Page 28 of Resisting His Charm
“Don’t be foolish, Sammie. Read the file. You might change your mind about this woman when you do,” Mom says. “And if you don’t, then you’re going to have to figure out how to keep her because that’s not going to be easy.”
“We had one date. We’re not walking down the aisle, Ma.”
“When have you ever flown across the country to take a woman out to dinner in some backwoods bar?”
“Last night.” I smirk.
“Exactly. You like her more than just one night. Which means you’re going to bring her in, and when she realizes who your family is, she isn’t going to like it. Read the file, Sammie.” Mom stands and walks around the desk. She leans down and kisses my cheek. “I love you, and if this girl is the one you have your heart set on, then don’t let any obstacle stand in your way.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue that it’s not that serious, but I’m sitting here counting down the hours until I can go back to Texas. My mom is right. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to any woman before. Maybe Poppy is different.
“You know, she said she wanted to meet my mother.” I smile.
“She did?”
“Yeah, to thank you for raising such an amazing son.”
“I didn’t do that alone. We have a village, and you have a good head on your shoulders and an even kinder heart in your chest. Love you. I have to go. E wants to see me about something, but read the file, Sammie J.”
“Sure,” I agree, having no intention of reading it.
I don’t need to know anything about Poppy that she’s not ready to tell me. I figured something happened to make her notwant anything serious. She’s dead set on running, and there’s the fact she’s never mentioned her parents. The only family she’s talked about are her cousins. Which is why I plan on turning up to her family dinner tomorrow night. I’m sure I’ll find out more about Poppy by just being around her. I don’t need to go digging to do it.
I grab the file, open the safe on my wall, and shove the folder inside. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Walking into the bar, I find my cousins sitting around a roped-off table, pretentious fuckers that they are. I roll my eyes when I notice they’re not alone. No, they’ve got a few women hanging off their every word.
“Ah, he lives.” Alfie stands, shaking the brunette from his side. I step over the rope, and his hand grips mine while his other arm wraps around my back. “I thought you were going to punk out on tonight,” he says.
“And I thought we were meeting for drinks and to discuss the next shipment,” I tell him.
“We are. Later. First, we have fun. Also, this was Elias, not me,” he says, turning back to the table and finding his spot next to the brunette with fake tits larger than my head.
Four of my other cousins are also at the table: Elias, Esterio, CJ, and Hudson. The first two are brothers and the sons of my Tío E, who is the current leader of the De La Sangre Cartel. Elias and Esterio have no qualms about spending cash and flashing their wealth around. Then there’s CJ. He’s the son of my Uncle Carlo, while Hudson and Alfie belong to my Uncle Louie. Technically, we’re not blood related. And considering Alfie andHudson’s little sister just married Elias’s little brother, that’s probably a good fucking thing.
I take a seat next to Esterio, who is perched near the end of the table, away from the women. “Your dick break?” I ask him. Because out of all my cousins, this one has to be the sluttiest. It’s fucking weird to see him sitting alone.
“Something like that,” he grunts. “Heard you spent the night in Texas? You take an interest in cattle?”
“Something like that,” I repeat and lean back against the chair.
A waitress approaches with an empty glass and an unopened bottle of whiskey. She sets them down in front of me. “Mr. Russo, is there anything else you need, sir?” she asks, batting her eyelashes.
“No, I’m good. Thanks.” I pick up the bottle and twist off the cap.
“I’ll have one of those,” Elias calls out from across the table.
After pouring my own glass, I slide the bottle to him. “I’m invoicing you for that,” I grumble.
“Fuck off. We’re family,” he grunts at me.
“Money getting slim, Elias?” I raise a brow at him. “Need me to buy your drinks all night?”
“Well, since you’re offering, yes,” he deadpans. Fucker. I know damn well money is not tight in the Lopez family.
Speaking of Lopezes…
My gaze locks on the youngest one across the room. Eliana, the little cartel princess. Her wide eyes look like a deer caught in headlights as she stares back at me. She places a finger to her lips, turns, and disappears around the corner.
