Page 7 of Queens and Monsters

He had?

I cleared my throat. “Dario is a bit overprotective.”

Em nodded. “With my sister too.” His eyebrows rose. “He has good reason to be with you. You stand out among the others.”

My breathing hitched as he reached for a strand ofmy hair. “Your fire-colored hair and blue eyes are beacons among the other women.”

Is this real?

How did I have a similar conversation with two men in one night?

“You’re stunning, Jasmine. I’m sure you know that.”

There was something about Em that returned my thoughts to the first snow. Unwanted tears filled my eyes. “My sister used to say I was pretty. But it’s been years since I’ve heard her voice.”

Compassion shone in his gaze. “I’m sorry. Is she…?”

Swallowing the unwelcome emotions, I nodded. “I was just thinking about her.”

Em’s hand came to my cheek, his thumb gently wiping away my tear. “It wasn’t my intention to make you cry.”

Inhaling, I shook my head and feigned a smile. “Holidays and snow.” I shrugged.

“Well, you’re beautiful. You should be told every day.”

Warmth filled my cheeks. “Thank you.”

“Tell me,” he said, “how would he feel about me here now?”

“He?” My thoughts went back to Rei. But that wasn’t who… “Oh, you mean Dario?”

“Sí, capo dei capi.”

He wouldn’t approve, but I didn’t want to say that and risk Em leaving. Instead, I shrugged. “We’re just watching a movie.”

“That’s what we’re doing. However, I want to dosomething else, something I was told you wouldn’t allow Jano to do when he took you to the wedding.”

My chest grew tight.

A kiss.

Aléjandro had tried to kiss me that night and Mia intervened. Kisses were supposed to be saved for your husband, that’s what Contessa, our housekeeper, told me. I did a good job of following the rules. Those rules kept me safe, kept Dario happy, and gave me a home.

However, I’d thought about Aléjandro’s almost-kiss many times. I wasn’t attracted to him, not like Em or even Rei. Nevertheless, I wondered what it would be like to be kissed, really kissed, the way they do in books and movies.

After all, it was just a kiss.

Right?

My tongue darted to my lips. “I’m older than I was then.”

His lips quirked. “More experienced?”

“No,” I replied honestly.

His hand was back to my face, his palm cupping my cheek. “I’m afraid the capo would not approve.”

“Do you always strive to please the bosses?” I wasn’t sure what was making me say anything to encourage him, other than the way my body suddenly warmed. I leaned closer, my robe-covered breasts rubbing against his strong arm.

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