Page 28 of Queens and Monsters

I sat forward. “I’m sorry if it bothers you to hear Josie’s name.”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t. You loved her. Darioloved her. Her memory shouldn’t disappear just because I’m here.”

“I know Josie’s history and mine, but I can’t remember life before Dario and Contessa. I probably am sheltered. No, I definitely am. That was what I wanted to do tonight, have a chance to see life the way others see it.”

“Contessa thought you were wrong to trust Rei and Em because they’re cartel.”

There was no reason to lie to Catalina. “She said I don’t understand what horrible things could have happened to me. The thing is, I do. I’m sheltered but not naïve. I know why I have bodyguards. I trusted Rei and Em, and they didn’t betray that trust.”

She inhaled and exhaled. “I’m happy to hear that.”

“They said something else.”

“What did they say?”

“Reinaldo said he wants to ask for me. Marriage.”

Catalina didn’t act surprised. “What did you say?”

“Well, there’s more. It seems they both are interested.”

Catalina sat taller. “Dario will not approve of that.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think they were talking about sharing, more that one would choose me.”

“If you could choose, who would it be?”

Lifting my hands to my face, I sighed. “That’s the thing. I’ve been protected by being under Dario’s supervision, but I also lost the ability to choose. If I wed, the groom will be Dario’s choice. And after tonight, it may not be either one of them.”

“He’s an open-minded man, Dario is. He would take your opinion into consideration.”

Before I could respond, there was a knock on my door. My eyes widened. “Speak of the devil.” I stood and walked to the door.

Dario scanned my washed face approvingly before taking a step inside. “There’s no way to sugarcoat this, Jasmine. I’m disappointed in your judgment.”

“They didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Taking you away without consulting anyone. You lied to Piero.”

“I told him I was going up to my room. I did.”

Dario inhaled and exhaled. “Pack your things. Tomorrow after Christmas breakfast, you’re headed back to Barnard.”

“Dario?” Catalina questioned.

I spun toward Catalina, who was now standing. “He’s kicking me out.” I reached for my own hand, realizing it was trembling.

“No,” Dario said.

Slowly, I turned back to him, unable to form words.

“Jasmine.” His voice was less harsh. “This is your home and will always be your home. After we discussed things with Reinaldo and Emiliano, Dante and I received reports from a few of our capos on the street.”

He was kicking me out.

Anything else he said was just noise.

Josie’s fear had happened.

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