Page 24 of Queens and Monsters

We both stood. “Will you come with me?” I asked. “So much more happened, and I would like to talk to someone about it.”

“Of course. I’ll check on Ariadna—she’s in her crib—and then I’ll come to your room.”

Chapter

Eight

Reinaldo

Igritted my teeth as Jasmine walked toward Cat. I recalled the sweetness of her lips, the ferocity of her kiss. She shared my hunger. Despite her uncertainty, her body responded to me. Jasmine was meant to be mine. I felt it deep within me. I willed her to turn around. No, this wasn’t her fight. It was mine. She’d already said her piece, defending Em and me. Standing taller, I clenched my hands in front of me, showing that I wasn’t going to pull out a weapon. I was ready to take whatever awaited me. I’d show everyone present that I deserved Jasmine’s hand. This wasn’t the way I had planned on the conversation going down, but it was too late to turn back.

The ring of men grew as others stepped out, encircling Em and me. Not only was the capo dei capi staringus down, but alsomí padre—el Patr?n—and Andrés Ruiz, Em’s father. My brother, Jano, met my gaze. He had my back, I knew that. I also knew that this situation put everyone in a difficult position. There were others watching and listening, cartel and famiglia alike. This was the face-off.

Together, Em and I had fought life-and-death battles. We were both still standing to talk about them. This wasn’t our usual fight. We weren’t getting out of this by using the weapons secured to our bodies.

As Jasmine disappeared into the elevator, I wondered if either of us would be allowed to see her again. The thought of not seeing her now that I’d told her about my intentions for her, was equally as unnerving as the stares we were receiving from all the men in attendance.

“We’ll take this upstairs,” the capo said, his dark stare burrowing into both of us.

I started to speak but stopped at the shaking ofmí padre’shead.

The capo continued, “This discussion won’t be a spectator sport. Jorge, Andrés, and Dante will join us.” He turned to his uncles. “While we’re meeting, find out what you can about what happened over on Grand Boulevard.” He turned to Dante. “Have you heard the final count?”

“Two of Myshkin’s men are dead.”

“Shot?” I asked.

“Rei, not your concern,”mí padrereprimanded.

“Yes,” Dante answered. “Myshkin’s blaming us. Said we sent cartel soldiers to test our ceasefire.”

Despite my father’s reprimand,I spoke anyway. “You didn’t send me. However, I was the one who fired off a magazine. I didn’t see the victims. It was too dark.”

Dario turned his attention to me. “You? You took Jasmine to the Arts District at night?”

“Yes. We were ambushed?—”

“With Jasmine?”

“Yes,” Em spoke. “Our goal was to get her out of there once we realized Myshkin’s men were present.”

“Fuck.” Dario shook his head as he shot a dark glance toward his brother. “We’ll discuss it upstairs.” He looked around. “Dante, communicate with the soldiers on the street. Everyone else, we’ll see you in the morning for breakfast. Jasmine is safe and for now, so are Emiliano and Reinaldo. As for the fallout with Myshkin, we’ll know more tomorrow.” He turned to his guards. “Follow protocol for tonight. Your jobs haven’t changed. Tomorrow we’ll talk.”

They nodded.

Piero narrowed his eyes at me.

Had he told what he’d seen last night?

Before stepping onto the elevator, Dante came forward. “I need your weapons.”

“We’re supposed to be one big family,” I replied.

“We are,”mí padresaid. “Do as Mr. Luciano asked. You’ll get them back.”

Reluctantly, Em and I handed our guns and knives to one of the famiglia’s guards. No one spoke as the elevator whisked ourpadre, the capo, Dante, Andrés, and us to the penthouse. The doors opened to the familiar foyer. Unlike earlier this evening, the penthouse was eerily quiet.

I glanced around, hoping to see Jasmine. Although I didn’t see her, it was as if I could feel her presence and the aroma of her honeysuckle and jasmine scent. I glanced up the stairs as we headed into Dario’s office, where we’d been earlier in the night when Aléjandro declared we would win the war.

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