All Chapters of NOW AND FOREVER: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

DarioCatalina stiffened as my lips met hers, the way she had throughout the reception. Just seconds before, she’d melded her beautifully naked body against me as we kissed. When I pulled away, I was captured by her emerald stare. The fear from last night was gone, giving me hope that this marriage could work. It wasn’t as if either one of us could walk away.Taking one last glance toward my mother and aunts, I felt the need to protect my wife. If I could spare Catalina their intrusion, I would. I reminded myself that she wasn’t in true danger, and there were other matters to attend to.I wanted to get the meeting with the men downstairs over with before Catalina was required to suffer their lewd comments. The women would be bad enough. I’d attended enough weddings to know what the topic of conversation would be. The men were probably already discussing how I’d taken Catalina’s virtue. A man with my reputation would have been expected to claim her regardless of her willingness. Half o

CatalinaDario’s grin appeared if only briefly. “Contessa is the woman who lives with me.”“What?” My question went unanswered as the elevator doors opened.We stepped out of the elevator into a stunning entry showcasing a sprawling living room, complete with a large fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the city below. While the apartment was luxurious with ceilings at least fourteen feet high, and the furnishings were the best money could buy, my thoughts remained on this woman, the one who cohabitates with my husband.Dario placed his hand in the small of my back, turning me toward footsteps. A sigh of relief escaped my throat at the sight of a short and plump woman, probably in her early sixties, coming toward us. “Contessa?” I asked.Only I could hear Dario’s soft chuckle.“Yes, Mrs. Luciano,” she replied in a pleasant tone. Wiping her hands on an apron, she scanned me up and down. “You’re beautiful. I see why Mr. Luciano chose you.”Chose me.Yes, from a menu.“C

CatalinaThat night after dinner, we returned to our apartment. The lights throughout the apartment were dimmed and everything was quiet. I learned earlier in the day that Contessa’s bedroom suite was on the first floor. There was also a bunk room of sorts where guards could stay if they were required overnight.Tonight, was one of those nights.Giovanni and Armando said good night as Dario and I went up the stairs. It wasn’t until we both headed toward the primary bedroom that I realized this would be the first time we were together in the suite since I arrived.“I need to check a few things in my office,” he said, leaving me in the bedroom as he made his way to the private office within the suite.It was difficult to fathom that last night had been our wedding night. Only twenty-four hours ago we came together for the first time. The butterflies that sparked my nerves then were back in a gentler form.Slipping into the bathroom, I readied myself for bed, removing the dress and putti

CatalinaThe guard shack at the entry of the club’s parking lot was attended by a man who recognized Armando. Lifting the gate, he waved him through. Taking in the outside of the Emerald Club, I tried my best to have an open mind. It wasn’t like the cartel didn’t have the same type of businesses. While I’d heard stories about Wanderland, I’d never been inside.Armando parked the SUV, got out, and opened my door.“Are you going to walk me inside?” I asked.“Do you want to walk in alone?”The part of me that Dario claimed had fire wanted to say yes, I can do it. However, in the grand scheme of this situation, the answer was no. I was glad I had my bodyguard at my side especially when a man taller than Armando opened the door. I did a double take. Armando was nearly as tall as Dario, but this man was giant.“Mrs. Luciano,” Armando said, introducing me.“Ma’am, it’s a pleasure,” the big guy said in a deep voice. “Mr. Luciano is in his office.”The sight of an establishment the size of the

CatalinaMy sister’s name appeared on the screen. “Camila,” I said, answering her call.“I miss you,” she said.Hearing her voice brought tears to my eyes. “I miss you too. Maybe you could come visit me before classes start.”“I’d love that. I’m bored here without you.”“You won’t be once you get going with classes at SDSU. How many credit hours are you taking?”Her tone lightened. “I’m registered for sixteen.”We went on talking about her classes. Her enthusiasm emanated through her words. Camila had always been a good student. We both were. Em could have been if he’d been allowed to go to college. Instead, he’s working for Papá.“Enough about me,” Camila said. “Other than missing me terribly, how are you?”Leaning back on the chaise, I spun the stem of the wine glass as I spoke. “I’m honestly good.”“What’s Dario like?”A smile curled my lips that a week ago I couldn’t even imagine. “He’s caring and protective.”“That doesn’t sound like you’re describing Kansas City’s future capo.”