Page 77 of Queens and Monsters

“I’m sorry,” I said. “Dario wouldn’t let me leave without the marriage.”

Mia scoffed. “My brother likes to be in control of everything.” She pushed herself to stand. With her hands supporting her lower back, she came toward me. To my utter shock, she too spread her arms and wrapped me in an embrace. “I’m glad you convinced him to let you choose your husband.”

Had Camila talked to her?

Was she actually on my side?

“Mia,” Aléjandro said with a smirk, “didn’t get that choice.”

Mia pointed to her large midsection. “And look what happened.”

“Mynietoornietais what is happening,” Josefina said with a smile as she laid her hand on Mia’s belly.

Mia leaned down to my ear and whispered, “Be warned, if you do more of what you did last night, this is bound to happen to you.”

What we did last night?

Could they hear us?

They think we had intercourse.

My gaze went to Rei, but before he could reply, Aléjandro came to Mia’s side.

He said, “I think it’s a little too late to warn Jasmine away from Roríguez men.”

“Now, now,” Josefina said, reaching for my hand. “No one gets to frighten Jasmine. Besides” —she gestured with her hand— “we’re in paradise.” She lowered her voice. “I raised good boys who respect women. If they don’t, tell me.”

My eyes opened wide. “Rei’s been good.”

Aléjandro laughed. “That’s a solid B- if you ask me.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Rei said.

“Language,” Josefina scolded. Tugging my hand toward the table, she said, “Come, let’s get you breakfast or lunch. I want to hear all about the wedding.” She looked down at my left hand. “And oh, Rei, these rings are beautiful. Where did you find them?”

As soon as we took seats at the table, a parade of people dressed in white came from what I imagined was the kitchen, carrying pitchers of drinks and trays of food. I’d never seen anything like it. I was used to Contessa, but this was house staff on steroids.

Rei sat beside me with his hand on my thigh as I tried to answer all Josefina’s questions. Onceel Patr?njoined us, there were multiple conversations happening as a variety of food filled the table.

“Rei,” Josefina asked, “where did you find such lovely rings?”

My gaze went across the table to Mia as my stomach twisted. “Dario had them,” I said.

“It’s a story,” Rei said, “that I think you’d like, Mama.”

“It’s not—” I tried to interrupt.

Rei went on, “Dario had bought them a long time ago for Jasmine’s sister, Josie.”

I dared to look across the table. Mia’s jaw was clenched, and she had her hand over her midsection. “It’s nice,” I interjected. “My sister died a few years ago, but now it seems like she’s here, approving of my marriage.”

Mia stood, pushing back her chair and dropping the napkin on her seat. “I’m sorry.” She waved. “I’m not feeling well. I think I need to rest.”

“Jano,” Josefina said, “will bring a plate of food to your suite.”

Exhaling, I looked down.

“Are you all right?” Rei asked.

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