Page 18 of Bound By A Promise
“The alliance,” Catalina replied, “is withel Patr?n,not my family.”
“We’re all involved.”
“You don’t need to worry about Mia out on the Bella.” My sister’s voice softened. “She’s safe.”
“I’m not worried about Mia; I’m worried about the alliance.” Dario’s volume increased. “I’m worried about you. The Russians attacked two targets, two targets in San Diego with an affiliation with this famiglia. It’s a rational concern to worry that they will try to attack here.”
“What about Jasmine?”
Dario’s tone changed, sounding even more protective. “I’ve sent Armando to New York.”
Catalina’s response was inaudible.
Dario continued, “He’s going to assess Piero’s work. I trust Armando, especially when it comes to Jasmine. If he thinks she’s in danger, he’ll bring her home.” Dario scoffed. “Don’t worry. Contessa is thrilled to have a full house to care for.”
“I’m sure she didn’t bargain for my family.”
“You’remyfamily, Catalina. Your family is my family. It’s why I offered Aléjandro some of our soldiers.”
“You did?” There was noticeable surprise in her voice.
“I did. He turned me down, but I offered. I have a meeting in a few minutes down in my office. It would be best if your mother and sister...”
Catalina sighed. “They’re both resting. Will the meeting be over before dinner?”
“I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll stay up here.”
My skin grew uncomfortably tight as the voices dimmed and low moans came from the other side of the door. As Dario said his goodbye, I hurried down the hallway away from their room and slipped inside the first door.
It didn’t take me long to realize I was in Jasmine’s bedroom. I scanned the colorful comforter and pillows. Within the built-in bookcases were books and pictures. Curiously, I chewed on my lower lip as I went closer. She had pictures with friends. Isuddenly wondered how different it was to grow up in the Mafia than it was in the cartel.
One picture caught my eye.
It was Jasmine with a woman I didn’t know. She was pretty and petite. In a way she resembled Jasmine, but she was older with dark hair versus Jasmine’s red hair. Catalina had told me the story of Jasmine’s sister and Dario. This must be a picture of the infamous Josie.
Footsteps in the hallway alerted me when Dario left his room. I waited a minute or two before opening the door to the hallway and peering in both directions. Letting out a breath, I stepped out, closed Jasmine’s door, and walked to Catalina’s door. With a rap of my knuckles, I knocked.
“Come in,” Catalina called.
Opening her door, I stepped inside.
“Oh, Camila. I didn’t realize you were done resting.”
I looked down at the shorts and t-shirt I’d put on after my shower. “I wasn’t exactly thinking straight when I packed to come here.” I tilted my head with a grin. “You wouldn’t have any dinner-appropriate casual dresses I could borrow, would you?”
My sister’s smile grew. “Just like old times.” She stood from the sofa where she’d been sitting and gestured for me to follow to her closet.
The room, because it was too big to describe as a closet, was filled with exquisite items, from dresses to tops, blouses, skirts, and slacks. Multiple sets of drawers lined the walls and in the center of the room was a large round ottoman. “I’ll just take your entire closet.”
Catalina laughed. “Let me find my nonmaternity clothes. You can borrow as many as you’d like.” She laid her hand over her baby bump. “Obviously, they won’t fit me.”
“Any word on what’s happening on the streets?” I asked.
My sister shook her head as her smile faded. “I’m sorry we can’t go shopping or out and about in the city. Dario is protective.”
Overprotective.