Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 136731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 684(@200wpm)___ 547(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 684(@200wpm)___ 547(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
I can almost hear Miguel scoff behind me. Holding out his hand, he introduces himself. Eyeing my brother, Dino smiles while shaking his hand. “You love your sister.”
A statement.
Miguel, neither confirming nor denying this fact, pulls his hand away. Dino holds up his hands in a placating gesture. “I get it. I got two brothers myself.” Dino looks down at me. “I’d do anything to keep them safe.” Pausing a moment, he steps closer to Miguel and utters quietly, “Your sister will be safe with me.” Side-eyeing me, he goes on, “Hell, maybe one day she’ll even love me. And when we’re married, you and I will be brothers. Which means you and your sisters will be included as such and will be placed under my protection. I’d give my life to keep you all safe.”
As far as winning Miguel over, I think Dino claims first place in his opening argument.
We sit, and as my father and Vito chat away, Miguel—deciding he’s given Dino his blessing—talks business with Dino. I watch how Dino conducts himself, and I’m impressed. He’s equal parts serious and witty, throwing Miguel completely off-guard. Catching my brother laughing with Dino is unnerving.
This is really happening.
This is the man—the stranger—I’ll be marrying.
My chest squeezes.
I’m not sure I’m ready for this, not that anyone gives a fuck.
Standing suddenly, Dino turns to our fathers and announces, “Excuse me, gentlemen. I’d like a moment with Alejandra.” He turns to me, his lips curving. “I’ve neglected her far too long this evening.”
Miguel looks over at me and his eyes shout approval. My father smiles up at Dino as Vito nods in agreement. “Of course. But try not to be too long. We still have much to discuss.”
Not given much of a choice, I stand and smooth down my black dress. Taking my hand, Dino places it in the crook of his elbow, leading me away. We walk slowly, comfortable in our silence, and I’m surprised to find myself feeling completely safe walking next to this man, this dangerous man. As he opens the door for me, I step outside. He motions for me to sit at one of the outside tables, and I do as I’m told.
I always do as I’m told.
Dino sits and watches me closely. “You haven’t said a word. Not one.”
I shrug. What does he want me to say?
His eyes soften. “I know this isn’t easy. Believe me, I threw a shit fit when my father told me what he wanted me to do.” He scoffs. “I mean, c’mon, I’m only twenty-five. I don’t want to get married.” This makes my chest pang. “And for some reason, I don’t think you want to either.”
I find my voice. “I don’t.”
He smiles warmly. “Please, don’t spare my feelings or anything.”
I can’t help it. I dip my chin to hide my smile, but he catches it. “Would you look at that?” He chuckles before sobering. “You’re very pretty, Alejandra. Gorgeous, actually.”
My face heats quickly as my heart beats faster.
Dino reaches over the table, taking my hand. I look up into his eyes. He asks quietly, “Do you think you can give me a chance? I’d like to try.” He pauses a moment. “We have to try.”
He’s right. We have to.
And it could be worse. I mean, he’s attractive and charming and funny, and he seems to like me.
Averting my eyes, I tangle my fingers through his and whisper, “Yes.” I swallow hard. “I-I want to try.”
Dino stands and wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. My sudden surprise is pushed aside as I realize I need the comfort as much as he does. I gently snake my arms around his middle, resting my head against his chest, clutching at him for support, finding security in the soft beating of his heart. He kisses the top of my head. “I know this isn’t an ideal situation, but I think we can make it work. We know how our families are. We know what they expect of us. I’d like to be your friend.” He pulls back. “I think—” He clears his throat. “I think I could love you. I think we could come to love each other.”
My throat thickens. I try to speak, but all that comes out is a pained grunt. Lowering my face, wetness trails my cheeks.
I’m scared.
I hate myself for crying. But Dino doesn’t.
Lifting my chin, he shushes me, kissing my cheek. “Bella, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” Before I know what’s happening, his lips cover mine. As quickly as he kisses me, he pulls away, holding me once again. I grip at his shirt, crying. He mutters, “Don’t worry, Alejandra. I’ll keep you safe.”
His words calm me.
Like I said… It could be a lot worse.
Fast-forward six years…
My stomach presses into the mattress. Fingers dig into my hips, holding me down. I breathe rapidly through my nose, fighting the pain. Biting into the pillow to stop myself from crying out, I think back to my grandmother’s advice as my husband masturbates on the sofa, smirking at my tear-streaked face while watching his brother rape me.