Chapter 39

Isabella

Horace opened the door, and I leapt forward. My body crashed against Em’s. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and buried my face against his chest. The sound of his beating heart and the sensation of his arms holding my body against his calmed my spiked blood pressure. “You’re alive,” I managed to say through a new shower of tears.

Em cupped my cheeks and brought our lips together. Warmth radiated through my body from my head to my toes. It was the sensation I needed, an addiction I had only begun. Without thinking, I climbed higher, wrapping my legs around his torso and holding on to his broad shoulders. Em’s hand went to my behind, holding me in place.

I leaned back, ending our kiss as I palmed his smooth cheeks. “You’re alive.”

He teased stray strands of hair away from my face. “Sí, my love. I am alive.”

My heart melted as I stared into his dark brown orbs. “I’ve been so scared. I love you, Emiliano. Don’t leave me.”

Horace cleared his throat.

Em’s grin quirked as he set me back on my feet. He held tightly to my hand. “Horace, I’m relieving you of your duty to Miss Luciano. You may pick her up Monday morning at el Patrόn’s, unless you’re advised of another location.” He looked down at the LA Lakers t-shirt. “Where are your clothes?”

“They’re in the room where I was supposed to sleep.”

“Lieutenant,” Horace said. “I must urge you to reconsider. Miss Luciano’s family…the famiglia...this is unprecedented.”

“I promise you, Horace, I will take care of my fiancée. On Monday, if you pick her up, she will be Señora Ruiz.”

My breath caught and my eyes opened wide. “This weekend?”

“Unless you object.”

Holy shit.

I quickly shook my head. “I don’t object.” I squeezed Em’s hand. “Come with me to get my clothes. I don’t want to let you out of my sight.”

He followed me into the tiny bedroom, closed the door and crossed his arms over his wide chest. The fresh scent of his cologne and bodywash filled my senses. His smile grew as his gaze lingered, devouring me inch by inch. “Had you been told we had permission to marry?”

“I found out this afternoon. My mother called.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “I imagine that she’s thrilled.”

“I wouldn’t exactly use that word.”

“My parents are happy.”

“They are?” I asked.

He nodded. “My mom wants me happy and has thought I should have married a long time ago. My father has accepted two of his daughters marrying into the famiglia. He worries less about the alliance than anyone else.”

“Why didn’t you—marry a long time ago?”

“Because I was waiting for you.”

Warmth radiated through my circulation as I gathered my clothes. “Are you taking me to Mia’s?”

He reached out.

Leaving the clothes on the bed, I went to him, placing my hands in his.

His deep timbre was slow. “Isabella, tonight was intense.”

I nodded.

“I don’t want to wait another minute to marry you.”

“It’s after midnight.”

“I spoke with my mother and father when I went home to shower.” He grinned. “Yes, I still live with my parents. Once the dangers are calmed, we can get our own house. In the meantime, they’re happy to have you live with me in their home.”

My eyes blinked as I tried to comprehend. Thoughts of my conversation with my mother returned. “Your parents will accept me in their home?”

“Of course. What parent wouldn’t accept the person their child loves?” He squeezed my hands. “They have one condition. A condition that I’m sure the famiglia would also agree to.”

“What is that condition?”

“We must be married by a priest.”

Inhaling, I sighed. “I want that too.”

“Papá can have a priest to our house tonight. We will have a quick ceremony with his blessing. Then, Sunday, giving your family time to travel, we can have a real ceremony, a full mass. It won’t be as big as Jano and Mia’s, but it will satisfy the critics, and we’ll also have a license by then.”

I lifted my hands to his wide chest and peered up at him. “We could be married tonight?”

“With only my parents present. The cartel needs to lie low to see what tomorrow brings.”

What tomorrow brings.

My gaze met his. “I want to marry you tonight. If tomorrow brings a day like today, I want to know that we’ve spent as much time together as we could. I want you to know how much I love you. If carrying that love into battle keeps you safe, I want you to have it.”

Cupping my neck, he pulled my lips to his. Fireworks flashed and warmth flooded my circulation, yet the beating drum of my heart wasn’t rapid. I wasn’t frightened or unsure. In every fiber of my body, I knew this decision was the right decision.

He looked again at my attire and jutted his chin toward the bed. “You should probably change back into those clothes, unless you want to be married in a Laker’s t-shirt.”

“You’re right.” When he didn’t move, I shook my head. “We’re not married yet.” I shooed him with my hand. “Go. Keep guard at the door. I’ll be right out.”

Without turning, he opened the door, backed out, step by step while his devilish gaze stayed locked on mine. Without saying a word, I felt the heat of his laser stare. He didn’t break eye contact until the door was fully closed. My nipples were taut as if the temperature had dropped and there was a twisting between my legs.

I’m getting married.

I’m getting married tonight.

A wave of realization swept over me. My fingers trembled as I buttoned my blouse. However, by the time I slipped my feet into the ballet flats, my onset of the shakes was gone. My heart rate was normal. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. Em was right there. “Are you ready?”

“More than ready.”

I took the clothes I’d worn to bed to Liliana. “Thank you for these. They should stay here for the tenants.”

“You won’t be in tomorrow?” she asked.

I glanced at Em and back. “I think I’m taking the weekend off.”

Liliana grinned. “I hope one day I look as happy as you do right now.”

“Keep your calendar open for Sunday.” I stepped forward, wrapped her in a hug, and whispered, “One day, you will. I prayed for that too.”

As I backed away, I saw the glimmer of hope in Liliana’s eyes.

Em took my hand and led me from the apartment.

“Hey?” I asked as we stepped into the quiet hallway. “How did you get to this room?”

“I walked.”

“But you’re not allowed.”