Page 49 of Naughty and Nice
“There they are,” Mia called.
It was the first time I was able to scan our guests. Besides the family members—Ruiz and Roríguez—Celeste, Reina, Luz, and Julia from the apartments were in attendance. They looked stunning, wearing cocktail dresses and high-heeled sandals, and holding flutes of champagne. If anyone in attendance didn’t recognize them or know what they did for a living, they would never guess.
I hurried over to the four of them. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Mia invited us,” Julia said.
“A real invitation,” Luz added.
They all giggled.
“Am I missing something?” I asked.
“We snuck into Isabella’s wedding,” Julia said. “With Mia’s approval. But this time, she said we could stay.” She stood taller. “We’re actual guests of el Patrón.”
“I couldn’t be happier to have my friends witness my wedding.”
“It was beautiful,” Celeste said, “even if you did marry my last hope at a top lieutenant.”
It was my turn to laugh. “I never thought I’d be this happy about another marriage.”
“It shows,” Reina said. “You’re glowing.”
I felt Nick’s presence before his warmth radiated from my back and his large hand wrapped around my waist. “Thank you for joining us,” he said to the residents. “I asked Mia to be sure you’d be here.” He kissed my cheek. “I know how much you all mean to Liliana.”
Craning my neck, I grinned in his direction. “It was your idea?”
“Sí. And judging by your smile, it was a good one.”
“Si, muy buena.”
“Sorry, ladies, I’m going to steal my wife for a minute.”
“I hope you last longer than a minute,” Julia said with a grin.
I stifled a giggle as Nick guided me away.
“Have you officially met Joséfina Roríguez?” he asked.
“I saw her at Mia and Jano’s wedding, but we didn’t speak.”
“Come,” he said.
Joséfina, Jano and Rei’s mother, was a stunning beauty, reminding me of Salma Hayek. Her high cheekbones and long dark hair made her appear too young to be the mother of grown men. Wearing a navy-blue chiffon dress, she was sitting in the living room with Jorge in her arms.
“Señora Roríguez,” Nick said.
She looked up, her brown eyes assessing as a smile spread across her lips. “Nick.”
“Señora, may I introduce my bride, Liliana Ruiz.”
“El placer es mio.”
“Gracias, es un placer conocerte oficialmente.” I looked down at Jorge. “He’s happy to be with his abuela.”
“Sí, my first grandson. Jasmine’s going to have another strong boy. Maybe Mia’s next will be a girl.”
“Oh, she wouldn’t be spoiled at all,” I said with a scoff.
