Page 3 of When Sinners Dare

“Well, first impressions are impressive.”

Antony orders wine for both of us. The menu is limited but has a few nice choices. I can’t imagine a new place so out of the way would be hugely busy – not yet at least.

“To good fortunes.” We toast. It’s the first date I’ve seen Antony drink. I eye his glass. “I took the decision and seized the opportunity. There’s a room booked for us as well.” He looks a little nervous about that announcement, and I can’t help but think how perfect this guy could be for a different girl. He’s interested in me, though, and for now, at least, I’m going to relish in the fantasy that my family isn’t the feuding, controlling monsters they can be.

~

The sun shines through the window, waking me before I feel ready to be awake. I stretch and roll to the side as I remember where I am. In the middle of nowhere, overlooking a beautiful lake. With Antony.

He’s a pleasant enough guy, but a man with the money and status he has doesn’t want to be described as pleasant. Especially not when talking about sex. Unfortunately, he’s not going to set my heart on fire.

I think back to the date I had with Marcos, when Dante showed up, on his own date, but still took the time to interrogate him. He was like Antony. Nice, pleasant.

“Coffee?” Antony draws me back from my churning mind.

“That would be perfect.”

He leans over to kiss me, and I let him. “Hmm, you are pretty perfect, you know that, Mariana.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. How about that coffee?”

He kisses my nose and gets out of bed. He’s got everything going for him, but as I watch him grab a robe, I don’t feel that flutter. Never will, either.

Resigned, I roll and check my phone.

Where are you?

It’s from Knox.

Bella, don’t fuck around. Not after yesterday.

And, looking at the timestamp, swiftly followed by Dante.

I’m guessing they’ve returned to the house, although I don’t know why.

I’m having fun. I’m fine. Why are you at the house?

If you were here, you’d know. Seriously, what makes you think you can just take off like this?

I ignore him and shut my phone off.

One night. That’s all I wanted. A spontaneous evening that was perfect in so many ways.

“Everything okay?” Antony asks as he hands me a cup of coffee from the espresso machine in the room.

“Fine. I’m sorry. Just family.” I shake my head and put my phone back on the side table.

“Talking of family.” He takes my coffee and puts it on the side and grabs both my hands in his. “I’d really like for you to meet my parents. And to meet your family. What do you say?” I know I look like a rabbit in headlights, and I try to put words together in my head, but they don’t come. “It’s time. I think you’re amazing, Mariana. We’re having fun. And last night, well, you can’t deny this anymore. So, what do you say?”

“Why don’t we start with your family?” I offer, smiling through the discomfort.

“I knew you’d feel the same. Come on. We have breakfast reservations, and then I’ll take you home. And don’t worry; my folks will love you.”

It’s not his family I’m worried about. I could charm any family into loving me like one of their own, but I’m not so sure my family will even tolerate Antony let alone love him. At least I’ll have some time to consider things. After all, we’re not going to be having a family gathering for a while, considering mine are barely speaking.

No, my priority is to sort out why my brothers feel like they can dismiss me one day and demand to know where I am the next. Having my own life isn’t negotiable anymore, and I won’t take being told or instructed. Abel and Lexi aren’t the only ones who can stand up for themselves.

CHAPTER TWO

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