Page 46 of Bound By A Promise
It was already after eleven.
In the kitchen, Viviana was putting the finishing touches on a round cake with white frosting. “How did she make that so fast?” I asked Aléjandro in a whisper.
“She didn’t. Silas went out and bought a cake. She’s personalizing it.”
I met my brother-in-law’s gaze. “I’m sure this is difficult for you, the other man being Reinaldo and all.”
“Camila wants you.”
“And you approve?”
“I approved before Rei was in the picture. I wasn’t told about the change of plans until they were set.” He hesitated. “There will be unhappy people on both sides. We need to be prepared.” He clasped his hand on my shoulder. “Mia and I want you and Camila to spend tonight here.” He looked over at a large clock. “It’s late and if word gets out, this house is well protected with technology and manpower. If anything happened to Camila, the alliance could end up in a bloodbath.”
“You think there could be dissent from members of the cartel?”
Aléjandro nodded. “Sí. The alliance is tenuous in the eyes of some. There was a balance achieved with my marriage. One bride to the famiglia and one to the cartel. Camila was supposed to stay in the cartel. Her marrying you is a blow to that balancing act.”
“We have your support?”
Aléjandro inhaled, squaring his shoulders. “Síand my wife’s.”
I didn’t want to risk Camila’s safety. “Thank you. We’ll stay here.” I lowered my voice. “I promised Camila there would be no viewing the sheets in the morning.”
My brother-in-law grinned. “Then you’re at the right house. That isn’t one of your traditions that we uphold.”
Chapter
Fifteen
Camila
Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I didn’t see the same woman who I’d seen hours earlier, back at my house. Gone was the frizzy, braided hair and the bloodshot eyes. The woman in this reflection was radiant, the way I’d always imagined a bride should be.
When we pulled my dress from the backpack, it looked like it had been stowed away in a ball because it had. Mia ironed the long white sundress, erasing the wrinkles and making it crisp. Wearing a pair of Mia’s high-heeled shoes, I turned a slow circle, seeing someone new.
The dress was the only item I’d thought to bring. That left me with no makeup or a way to style my hair. Mia offered me the use of her makeup. As I highlighted my eyes, cheekbones, and lips, she curled and styled my hair. She pulled it up on the sides securing it with dainty pearl combs and draping the long dark curls behind my shoulders.
“You’re beautiful,” she said, standing back and crossing her arms. “Dante is a lucky man.”
I met her gaze in the mirror. “Thank you for helping me and making me feel welcome.”
Her cheeks rose as she smiled. “I wish I’d done more for Catalina when she and Dario married. I’ve vowed not to make that mistake again.”
I spun toward her. “I know in my heart that I’ve made the right decision. I hope this doesn’t get you and Jano in trouble withel Patr?n.”
“I’ll let Aléjandro worry about that.” She shrugged. “I’m sure I’ll get an earful from my other brother.” Her smile returned. “It’s a good thing I’m no longer under his control.” She came forward and laid her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. Catalina will be thrilled to have you with her in Kansas City. Dario will adjust.”
I tugged on my painted lip with my teeth. “Will Dante be in trouble?”
Mia nodded. “Don’t worry about him. Dante is a grown man who’s capable of making his own decisions.”
My eyebrows knitted together. “He’s a good man.”
“Are you asking or telling?”
“Both. He’s always been good to me.”
“That’s what matters. I’ve learned the men in the famiglia and those in the cartel aren’t much different from one another, though they wouldn’t admit to their similarities. There are good men and bad men on both sides. My brothers can both be good men. They are also both capable of doing bad things. It’s not so much about separating the two identities as it is about loving both sides.”