Page 16 of Bound By A Promise
“Other people?” I asked. “Cartel or famiglia?”
Cat shook her head. “It could be either or both. Dario’s been communicating withel Patr?n.” She met Mama’s gaze. “I’m so sorry about Luis. He was a good man.”
“He was.”
Catalina stood. “No more talk of attacks or deaths. I’m so happy to have the two of you here for a while. And I bet you’re both tired. Let’s go in the kitchen and see what Contessa has planned for lunch and then, if you want, you can rest.”
“Or we could get out of here.” I flashed my sister a smile. “I know, we could take Mom to Emerald Club.”
Cat closed her eyes and shook her head. “Camila, you’re obsessed.”
“Well, you know, I was almost kidnapped by the bratva. It got me thinking about the sex workers.” When Mama looked at me, aghast, I continued, “You know, if I was forced to become one.”
“Stop,” Mama commanded. “No more talk of such things. You’re both ladies. Just because things like that exist, we don’t need to discuss it.”
It wasn’t Mama’s words, but my sister’s pleading look that made me change the subject. Looking around, I took in the lovely surroundings. “Is Jasmine here?”
Jasmine was…it was a long story, but she grew up with Cat’s husband, Dario. Cat thinks of her as his daughter even though they aren’t related by blood or marriage. Yes, it’s complicated.
“She’s back in New York,” Cat said. “She found a part-time job at a museum near the university.”
“A museum?” Mama asked. “What’s her major?”
“She has a double major,” Cat replied with pride. “She’s studying history, particularly the Renaissance, and archaeology.”
“Wow,” I said, thinking about my major of interior design.
Cat went on, “Dario has always been a collector of fine things and unbeknownst to him, his interest sparked hers.”
Mama’s smile grew. “Cat, there’s so much more to your husband than we were told.”
“There is,” Cat agreed. “In a world of danger, he’s a good man.”
Mama looped her arm with Cat’s. “I’m proud of you.” She turned to me. “And of you too.”
I lifted my hands. “I’ll let Cat be married and have the babies. I want to see more of the world than SoCal and Missouri.”
“Is there more?” Cat asked with a grin.
Our conversations around the kitchen quieted as Dario entered. I couldn’t help but think that it must be difficult to live with a man who exuded power the way the capo dei capi did. It surrounded him like an impenetrable cloud. Without uttering a word, he’d garnered all our attention.
“Valentina,” he said in a deep, pleasing voice, going to Mama and offering her an embrace.
Catalina’s smile shone, lighting up the room.
“Dario,” Mama said, “thank you for opening your home to Camila and me.”
“This is Catalina’s home too.” He almost grinned. “And you’re always welcome.”
“Camila.”
The mention of my name drew my attention back to my brother-in-law. I’d mindlessly been watching the swing door, hoping that Dante would follow. My gaze met Dario’s. “Thank you.”
He cleared his throat. “I don’t know how to put this another way.” He had our attention. “Until we can be certain of what’s happening, I’d like the three of you to remain in the apartment.”
Pressing my lips together, I looked from my mother to my sister. They were both nodding obediently. “Are we talking hours, days, weeks?” I asked.
“Camila,” Mama chastised.