Page 23 of Sin and Seduction

“Alone...preferably,” She says, and he scoffs.

“It’s fine, Dante. Go downstairs. I’m sure everyone is arriving and eager to see you. We will be down in a few minutes,” I say, and he frowns, lingering in the doorway before I wave him away and shut the door behind him, leaving Gabriela and me alone to speak.

10

Esmeralda

Gabriela is wearing a floor-length,pink silk gown that brings out the golden hues of her skin.

Her hair is perfectly tied back in tight curls, and her eye makeup makes her appear like a wild cat. Just absolutely stunning, and I often wonder how it’s possible for a family to be this beautiful.

We sit down on the bed, and she pats my knee, looking at me with kind eyes. We haven’t known each other long, but I think with our mutual understanding and life experiences, our bond is quickly growing. I wish I had the same effect on her mother, but that’s going to be its own challenge and journey.

“Is there something wrong?” I ask, looking at her eyes that now look sad.

“Yes. It’s just weird...being back home. I never thought I’d feel like that. Two weeks in a stranded barn, and now I feel like a stranger in my own home?” She scoffs to herself, and I can’t help but smile in understanding.

“You miss him,” is all I say when her eyes snap to mine, sadness enters them, but she quickly averts her gaze.

“Hey, it’s okay to miss him, Gabriela. Regardless of what’s going on, you’ve been through a lot, and your emotions are valid,” I say to her.

“I don’t even know the man. We’re complete strangers,” she says distantly, and I touch her hand to offer her some comfort.

“You don’t have to know someone to have feelings for them. Trust me on that,” I say with a scoff.

“It’s just so strange...he’s an enemy, and we have nothing in common. I hate that I feel so weird because of it,” she says quietly.

“Anyway, enough about me. That’s not why I came in here,” she says, standing and fixing her tight gown.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, feeling nervous because now in this house, anything could happen this evening.

“I want to talk to you about my mother,” she says, turning and offering me a smile with a quirked eyebrow.

I can’t help but feel nervous again. That woman is beautiful, but she can make anyone around her feel so small in her presence.

“She doesn’t like me much. Though, that was something I did originally expect.”

“I wish I could tell you that she’s all bark and no bite, but I think we both reached the point where we did not lie to one another.” She sighs, fidgeting with her dress.

“She’s just apprehensive, and I’m sure you can guess why. Family matters in history aside, you were the first woman Dante has ever brought home. A woman that he proposed to without meeting her first,” she says, and I gasp.

How can my husband who’s in his forties never bring a woman home? I know its history and tragedy probably had a lot to do with that, but he’s still such a beautiful and charming man, I can’t help but be surprised by her admission.

“How is that even possible? “ I ask, and she laughs.

“I think you know by now that Dante is all business and no play. He has been his entire life. Mama knew the woman he was with growing up. They were childhood friends. But after her, we’ve had no involvement with any of my brother’s...affairs.”

Makes sense. Dante has a massive empire and building that leaves no time for anything other than business.

“You okay?” she asks with raised eyebrows. I didn’t realize that I had gone quiet and had been staring at her like an idiot.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little surprised, that’s all.” I blink and stand, fixing my dress before we head to the door.

“Don’t worry about my mom, Emmie. She’s a tough one to crack. In time, she will grow to accept you. I swear,” she says earnestly, and I smile kindly at her, thankful that I have a woman who understands and empathizes with me.

“Thank you for accepting me, Gabriela,” I say, and she laughs as we head out the door.

“It’s kind of hard not to.”

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