how long he’ll be down there.”

“Reinaldo and Emiliano stayed up here last night.”

“They did. This place has too many bedrooms. Besides, it seemed weird to have Rei stay with Dante and Camila.”

Yeah, he was supposed to marry her. I didn’t mention that. Instead, I asked one of the questions on my mind. “Will Dario let them stay?”

“Em is my brother. Dario won’t kick him out. To kick out Reinaldo would be an insult toel Patr?n. Of course, Rei could go stay at the mansion with his parents.”

“I’m sure Mrs. Luciano would love that.”

Catalina scoffed. “Arianna has more bedrooms than we do. And she has the space to house the Roríguez soldiers.” She looked down at her hands and back up. “I’m sorry to pry, but as I was nearing your room, I heard your voice…were you angry with Contessa?” She tilted her head. “And I heard your sister’s name.”

Exhaling, I sat back against my outstretched arms. “Contessa thinks I’ve been sheltered. It was what Josie wanted.”

“It makes sense from what little I know about your sister’s history.”

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