Page 51 of Naughty and Nice
Mia turned to me. “Jano told me what happened. Here” —she handed me the flute— “drink up. It’s about time to cut the cake so we can begin eating.”
“It smells delicious,” Jasmine said.
“Viviana and Silas will be with us next week. If you need her to help with the feast of seven fishes, she’d love to.”
“You know about that?” I asked.
“Oh, honey,” Mia said, “I’m Italian. I know all about it.”
Jasmine smiled. “Violeta, our cook, is willing for any and all assistance. Of course, Contessa is an expert when it comes to preparing the traditional meal. She’s arriving with Catalina and Ariadna Gia in a couple of days, but I’m sure Violeta will welcome the extra hands if Viviana doesn’t mind.”
“I’ll ask,” Mia said. “Now, let’s find Nick and cut the cake.”
As Mia led me through the people, a petite hand reached out, touching my arm. “Liliana.”
My gaze met Maria Ruiz’s, my sister-in-law turned mother-in-law. “Maria.”
“May we start over?” she asked. “Put our past behind us and begin anew, mother and daughter?”
Emotion suddenly clogged my throat as tears prickled the back of my eyes. “Lieutenant Ruiz told you about my parents.”
“Sí,” she nodded. “It’s incomprehensible. My Nick truly loves you, Liliana. I know you’ve become independent. I think that is something Nick admires. However, if you ever need or want an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or just a hug, know I’m here.”
Nibbling my lip, I smiled. “Thank you, Maria. I’m ready to start over.”
Nick appeared at my side. “Is everything all right?” His gaze moved from me to his mother and back.
“Everything is wonderful,” I said. Turning, I opened my arms.
Maria leaned closer and we embraced. “Welcome, hija.”
“Gracias.”
“Mia wants us to cut the cake. The guests are getting restless on champagne and hors d’oeuvres.”
The rest of the evening sailed by smoothly. No knives or guns were pulled. The food was delicious. Nick and I made our way around the crowd, trying to talk to and thank everyone for coming on such short notice. Whenever we’d reunite, he’d wrap his arms around me, kiss me, and tell me he loved me.
It was about nine at night when my husband placed his hand in the small of my back. “Señora Ruiz, shall we go home?”
“Home,” I repeated with a smile. I hadn’t been back to the apartment since the night José died. Suddenly, I wondered what shape it was in. Had Renata been able to go back and collect her things? “I haven’t been back since the night you drove me to the apartments. I don’t know if we even have groceries.”
Nick’s lips quirked and a twinkle came to his eyes. His tone dropped an octave. “Not high on my priority list. Getting you home alone is at the top.”
The change in his timbre was all it took to bring back that twisting sensation in my core. “Then let’s go home, husband.”
Chapter
Twenty-One
Liliana
* * *
“Give those to me.”
I handed the keys to Nick. With a mischievous grin, he unlocked the door to our apartment. Before I could register his intention, I was lifted from the floor. I gasped as Nick cradled me against his wide chest.
“Carrying my bride over the threshold.”
