Page 31 of Queens and Monsters

He shook his head. “I didn’t believe there were women like you left in this world.” He stroked my cheek with his finger. “The capo will choose me, and we will be married.” He leaned closer, his black orbs focused on my lips.

My approval came in the form of a nod, a small, almost imperceptible, nod, but a nod nonetheless.

Our mouths collided again as a moan escaped my lips. Rei’s tongue teased until my lips parted. He tasted of alcohol and danger, an absolutely intoxicating combination. I reached for his neck, wanting to touch his shoulders, pull him closer, and to feel his hardness against my softness.

This passion was the thing of movies and books.

I’d doubted its existence in reality, and yet here it was.

Rei’s hands began to roam when he was the one to pull away. “Fuck, Jasmine, I want to fuck you, but I won’t give the capo reason to hate me. The next time we’re together will be our wedding.”

My mind was too mushy to comprehend what he promised.

“Tell me you want the same thing.”

I nodded, still a bit drunk on the endorphins speeding through my circulation. “I do.”

“Then it will happen.”

As he stood from the bed, I made a point not to look for proof of what he’d said about an erection. Instead, I kept my gaze on his eyes. “Rei?”

He reached for my hand. “I’ll be thinking of all the ways to bring you pleasure once we’re wed.”

“What if Dario doesn’t agree?”

“He will.”

“How can you be so confident?”

A smirk came to his talented lips. “Because you’re now mine. If Dario chooses anyone else, you’ll be a widow before he has a chance to fuck you.”

That wasn’t the answer I was expecting.

“What about Em?” I asked.

“He can find his own woman. I’ve found mine.”

Once again, he kissed my knuckles. “Preciosa.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means beyond beautiful—precious.”

“Rei,” I said, “please don’t get caught leaving my room. Dario and Catalina are the double doors beyond mine.”

“See, Jasmine. He knows your value. It’s why he keeps you close.” He leaned over and laid a kiss on the top of my head. “No kissing anyone else. You’re mine.”

“I’m yours.”

“Dream of me.”

I held my breath as Rei went to the door. He stood silently for a minute before opening it and disappearing into the hallway.

Settling against the pillow, I contemplated my choice. I’d agreed. I said I was his.

I recalled something he’d said. He was going off to war.

Now that I’d committed my heart, I said a plea, wishing Rei to stay safe.

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