Page 66 of Guarded

“Por Favor.What isn’t corrupt in our world?” I laugh, swirling the glass of mezcal before taking another drink.

“He is heavily protected due to his political status. Handsome, wealthy, and able to provide her with everything she needs,” I say more to convince myself than Thalia. Thalia nods before clearing her throat.

“I just want her to be happy. Of all the people in our family she loves with everything she has. She needs to be with someone who can reciprocate that.”

“I know you worry about her, but look at your story. Look at mine. We were both in arranged marriages. Are you happy with Silas?”

“I am.” she admits.

“Ya vez.Once we clear this whole thing up and move forward with the engagement, you will see Ariella as happy as you one day.”

“You should have seen her that night, Tia. She was a mess. Nero was the only person who could calm her down. It was nothing more than that. ” Thalia paces the space behind her desk, pausing to look out from the large floor-to-ceiling window.

“Adan has already removed the video and any other traces of the footage. Your Tio Aurelio already spoke to Nero.”

Aurelio and I agreed we didn’t want to fire him for a rumor created by gossip channels on social media. The way Thalia avoids my eyes and turns her back to me at the mention of his name makes me wonder if there’s a truth to the gossip.

“I hope you don’t fail her. We may be happy, Tia, but don’t forget the mess we had to clean up with Olivia. These arrangements don’t always end pretty.”

My little sister was also in an arranged marriage, one that didn’t end well. She was still messed up from the scandal that took place. A scandal that was not covered up as quickly as this one. I sigh and finish the rest of my liquor. I think of the look in Olivia’s eyes. It was the same one in Ari’s, like a neon sign of my past telling me to tread carefully.

It was not just a look only a mother recognized, but every woman from here to the end of the world and back knew. It’s what Thalia saw, too. Why she keeps pacing back and forth behind her desk. I am confident that Ariella will do anything forthis family- even if it means sacrificing that shimmer in her eyes. The one that told me she was in love.

Chapter 20

Ariella

Before I am forced to marry or die

(whichever comes first) bucket list. Revised.

Fill an entire class up.

Read a book.

Go to the fair and eat a funnel cake.

Go Skinny Dipping.

Kiss a stranger.

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