Chapter 3

Emiliano

Even though Isabella avoided me for the rest of the party, I did my best to keep my eyes on her. She was easy to spot with her long golden hair. Whenever our gazes would meet, she would look away. Of the throng of girls, the only one who would make eye contact with me was the middle sister from Salvatore’s family. I learned from Cat that her name was Aria, and she was sixteen. Definitely off-limits. Besides, there was something about Isabella.

Yes, her hair was beautiful, but her sister had the same color hair. I didn’t feel a pull toward her sister. There shouldn’t be a pull toward Isabella. She was of age, but that still meant young. I’d be thirty at my next birthday.

Maybe it was watching Jano and Rei settle down that made me want to do the same. Knowing the dislike Dario’s uncles had for the alliance, I’d be better off to talk to Jano about a daughter of one of his lieutenants. Rei oversaw many soldiers in Northern California.

With my back against the wall and my arms crossed over my chest, I watched as Catalina sat on the floor with Ariadna Gia. Dario was sitting behind them on a sofa, smiling and nodding as Catalina opened presents and showed them to the baby and then to her husband.

If anyone would have asked me when our father was first discussing Cat’s arranged marriage to Dario Luciano if I thought it would work, I would have said no. Seeing him interact with his wife and daughter was as if the man who sat behind the desk in the big office had two personalities.

I found Isabella seated with her sister and cousins, all crammed on another sofa. It was pretty obvious that they were only present because of their fathers heeding Dario’s invitation. Dante and Camila were next to the capo. Camila was writing each gift and the giver’s name on a tablet.

My mother and Mrs. Luciano were seated close on two chairs. Mrs. Luciano was holding Jorge. My dad and Uncle Nicolas were about as far away from Dario’s uncles as they could be and still be in the same room. It seemed evident that while some people were trying to make the alliance work, others would be just as happy if it dissolved.

“Ey,” Nick, my cousin, said as he settled beside me against the wall. He lowered his voice. “We have Herrera to deal with and instead, our top brass are in Kansas City at a one-year-old’s birthday party. This is m****a.”

Bullshit.

I stifled a laugh. “Sí, but look at Jano.” We both turned to see el Patrόn sitting with his arm around Mia’s shoulders. “He needed this break. Even if it’s only for one day.”

Nick nodded. “He’s doing well. Jorge would be proud.”

“The resistance is wearing on him. The confirmation of Herrera being alive has him working 24/7.”

“Have you talked much to Rei?” Nick asked. “How are things going up north?”

“You know about as much as I do. I know he and Jano talk every day.”

“Em.”

I turned my attention to my sister, the one on the floor.

Her smile grew as she held up a little LA Chargers cheerleader dress. “It’s adorable.”

“Adorable,” the capo said dryly, “but she’ll never wear it.”

Catalina turned and smiled at her husband and turned back toward me with a wink. “She’ll wear it.”

“Not if they’re playing the Chiefs.”

Laughter rumbled through the room.

Nick whispered. “You’re not making points with the capo.”

When I turned to the capo, I saw the gleam in his eye. To say our relationship had improved since he married Cat would be an understatement. I whispered back, “I think I am.” A quick turn of my head told me what I suspected. Salvatore and Carmine Luciano weren’t sharing in the camaraderie. At least my father and Nicolas were grinning.

After the last present was opened, Catalina invited everyone into the dining room for cake. As we squeezed in, I made it a point to get closer to Isabella. I eased in behind her as Catalina put Ariadna Gia into a high chair. It was when Contessa came from the kitchen with a tiny cake with a candle that we began to sing.

As soon as “Happy Birthday” ended in English, we sang it again in Spanish.

Even Dario took part in helping the little girl blow out the candle. My mother and Mrs. Luciano fussed over the fact that Catalina left Ariadna Gia in her lacy dress as she trepidatiously pushed her hands into the frosting.

Phones came out around the room as pictures were taken.

I leaned forward and spoke near Isabella’s ear. “I think I’d rather have a piece of the cake on the table.”

Isabella startled and turned toward me and immediately away.

Keeping my voice low, I said, “I promise I won’t bite.” I was about to add unless you like that, but I sensed that she was truly afraid of me.

Her voice was barely audible. “Please don’t talk to me.”

“Making friendly conversation.”

The little brunette turned to me. “Hi, I’m Aria.”

“Girls,” a deep voice bellowed.

I saw Carmine looking our way.

“It’s time to go,” he said.

“There’s cake for everyone,” Catalina said.

“We must be going…”

The capo stood tall. “I’m sure you can stay for one piece of cake.”

The capo had spoken. No one was leaving before the cake was served.

As soon as the cake was eaten, Salvatore and Carmine excused their families and boarded the elevator in two groups. Catalina, our mom, and Mrs. Luciano tended to an icing-covered one-year-old, and Jasmine and Camila helped Contessa with carrying the dishes into the kitchen. I followed Rei and Jano toward the capo’s study. To my surprise, the capo and Dante were already present.

The room was regal, with cherry wainscoting and bookcases filled with books. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the early evening summer sun to illuminate the space with a warm glow.

“How are things going out on the West Coast?” Dario asked Jano.

Jano took the chair to Dario’s side.

There was something about this den that was different from Dario’s office. In this space, it felt as if we were on a more level playing field.

Dante tapped my shoulder and moved behind a small bar. “Drink?” He grinned. “One that’s not punch.”

“Tequila?”

“Of course.” He pulled out a bottle of Clase Azul Reposado and poured two fingers. “Ice?”

“I’m good.” I took the glass as Rei appeared at my side.

“No ice for me either.”

“Where did Mia go?” I asked. “I didn’t get a chance to see much of Jorge. He was the second main attraction.”

Rei answered, “She and her cousin, Giorgia, took him upstairs to feed him and get him down for a nap.”

His answer made me smile. “You’re getting the uncle thing down.”

Dante lifted his glass filled with two fingers of an amber liquid. “To uncles.” He lowered his voice. “All the fun without losing sleep.”

We clinked glasses and emptied our tumblers.

Dario and Jano were focused on their own conversation. Rei leaned forward. “We waited to tell anyone until after we told the capo.” He paused. “Jasmine and I are adding another baby to this alliance.”

Dante’s grin grew from ear to ear. “Fuck, my brother’s going to be a grandpa.”

We all laughed.

“That title is his for the taking,” Rei said. “To be honest, it would mean the world to Jasmine if he used it or anything similar—abuelo or even nonno. But we’re talking about the capo, so who knows?”

“Were you nervous about telling him?” I asked.

Rei stood tall, pressed his lips together, and shook his head. “Me? No. You know me, Em. I’m never nervous.”

“You were armed, admit it,” Dante said as he refilled our glasses.

“I still am.”

We all were.

I turned to Dante. “Do you think Carmine would have allowed Rei to marry Isabella?”

Rei lifted his hands. “Wasn’t interested. Not interested now.”

“I know, but…?” I looked again at Dante.

His eyes narrowed. “Is there a particular reason you’re asking?”

“Maybe. I should talk to the capo.”

Rei shook his head. “No, hombre. If you want to pursue Isabella or anyone, you go through Jano.”

“Fuck. Sí. I wasn’t thinking. You’re right.”

“Wasn’t thinking about what?” Dario asked, he and Jano coming toward the bar.

“Pour me one of those,” Jano said to Dante.