Page 66 of Dex

Just thinking about it sends a shiver down my spine.Paul Knight as my father-in-law.Dexter my husband, and Jett, and the rest of the Knights for my brothers-in-law.

God help me.

Raquel exhales sharply and loops her arm through mine.“Come on, let’s have a drink.”

I groan.“I really can’t.I had way too many withlover boy.”

Her eyes narrow.“I’ve been waiting for a while.Were you two making out in the car?Why is he not with you now?”

I laugh, shaking my head.“Too many questions.”

She fans herself dramatically.“Thatkiss,though.Scorching.Made my toes curl and I wasn’t even being kissed.How did all of this even happen?”

I sigh.“Youheard.”

“I did, but I want details.Explicit details.”

“Come upstairs.We can talk, but I really need to pack.I’m taking the first flight out tomorrow, whatever time that may be.”

Raquel frowns.“Already?”

“I need to go home.See my parents.Be around people I actually love and care about.I can’t take it here anymore.”

“What do you meanactuallylove and care about?”Her hawkish eyes and ears miss nothing.

“I need to make preparations.We’re …we’re getting married in ten days’ time,” I say lightly, breezily, then slowly watch her reaction.

“Ten days?”she shrieks so loudly, the receptionists at the desk look up.“Are you pregnant?”Her face is a picture of so many mixed emotions.

“No!We’re both busy people, and I love him, Raquel.”I bite down on my teeth, hating the constant lying.But I have to do it all over again and pretend.Be convincing.

I’m so tired.So,sotired.This evening has been a roller coaster of emotions.For a split second, I’m on the verge of telling her the truth about the arranged marriage, about my father being worried about his company, about his health, about this whole agreement.

That I flew here of my own accord.Instead, I smile.“I love this man, so very much.”

She tilts her head.“A Knight?”

“He’s a good Knight.The way I see it, why waste time being apart when we can be together?”

Raquel studies me, something unreadable in her gaze.“I’ve seen you with him.I can see you have feelings for this man.Maybe you just fell for him.I never thought it would happen to you, Daniela Oliveira, but if you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

Oh.Well.

This is unexpected.

“I’m happy I have your approval.”

She hesitates, looks at me, as if she’s not sure she’s given me her approval.I let the moment slide.“I have an early morning flight back to Miami,” she announces.

I shouldn’t feel relieved that she’s leaving, but I do.Guilt immediately follows, because I’m also deeply touched that she flew all this way for not even twenty-four hours.

Just to make sure I was okay.

I’m blessed, and so grateful for the women in my life, and the power of their friendships.By the time we get to my room, we both kick off our shoes, and I slip off my earrings, my bracelet, my watch.I made an effort tonight.I feel like Dexter noticed.

Raquel eyes me critically.“You’re so dressed up.”

I nod toward her sharp-cut suit.“So are you.”

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