Page 92 of Dex

We leave the honeymoon suite behind, stepping out into the bright morning sun.The villa has been ours for less than a day, and yet, it feels like a different world compared to the one we’re about to step back into.

Breakfast was a lavish affair, hosted by my parents with all the warmth and grandeur they could muster.A grand send-off for the Knight family before their late afternoon departure.They only arrived two days ago.My parents asked me why they wouldn’t stay a few days, that surely the jetlag would kill them?

I don’t tell them that they can’t really stand to be together.That they don’t like to be around their father if they can help it.I tell them that they need to get back to work, and that’s also true.

And now, we linger outside, waiting for the SUVs that will take them to the airfield.I feel my mother’s eyes on me.She keeps sneaking glances, hopeful, like she’s clinging to some fairytale in her head.She probably still believes in the idea of happily-ever-afters, that love will somehow bloom between Dexter and me.And maybe that’s why my parents suggested we spend our first night at that place.I’m convinced it was my mother’s doing.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

Papai, on the other hand, looks worried.The happiness he wore earlier has dimmed, his expression tight.He’s been doing better lately, stronger than he was a month ago, when we decided I had to make an alliance with one of the Knights.I thought today would be easier for him, that he’d finally feel some relief now that the deal is sealed.But there’s something else weighing on him.Something I don’t understand yet.

“These are for you, Daniela.”A small voice pulls me from my thoughts.I glance down to see Brooke standing in front of me, holding out a tiny bunch of wildflowers.A genuine smile tugs at my lips as I crouch down.“Oh!Thank you so much, these are beautiful.”

Brooke beams, her small fingers tightening around Cari’s hand.Just behind them, the Knight men surround Dexter, their voices low, their postures commanding.Whatever piece of advice they’re giving him, I doubt it’s anything warm or sentimental.

Cari winces.“Sorry, we picked them from your grounds …”

I wave it off.“It’s perfectly fine.”

Cari leans in for a quick hug, but I tighten my arms around her, holding on just a little longer.

“We’ll catch up when you move in,” she promises.

“We will.”At least, I hope we will.It’s been impossible to connect with anyone through all of this, but maybe that will change when I move to New York.

Sometimes I catch Cari watching me.There’s something behind her gaze, something unreadable.Pity?A warning?Or something else entirely, something she isn’t saying.She wishes me a wonderful honeymoon before stepping away, leaving me to face the rest of the Knights.

They stand in a line, as if sending me off on some grand adventure.My parents hover nearby, glowing with pride.At least, my mother does.My father still looks tense.

I greet him with a warmth I don’t feel, and I hate the way I’m getting used to lying and pretending so easily.Dexter shakes hands with the other brothers, the ones he calls the Italian Knights.But with Jett and Zach, it’s different.He bearhugs them, the bond between them obvious.He’s gentler around Cari and Brooke, careful.

Then, at the very end of the line, his father waits.

“You’re not getting on?”Dexter’s voice is cool, his shoulders stiff.Paul smiles, the picture of control.

“I want to spend a few days here, soaking up the wonderful hospitality of your in-laws.”

Dexter’s face hardens.

I glance at my father.No wonder he looked worried.Now, I’m worried too.

“Why is that?”Dexter asks.

Paul’s smile doesn’t falter.“Like I said, to enjoy the hospitality.And the weather.”

“We should haveallstayed, then,” Dexter says flatly.

“You know how busy we are,” Paul replies smoothly.“Business doesn’t stop.But for the honeymooners?It can.”He flashes a smile that turns my insides cold.

The SUVs pull up, and the Knights start piling in.“See you soon,” Dexter calls out, voice tight.

“Rio’s missing,” I whisper to Dexter.

His lips curve up into a smile and I hear a chuckle.“Jeez.”

“Him and Raquel?”I ask him.I also haven’t seen her.She was supposed to come and join us for breakfast.

Dexter’s eyes meet mine.“They’re consenting adults,” he says, with a shrug.

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