Page 62 of Cartel Devil

She sounds resigned to knowing she has to tell me, not that she wants to tell me. I’ve bullied her. She cups my cheeks and rubs her nose against mine. Then she kisses the tip of it. It makes me smile. I need this affection right now when I felt like she was icing me out a moment ago.

“Caro, I can practically hear the wheels turning. You didn’t strongarm me if that’s what you think. I don’t feel pressured. I appreciate your concern. It feels good to know you care that much.”

I nod. “I’ll give you all the time you need.”

She leans in for a kiss. A real kiss. The kind that makes us want to strip each other and fuck. We’d hardly be the first couple that’s fucked in a family town car, but we have a bed nearby that’s far more comfortable.

“Come in with me?”

“Of course.”

We climb out of the car. We head into her condo building in silence. It’s not until we get into the elevator alone that we gaze at each other again.

“Besides deciding dinner, should we decide how and when we’ll tell your family?”

“Chica, it needs to be tonight.”

“Okay. That takes care of when. What about how?”

“I can ask everyone to meet at my place or at Tío Enrique’s since it’s bigger.”

“Won’t it be kinda late?”

“We’re Colombian. We’d rather have dinner at eleven than this uncivilized six or seven. It’s like having two lunches.” I grin.

“So, you’re night owls?”

“Not necessarily. We adapt to our surroundings. But a late-night get-together wouldn’t inconvenience anyone. We can stay up past our usual bedtimes.”

“I’ll definitely tuck you in.”

She winks at me before she unlocks her door. Just like yesterday, she naturally steps back, letting me enter first. My hand’s beneath my suit coat, reaching for my gun at my lower back. She understands I won’t let her enter anywhere without me checking first. My gaze sweeps over the living room and kitchen. I can see inside the half bathroom. She follows me, putting her back to the wall that separates the kitchen from the living room. She knows I also don’t want her alone in the hallway. I do a sweep of the bedrooms and full bathrooms.

It relieved me yesterday that I didn’t have to explain what I was doing or tell her how to wait for me. Not too many benefits to being with a Boston Mafia daughter, but at least I don’t have to explain safety protocols. I’m certain there are specifics to my family that I’ll need to teach her, but they can’t be that different from what she grew up with.

As I come out of the bedroom, she slips over to the front door and flips the lock. I nod, and she joins me on the sofa. I pull out my phone and pull up the family text thread.

Me

Necesito que nos reunamos todos esta noche. Pueden venir todos a mi casa. ¿O podemos ir a la tuya, tío Enrique y tía Elle?

I need us all to get together tonight. Everyone can come to my place. Or can we go to you, Uncle Enrique and Aunt Elle?

It’s not even a minute later before Pablo responds in Spanish.

Pablo

What did you do this time?

I glance at Tre from the corner of my eye. She can see my phone. From her lack of reaction, I don’t think she understands. It must not be that similar to Italian. She won’t know that my cousin’s just giving me shit. He’s a couple years older than me, and even though I’m the same size as him and have been for years, he flexes when he can.

I can’t exactly say “nothing.” I did a whole lot of something.

Me

Are you coming or not?

Pablo