Chapter 12

Dante

The edge of Dario’s jaw was sharp as the muscles in the side of his face flexed. “You shouldn’t be calling her and especially not by using my wife’s phone.”

“You told me Camila was mine. What the fuck, Dario? You said it was set.”

His words came from between clenched teeth as he watched Catalina take her phone and walk toward the library. “Watch your tone. You may be my brother, but I’m your capo.”

“Then fix this.”

“Tell me why you used Catalina’s phone.”

“I don’t have Camila’s number.”

Dario ran his hand down his face. “Andrés Ruiz changed his mind after Reinaldo made his intentions known.”

“So what? You have more power. You’re his son-in-law. You’re the capo dei capi.”

“Fuck,” he roared. “Come with me.” He led me toward his office. Once we were inside, he went on. “I know all that. The decision wasn’t about you. It’s about the Ruizes. After the shit Gerardo pulled, they’re nervous that Jorge could change his mind about who he trusts. He trusts his son, both of his sons. By marrying Camila off to Rei, the Ruizes are officially part of the Roríguez family, not just the cartel.”

“Nicolas Ruiz has a daughter. What about her?”

“Reinaldo became infatuated with Camila while living at her house.”

My blood warmed, and I balled my fingers at my sides. “How infatuated? Did he fucking touch her?”

My brother held up his hand before walking back to his tall leather chair behind his desk. “You know the Ruiz women have the same rules as the women in the famiglia. Reinaldo didn’t touch her. If he did, there’d be bigger problems in the cartel.”

“I fucking asked her to marry me.”

Dario spun toward me, his dark stare scrutinizing me. “You asked her—Camila? You proposed? What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Nothing is wrong. I want her and respect her ability to make her own choice.”

His dark gaze narrowed. “When did you propose?”

“In California, the night the shit went down. Before I asked you to arrange our marriage.”

“You talked to her before talking to me?”

I pressed my lips together. “She should be able to make her own decision.”

“That’s not how the cartel or famiglia works.”

Shaking my head, I tried to make sense of this turn of events. “You know, it’s your fault.”

“How the fuck is it my fault?”

“You brought Camila to me through Catalina. I wasn’t looking for a sweet, smart, sexy woman to be part of my life. Hell, I thought I might be the never-marrying type.” Letting out a breath, I fell back into one of the chairs opposite Dario’s desk. “I noticed Camila the weekend of your wedding. Who wouldn’t notice her?” I recalled the way she looked in the bridesmaid dress. “I thought she was too young, too innocent, too…” I stretched out my arm and flexed my fingers. “Not right for a man like me.

“And then I watched you and Catalina. And Camila came here to visit. I had a hard-on during most of those dinners.”

“Shit, Dante…don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth. Her vigor. Her excitement about everything. In our dark fucking world, she was a vibrant ray of sunshine. She would have been annoying if she wasn’t so sincere. I mean, yes, she’s beautiful, but that’s only the icing on the damn cake. Despite her age or lack thereof, she knows what she wants, and she goes for it.”

“Her schooling?”

“Me.”

Dario furrowed his forehead. “You didn’t fuck her.” His voice rose. “Shit, tell me you didn’t touch her.”

“We’ve kissed. A few times. I haven’t fucked her although I wanted to.”

Dario’s nostrils flared as he shook his head. “Here’s how it will be, Dante. Choose another bride; you’re the underboss of Kansas City. Fuck, you can have any woman in the famiglia or the extended territories. New York has more than a few beautiful women. Italians, women Mom will approve.”

“I can honestly say that Mom is not part of this equation. Besides, she didn’t fight you with Mia and Aléjandro. She doesn’t get a vote.”

“Fine, there are other women in the Roríguez cartel. Any woman, I’ll make her yours. Any woman except Camila.”

“I want Camila.” I stood. “I promised her forever. She wants me. Andrés and Valentina thought they were helping her by shutting down my offer and marrying her to Reinaldo. They need to understand that I’m who their daughter wants.”

My brother shook his head. “It’s out of my hands. If Reinaldo were anyone else’s son, but he’s not. Fuck, he’s Jorge’s son.”

Standing, I squared my shoulders. “I’m going to San Diego.”

“No, you’re not. We have shit happening here. I need you here.”

“Then bring Camila to me.”

Dario exhaled and tipped his chin down. “Twenty-four hours. Make your case to Andrés and Valentina, but don’t you dare fuck up this alliance. I have a daughter out there” —he pointed toward the doorway— “who is half-famiglia and half-cartel. You aren’t starting a war in my family.”

“Twenty-four hours,” I agree. “Antonio will watch over Emerald Club. Carmine and Salvatore can handle the streets.” Our uncles had reservations about Dario taking charge of the famiglia, but they could see the results. He was leading us. “I’ll make a few calls to the capos. Myshkin’s people have been quiet of late. Kansas City will stay safe.”

My brother stood and walked toward me. His attire showcased his authority, the custom suit as opposed to my dark jeans and black t-shirt. He stood slightly taller than me. “I care about your happiness, Dante.” His large hand landed on my shoulder. “You know I do. I don’t want a war with Jorge Roríguez. I gave him my word.”

I gave Camila my word—my promise.

“Twenty-four hours.”

I closed Dario’s office door as I stepped toward the foyer. Catalina’s voice was coming from the library. After a quick look toward the closed office door, I hurried toward Catalina. She looked up as I entered. Ariadna Gia was in her arms.

“I thought you might still be on the phone.”

“Dante,” she sighed, looking down at her daughter and back to me. “I’m sorry. I wish I knew how the two of you felt.”

“I’m going to have her.”

“El Patrόn has made his decision.”

“It’s the wrong decision. I’m going to California.”

Her green eyes, similar to her sister’s, opened wider. “What are you going to do?”

“Keep my promise. I need something from you.”

Catalina reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out a small piece of paper. “Is this what you need?”

I reached for the paper and unfolded it. Camila’s phone number was written on it. “Thank you. Does this mean we have your support?”

“It means I want you both to be happy, but the repercussions of this union, of stopping Rei, may be more than our family can withstand.”

Closing my fingers around the paper, I leaned down and brushed Ariadna’s soft dark peach-fuzz crown with my lips and smiled at Catalina. “I have to try.”