Page 61 of Queens and Monsters

“I owe you an apology,” he said.

“Why?”

“The things you were saying earlier?—”

I covered my face with my hands. “Oh, I’m so embarrassed.” Peeking over the tips of my fingers, I met his gaze. “I don’t remember any of it.”

Dario inhaled. “I remember and I’m sorry I made you feel the way I did. It wasn’t my intention.” He reachedout, laying his hand on my knee. “You should never consider yourself a stray.”

Sitting taller, I gasped. “Dario, I wouldn’t use that word. I know how upset it made you and Josie.”

He took his hand away. “You did. In the elevator talking to Reinaldo, you used the word stray and…” He exhaled. “I was wrong to deny your marriage to Reinaldo. He obviously cares for you, and you are a worthy offering. He’s also right that you’ll be safe with his parents.”

My eyes opened wide. “With his parents? In Mexico?”

The side of his lips quirked. “Sort of. I’m sure he’ll explain it.” His dark eyes filled with concern. “Is this what you want?”

“What I want?” I nodded. “When I’m with Rei, I feel special. He’s possessive and intense and instead of those qualities scaring me, I like them.”

Dario nodded. “I’m sorry to make you feel like you’re unworthy, Jasmine. You deserve to be happy and loved. It’s all Josie ever wanted for you. I should have adopted you instead of asking for guardianship.”

It was my turn to reach out. I laid my hand on his knee. “I don’t care what my last name has been. It’s going to change” —I lifted my eyebrows in question— “tonight?”

“Yes. What about classes?”

“There’s a good chance my professors will allow me to finish the semester online. After that, I can enroll in California.”

Dario covered my hand with his. “I’m proud of you, Jasmine. I always have been. If you’ll allow me, I’d like towalk you to Reinaldo—give you away.” He forced a smile. “But not really. It’s a tradition. Just know that no matter what the circumstances or situation, you have a home here in Kansas City with Catalina and me.” He squeezed my hand. “By definition, a stray is homeless, wandering from place to place.”

Fighting back the tears, I nodded. “I’m not a stray.”

Dario began to stand.

“What will happen with Myshkin? Will this cause problems?”

“Not your concern.”

“My mother?” I asked.

“Go with Reinaldo and be safe. If she’s genuine in her desire to see you, then you can decide when that happens. If she isn’t, then go on with your life. Josie was more of a mother than Leah will ever be. Remember what Josie wanted for you.”

I nodded. “To be happy and loved.”

He walked around to the other side of his desk. “I’m going to tell you something that may or may not be useful in your marriage.”

Sitting taller on the edge of the chair, I waited.

“Men like me, and perhaps Reinaldo, can be both fearless and terrified.”

My eyebrows knitted together. “I don’t understand.”

“You’re not supposed to. From a young age I was expected to exude confidence and face down any enemy. I was taught to never trust and always be suspicious. There was no opponent I couldn’t conquer. And at the same time, I failed miserably when it came to my personal life.” Dario opened a side drawer on his deskand brought out a small box. “Not too long after you and Josie came to live with me, I bought this.” He pushed the box toward me. “I always planned that one day…” He inhaled deeply. “You see, as confident as I was, I couldn’t face down the one man who never wanted happiness for me.” He jutted his chin. “Open it.”

He was talking about his father.

Slowly, I reached for the box, unsure of what I’d find. Lifting the lid, I found a velvet-covered jewelry box. My stomach twisted as I opened the hinged top. “Oh, Dario.” The ring inside was stunning and simple. A gold band with a round diamond. I wasn’t a judge of precious stones, but I would guess two or three carats. My gaze met his as tears prickled the back of my eyes. “You bought this for Josie?”

He nodded. “One day never came.”

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