Page 26 of The No Falling Rule
I didn’t think my niece would transform into a Bridezilla—but damn.
She didn’t look directly at Mia then, and she sure isn’t looking at her now. But she made her feel like shit. And that’s something I simply can’t let pass. Mia is here with me; she’s not a wedding crasher.
I stand slowly, jaw clenched so tight I’m afraid I’ll crack a molar. “Are you ready to go, bonita?” I ask, keeping my gaze fixed on Mia.
She nods, eyes downcast.
I’ve never been more upset at Violeta in my life.
Taking Mia’s hand, I lead her out, ignoring every whisper that follows.
Each step away from the table feels like stepping into something unknown—but right.
Something that feels like mine.
Theno-falling rulealready feels impossible to keep.
I just hope she’s breaking it too.
Chapter 9
Mia
Idon’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed. And here I thought being thrown into the pool was bad. This trip just keeps on giving—and not in the carefree, sunshine-and-cocktails way I imagined.
“Hey,” Diego callsgently.
“Hmm,” I murmur absentmindedly.
“I know it’s not my fault, but I wanted to apologize for the way my niece treated you. I wish I could say she was raised better, but the truth is, she’s always been a spoiled rich kid.”
I chuckle at his sincerity. “You’re right—it’s not on you to apologize.”
As we walk, I admire the string lights wrapped around the palm trees. They must’ve been here the whole time, but somehow, I’ve only just seen them. Maybe because every time Diego’s near, the rest of the world fades out.
He stops, turns, takes both my hands, gently swaying them between us.
“I know, I know.” He releases a long breath. “Still, I don’t want you to think you don’t belong.”
My brows pinch together.
“Mia.” He says my name in that deep, velvety voice that makes me melt. Whatever embarrassment I felt a couple of minutes ago has vanished.
“You belong with me,” he murmurs. “Anywhere I am, that’s where you belong.”
My breath catches, but I don’t have time to react—his lips crash into mine. A moan escapes as he pulls meclose, his hands at the back of my neck, his body pressed hard against mine.
The way this man makes me feel is something I’ve never experienced before. It’s thrilling and terrifying all at once—because when this magical Christmas fling is over, I don't know how I’ll be able to feel this much again.
“Bonita,” he whispers against my lips, his voice thick. “I want more.”
His hips press forward, and I gasp.
“I want more too, but we can’t go to my bungalow.”
Carly would never let me hear the end of it if I showed up with him. Reason number 869,372 why I need my own space.
“I know a place,” Diego says, a spark lighting his eyes.
