“Do you really believe that’s why they murdered my mother?”
“I’m not sure. It’s very possible my father killed her because your parents took in my mother.”
I’ve often thought I was spared that day not to punish my father, but to bring sweet Valentina into the world. But maybe God spared me for something even bigger. All I do these days is sit at home, waiting for Valentina to finish riding or her schoolwork, so I can enjoy her company. It’s not good for either of us. She could use some friends her own age, and most importantly, she needs to be somewhere safe.It’s two weeks.
I sit up tall in the chair, and pull my shoulders back. “Valentina can go to camp. Maybe. I want to see it and meet the director. I also want to check with Dr. Lima. But I’m not going anywhere. I’m your wife, and until you begin treating me like a partner, no one will see me as one.”
He tilts his head. “You need to go too,Princesa. I don’t want you to become the spoils of war. It might get ugly here.”
I stand and go to him, placing a hand on each of his thighs. “I guess I didn’t make myself clear. I’m not going. I know all about the spoils of war, and I want to be here at the end of each battle, to remind you of your humanity. You owe me that. You owe yourself that. And you owe it to us—to our family.”
“Daniela.”
“No, Antonio. You signed an agreement to marry me, but I’ve read the betrothal contract. Nowhere did it specify the terms of the marriage. What’s not expressly stated is up for negotiation.”
A moment passes where his tight jaw tics, but now, his eyes glitter with mischief. “Is that so,Princesa?”
“It is.”
“If you’re planning on remaining in Porto, I want you to get comfortable with a gun.”
I don’t think he’s trying to frighten me. I think we’re headed into uncertain times. I want to know more, but I don’t waste my breath asking. “I can do that.” If he senses the hesitation, he doesn’t mention it.
He nods. “You’ll work with Santi every day until he leaves with Valentina and Mia.”
Santi? It doesn’t make sense. He’s Valentina’s guard. “Why not Alvarez?”
“Santi’s more patient, and that makes him a better instructor. Plus, it will allow you to get to know him so that you’re more comfortable with him around Valentina. But listen carefully.”
Bossy Antonio is back.
“The first time you do something,anything, to put yourself or anyone else in danger, I’m putting your gorgeous ass on the plane and sending you to London.”
He’s not expecting anything unreasonable. “I can live with those terms.”
Antonio picks up his phone. “I don’t want to be disturbed,” he growls, before tossing the phone aside.
He rests his hands on my hips. I feel the energy radiating from him. “Now, about that apology you owe me.”
I lift my brow. “Apology?”
“The one that comes after marching into my office and tossing around baseless accusations.”
His eyes are glittering again, but the mischief is dark now. The throb between my legs begins in anticipation for what’s to come.
“Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I do owe you an apology.” I turn, and go to lock the door with an exaggerated sway of my hips.
“You can lock it, but there’s no need. Cecelia wouldn’t barge in if flames were engulfing the place.”
I flash him a smile over my shoulder. “You never know. My apology might be noisy.”
He stalks me to the center of the room, tangling his fingers in my hair, before crashing his lips into mine. By the time he pulls his mouth away, I’m gasping for air.
“The sincerest apologies happen from the knees,Princesa.Don’t make me wait.”
48
DANIELA