Page 36 of Bound By A Promise

“Your agreement was with Jorge, not with me.”

“My capo negotiated the arrangement the same as the one with Catalina.” Dante squared his shoulders. “I won’t stop until I speak with Jorge himself.”

“Mr. Luciano,” Papá said loudly, “I am Camila’s father.” His dark eyes flashed toward Jano. “While I respect Jorge, Camila’s future is my decision.”

“Perhaps my uncles were right to warn us about trusting the cartel. Will this misunderstanding have a ripple effect? Will shipments of product you’ve promised be rerouted at the last minute?”

“My daughter isn’t a product to be sold.”

“Then don’t sell her for your own gain. Give her to me to be treasured.”

Treasured.

My core clenched.

“My decision is final.”

“I will alert my capo.”

“My daughter’s husband,” Papá replied. “I’ll call him myself.”

“We aren’t done,” Dante said. “I won’t be so easily led away. Camila was promised to me.”

Papá bowed his head and looked up. “Camila’s engagement party is tomorrow. My decision is final.”

Tomorrow.

I hadn’t been told.

New tears prickled the back of my eyes at the realization Dante flew all the way to California for me. I do know love when I feel it. He loves me too or he wouldn’t be fighting for me.

As a large hand squeezed my shoulder, I jumped, bringing my hand to my chest to try to contain my rapid heartbeat.

“Your room,” Miguel menacingly whispered near my ear.

I spun around, standing as I turned with my cheeks rising. “He loves me,” I whispered. “He’s here fighting for me.”

Miguel closed his eyes and exhaled. “Child, it would be better if you didn’t know. You can’t change the future.” He tugged my hand. “To your room before you’re seen.”

Walking down the hallway, I pulled on my upper lip with my teeth.

Miguel was wrong.

The future was the one thing I could change.

Now, how could I contact Dante before he went back to Kansas City.

I had an idea.

Alone in my bedroom with the tray of food from dinner, I found my appetite had disappeared, replaced by a sense of urgency. In my list of contacts on my phone, I searched for Mia’s number. I didn’t have it. I did have Jano’s. Fresh goose bumps covered my skin. I was supposed to marry Jano’s brother. Surely, he wouldn’t help me pursue Dante. I also had Rei’s.

That meant he had mine.

He could have called me about this marriage.

He hadn’t.

Dante had flown across the country.