Page 64 of Raphael (Belles & Mobsters 5)

“It’s a good idea,” he contradicted me, his voice almost a purr. Like he was already working on trying to seduce me. “I’ll keep you and Gabriel safe. And everything else-” he shrugged his shoulder, “-will work itself out.”

“Jesus, if that’s your strategy to get through life, we’re fucked,” I grumbled.

He threw his head back and laughed. A carefree, deep laugh that I felt vibrate through every fiber of my being.

“You certainly have a way with words, Reina.”

He bent his head, his mouth only a breath away from me. And the urge to close the distance was so great, I had to grit my teeth not to cave into my desire.

This man was pure temptation. And I feared I wouldn’t be able to resist him.

“When?” I choked out.

“When what?”

“When would we get married?” I barely got the last word out.

What have I gotten myself into?

ChapterTwenty-Eight

RAPHAEL

Ileft Sailor and Gabriel on my island.

As my chopper lifted up into the air, I spotted two figures on the balcony, tight in a hug and fussing over a little French Bulldog. It was a good call to get the puppy. Both Sailor and Gabriel were already attached to him.

They had been in my home for two days and already the entire manor buzzed with life. I liked it.

It took only two hours to land back in D.C.

“Back so soon,” Nico greeted me at the airport as I exited my plane. “Visiting your soon-to-be in-laws?”

It wasn’t surprising he knew my plans. I applied for a marriage license yesterday. Nothing escaped Nico and his company.

“It will be a joyous occasion,” I sneered. Sailor’s words still rubbed me the wrong way. I’d rather shoot her father dead, but that would bring more trouble to her door. The only reason I wasn’t taking that route was for her and Gabriel. “Were you able to find out how people found her and Gabriel at the cabin?”

“I did. Santiago got a call from an untraceable number shortly after Sailor’s call with her mother. I was able to pin the rough location where the call originated from. Definitely close to the McHale residence.”

Perfect. Finding out this information just as I was about to head to pay a visit to her parents didn’t bode well. The urge to kill her fucking parents grew by the second.

“Want me to go with you?” Nico offered.

“Are you offering so you can assist me in killing her old man, or so you can prevent me from killing him?” I grumbled.

He chuckled. “Whichever you prefer.” He shoved his hands into his suit pockets. “Though it might stir the pot killing the fucker. He has connections.”

That was the unfortunate part.

“Thanks for the offer, but no need to tag along. I’ll give the old bastard fair warning,” I told him. “If I hear another peep about the fucking contract with the Tijuana Cartel, I’ll end them both. So whatever he got paid by Santiago Tijuana, he better refund it. I might offer to buy him out.”

He nodded. “Money talks with that greedy bastard. I have men watching their house. No sign of anything out of the ordinary.”

“There should be no trouble,” I acknowledged. “Nobody besides Diego and I know we’re paying a visit.”

We had set up two decoy cars, as well as one to scope out the terrain. It was just an extra precaution. I’d be damned if I’d miss my own wedding in just two days.

Nico and I shook hands. “Thank you for your help,” I told him.

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