Page 83 of Queens and Monsters

“You’re married,” she replied.

Lifting my napkin from my lap, I laid it on the table. “I’m not entirely comfortable with this conversation.”

“Jasmine,” Mia said, “stay and eat.” She turned to Josefina. “Jano and I didn’t have intercourse for almost a week after we were married.” She smiled at me. “If Rei is anything like his brother, they’re good men who respect their wives. I think that’s where this conversation should center.”

I sighed with relief. “We are only now getting to know one another.”

Josefina leaned back as the server brought my English muffin. “Ella tambiïn comerátocino.”

The server nodded and walked away.

“I’m getting more food?”

Our mother-in-law smiled. “Sí. You are too thin.”

I didn’t think I was too thin. If anything, I thought I could stand to lose a few pounds.

“See, I told you,” Mia said with a grin. She turned to Josefina. “Where’s Jorge?”

She shook her head. “In his office. All he tells me is that the boys are safe. But I know my husband, he’s stressed.” She glanced between the two of us. “Not for the boys.”

Boys.

I was pretty sure Reinaldo and Aléjandro were men—I knew it.

“About Herrera,” she went on. “I heard him speaking to Silas. When they find him, it won’t be good.” She inhaled and pressed her lips together as a plate with five pieces of bacon was delivered to me. “Protein.”

“Speaking of Silas…” Mia said. Directing her speech toward me, she added, “Silas is the head of Jano’s and my security. He and his wife Viviana used to work in Mexico for Jorge and Josefina.” She turned to Josefina. “My mother wants to visit. I’m afraid she’s not willing to wait until my due date. Has Silas given you any idea when I can tell her we’ll be back to the mainland?”

Josefina feigned a smile. “Arianna is welcome on Bella.”

Mia met my gaze and shook her head.

A truce of sorts had been worked out between Mia and me. Arianna Luciano would be a whole other level ofproblem. I wasn’t certain I’d ever heard her speak my name.

Mia continued, “I don’t think having Mom on Bella will work, but she can stay with Silas and Viviana until I return.” She ran her hand over her midsection. “Jano joked about having an obstetrician on Bella. If he doesn’t get back with good news soon, that may be what we need.”

“Are you feeling anything?”

“Just very large.”

A few hours later, I was lying near the pool, fully sunscreened and wearing a big floppy hat, both worn at the persistence of my mother-in-law when she took the lounge chair at my side.

“Did I mention that I have shelves of books in my office. You’re welcome to borrow one.” She pulled a book from her bag. I couldn’t read the title. Before I could ask, she added, “Don’t worry. I have many in English as well.”

“Rei showed me your office, but I can’t remember where it was, and I’m trying not to wander.”

“On the first level. Child, you’re welcome to wander. This is now my home and you’re family.” She scrunched her nose. “The only place to avoid is Jorge’s office. I don’t go there unless invited.”

“Thank you for making me feel welcome.” I laid my head back against the chair and closed my eyes. “This isn’t the way I imagined spending my first days as a married woman.”

Josefina sat up and put her feet on the ground toward me. “It occurred to me that you were raised by your sister?”

I nodded. “Pretty much all I can remember.”

“And she’s gone?”

My heart ached. “She was killed a few years ago.”

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