Chapter 25

Camila

About ten minutes later, as I stepped from the shower and wrapped myself in a towel, the bathroom door opened. No longer naked, Dante was wearing his boxer briefs. His expression did little to mask the fact that since waking, he had a change in his demeanor.

“Dario was happy for us?”

He shook his head. “I wouldn’t use that description. He and Catalina are on their way here.”

“What? Why?”

“Jorge Roríguez is on his way from Mexico.”

I staggered and reached for the vanity. “Because of us?”

“Us and the attack last night.”

“Jorge knows,” I said, thinking aloud. “Does that mean my father knows?”

Dante nodded. “It seems that as we slept, the entirety of the famiglia and Roríguez cartel were brought up to speed.”

“Have you talked to anyone downstairs?”

“I’m going to hurry and shower and go down.”

“Okay. I’ll be down as soon as I dry my hair and get dressed.”

It seemed surreal that I was drying my hair and wearing a towel as Dante showered nude in the same bathroom. That was what married people did. I assumed that was what they did. As I applied a little of the makeup Mia offered me last night, some blush and mascara, the concerns about my father settled in my chest, taking root deep in my soul.

Tears filled my eyes as I imagined being separated from Dante.

By the time he got out of the shower, my eye makeup was ruined. I splashed water on my face and hurried from the bathroom.

“What the fuck?” Dante followed me, his muscular body dotted with water and wearing a towel around his waist. He seized my shoulders. “Are you crying?”

“I didn’t want you to see.”

“Camila, what happened?”

“I’m afraid Papá and el Patrόn will say our marriage isn’t legal or something. I’m afraid they’ll make me stay in California.” More tears slid down my cheeks. “I want to be your wife.”

He pulled me against his damp chest and surrounded me with his arms. “I told Dario we were legally married by a priest.”

I blinked away the tears. “What did he say?”

“Fuck was a repeated word, but in between the fucks, he said he’d do what he could to help us.”

That gave me hope. “He said he’d help?”

“Stop worrying. I will not leave you behind with your family.”

“Or with Rei?”

“Fuck no. Not a chance.”

After a soft kiss, Dante stepped into his boxer briefs and put on the dark jeans he’d worn yesterday.

As he dressed, I realized my clothing dilemma. “I only have my sundress or the shorts, tank top, and sweatshirt I wore away from the house. And my dress…traditions…”

“Put on the shorts and we’ll ask Mia to help. I’m sure she has something you can wear.”

“I really don’t want to face el Patrόn in short shorts and a hoodie sweatshirt.”

Once I had on the shorts, tank top, and hoodie, Dante headed downstairs, and I pulled my hair back into a low ponytail. It was as I was leaving the bathroom again that the bedroom door opened.

Mia entered. “Dante told me to come in. Are you okay?”

“I’m scared to death about what is going to happen today.” I reached for my own hands to keep them from trembling. “El Patrόn is on his way.”

Mia nodded. “He’s upset about the attacks on Rei’s and our house.”

“So, this isn’t about Dante and me?”

She reached for my hand and led me to the sofa near the windows. “Aléjandro spoke to Rei last night about everything. He said Rei took the news well. He was disappointed, but Aléjandro explained that you and Dante have a history.”

“Dante said Dario is upset.”

Mia pressed her lips together and shook her head. “He’s permanently upset. The only time he isn’t is with Catalina.” She patted my knee. “And Dante said she’s with him. That’s a good thing. This morning, Valentina discovered you were gone. Your bodyguard didn’t know that you’d left.”

I scrunched my nose. “Poor Miguel. It’s not his fault.”

“Emiliano told them what happened.”

My stomach twisted. “I should call my mother.”

“Probably, but I think they’re on their way. According to Aléjandro, Andrés called Jorge, furious. He wants the alliance broken. That’s why Dario is on his way too.” She inhaled and exhaled. “We knew there would be issues.”

“Issues. The cartel boss and famiglia capo dei capi are both coming here—that’s more than an issue.” I nibbled on my lip. “Can they make us unmarry?”

“I want to tell you no and not to worry.”

“You want to?” I asked.

“They made me marry. They made Catalina marry. They can probably annul your marriage.” Before I could respond, Mia went on, “You and Dante must convince them otherwise. Catalina and I are on your side.”

“Have you spoken to her?”

“No, but if I know your sister, she’ll stand by you. She’s most likely the reason that Dario hasn’t completely lost his shit.”

I looked down, seeing my bare legs and the shorts. “Last night” —warmth filled my cheeks— “Dante cut the straps of my sundress.”

Mia’s smile bloomed. “Savage Italian traditions. Isn’t that what you called them?”

I had.

“It was only the straps, and it was kind of sexy.” I looked around. “But that means I only have this to wear.”

Mia stood and looked down at me. “Nope. That won’t do for the audience you’re about to receive. I’m probably two or three sizes bigger than you even when I’m not pregnant. But Viviana is closer to your size.”

“Do you think she has anything I could wear?”

“Since I convinced her to do away with the maid uniforms, she’s expanded her wardrobe. Let me ask her, and we’ll work out something.”

I stood. “Thank you. I keep saying that, but I mean it. Thank you for standing by us.”

“I never had a sister, and now I have two. They just happen to also be sisters. It’s very complicated.” She squeezed my hand. “But the best things always are.”

Thirty minutes later, I was dressed in a long orange skirt with a white short-sleeved top. Mia came up with some chunky necklaces, and I decided my tennis shoes were perfectly acceptable. I added some curls to my hair on each side of my face and styled my ponytail neater. As I took one last look in the mirror, I noticed the ruby ring.

Holding my left hand against my chest, I remembered Dante’s promise.

Tonight, I would be with my husband, wherever we were. We’d be together.

“Camila.”

I peeked out of the bathroom to see Dante.

He stopped, his smile growing as he scanned me from my hair to my shoes. “You’re beautiful, beautiful.” He offered me his hand. “Are you ready?”

“For?”

“Your parents are here.”

My chest grew heavier. “Mia said they were on their way.” I looked up at my husband. “That’s better than their house, right?”

“We’ll face them together."