I sit back in the chair and feel the smile bloom—inside and out. Just thinking about the little mouthy hellion—who last night acted like she could barely stand the sight of me—stalking my every move makes me laugh.
“She finally snagged you, huh?”
“That’s one way of looking at it. Although now that she has me, I think she’d like to throw me back.” My tone is playful, but the words ring true.
“That’s women for you,” he says, shaking his head, like he’s an expert. “So you haven’t told your mom?”
“No. Not yet. And if you talk to her, keep your mouth shut.”
“She’ll be ecstatic. Maria Rosa was one of her best friends. My mom’s too,” he adds quietly.
My mother will be many things, but ecstatic isn’t one of them. There’s nothing I can do about it. She’ll have to deal with it, like everyone else.
“Alma and Victor don’t know?”
“Victor isn’t stupid, but he would never ask. If Alma knew, my mother would know.”
“Is that why Daniela’s staying in the valley, to keep her away from Alma?”
“That, and we’re not married.”
His eyes light up, and his shoulders begin to shake. “Yes, because you wouldn’t want to have sex with someone you’re not married to,” he taunts. “Tell me, Antonio, what does it feel like to be a virgin in the twenty-first century?”
Little bastard.“It’s not about me. It’s about respect. She’s not like somebabeyou handcuff to your bed. She’s going to be my wife. Not that what happens between Daniela and me is any of your damn business.”
“I’m just giving you a hard time,” he mutters sheepishly, dropping the rubber bands on my desk. “Is the wedding going to be a big shindig?”
I shake my head. “Small. We’ll have a big celebration at some point. Maybe in the fall, after the harvest.” He leans over and ties his shoe. I wait until he’s done before continuing. “I’m hoping you’ll stand at my side in the church, with Cristiano and Lucas.”
All the teasing disappears, replaced by a wave of emotion so enormous it touches my soul.
“I would be honored.” His voice catches as it fades away. “More honored than you can imagine,” Rafael murmurs, almost under his breath.
This is more than standing with me as a best man. It’s elevating him publicly in the eyes of everyone in the church—and beyond, because everything that happens in that church will filter out into the valley. It’s a cherished spot for a kid who spent too long wondering if he had any value aside from being a punching bag.
“How long are you staying?”
“I have exams.” He shrugs. “I need to get back to school tomorrow—or the next day.”
“Let’s have dinner together tonight. You can meet Daniela as an adult and see if she’s still annoying.”
31
Daniela
Before I went to bed, I left a note for Victor explaining that it was late and not to expect me before lunch. I still don’t have an appetite, but I promised I’d come down for a midday meal. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about running into Antonio. He left after he was done with me last night.
I have to be more cautious around him. Smarter and more calculated. I need to remember that even when my old feelings for him creep in, he doesn’t share any of them.He never did.
He’s planning to marry me—and use me for sex when there’s no one better available. I don’t care what he says. He’s not looking for a real marriage. He wants to fulfill his end of a grand bargain.
Yes, he’ll buy me pretty clothes and jewels, and all the trappings of a luxurious life.A lonely, empty life.Even if it wasn’thisfamily who killed my mother, it’s not a life I would ever choose. Not even with a handsome man who plays my body like a master.
I need to get out of here before we take vows. Escaping after we’re married might be easier, but it will embarrass him. He’ll never stop hunting me once I have a ring on my finger.
The clock ticks louder with each passing day, but I’m no closer to leaving.
I shut the suite door, praying that somehow the tide will turn in my favor. I’m due.Long past due.