Page 3 of To Have and To Hold

A crowd gathered around Mia andel Patr?n.

Aunt Giulia joined our small circle. “I’m sure Catalina wouldn’t mind if you girls wanted to get some punch from the dining room and go back to the library for a while. I’ll let you know when the party begins.”

That was code forget away from the cartel until you must absolutely be present.

Watching her mother walk away, Aria grinned. “I’d rather stay out here and drool over some of the scary men.”

My gaze scanned the room. If I could look at the cartel members without the knowledge that they were all criminals, murderers, and most likely rapists, there were some who were drool-worthy. I straightened my neck. “Our parents wouldn’t approve.”

Marisa was the one to respond. “Izzy, you’re eighteen. Uncle Carmine shouldn’t be telling you who you can and can’t see or speak to.” She lifted her chin. “As soon as I’m eighteen, I’m leaving this city.”

“And going where?” Noemi asked.

She shrugged. “Anywhere but here in this testosterone-dominated world.”

“So you’re leaving the planet?” I asked. “Is NASA taking candidates with a high school diploma?”

Marisa nudged my arm before we all began walking toward the dining room. On the long table was a big cake that readHappy 1stbirthday, Ariadna Gia. Based on the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, we’d have more to eat than cake.

Patiently, I waited as others filled their cups. All the time, I nibbled on my lip and watched the cartel’s interaction. Despite my father’s constant warnings, everyone appeared jovial, smiling, talking, and laughing.

As I walked away from the punch bowl, I paid special attention to my cup, not wanting the red punch to spill on the marble floor. Near the fireplace, I stopped suddenly, almost running into a rock-hard obstacle. Looking up, I blinked, seeing the man I knew to be Catalina’s brother. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I get any punch on you?”

Emiliano smiled and looked down at his shirt—a blue button-up with sleeves rolled up to show his muscular forearms—then his dark stare came back at me. “No harm, no foul.”

The aroma of tobacco and spice filled my senses. “That’s good.” I took a step to the side. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“You’re Isabella?” He tucked his chin in a charming way, grinned, and offered me his hand. “I’m Emiliano.”

Staring down at his large palm and long fingers, my heart raced in my chest. In the span of seconds, I suddenly felt as if I might faint. I scanned the room from side to side. If my father so much as heard that I spoke to this man, I’d be grounded to my room or worse.

Not taking Emiliano’s hand, I scooted another step back and lifted my chin. “We’ve met, I believe.” I shrugged. “Weddings.” As my circulation warmed, I searched for my sister or cousins. “I need to go.”

“The party hasn’t even started.”

“Not leave…but my father…I…” I swallowed. “I really should find my sister.”

“If she’s with a group of girls, I think I saw them head down the hallway toward the theater room.”

“Library.”

His eyebrows arched. “You’d rather read than watch a movie?”

The answer was yes, but we weren’t conversing.

I straightened my neck. “Goodbye.”

Emiliano winked. “I’ll save you a seat for the gift opening. I’m sure it will be enthralling.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

The punch in my cup quivered from my trembling as I walked away and toward the library.

Chapter

Two

Isabella

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