When I see Carlo scanning the casino floor more frequently that he normally would, my Spidey senses kick in. “Did something happen, or are you expecting something to happen?” I ask him.
I keep thinking about that text I got earlier. Do I want something to happen to him? Especially now that he has Jazzy? No, but am I ready to find a way out of this marriage? Yes, because if I stay, I’m going to end up letting my guard down. I’m going to give this man whatever is left of my heart. And like I said, I won’t survive when he breaks it again.
“I have two of the most valuable things to me in my hands right now. I’m just being extra cautious. You have nothing to worry about,” he says. “I’ll never let anything happen to you.”
I know he believes that. I’m also not stupid enough to fall for it. I’ve been raised in this life. I know the dangers. I know what happens to women in our world when an enemy gets their hands on them. My father made sure I knew.
I look down at Jazzy. I really hope for her sake that Carlo can keep that promise to her. To always keep her safe from the monsters. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will do anything—and I mean anything—to make sure nothing happens to her. And if it did, that’s when we’d see the devil flinch in fear because what Carlo will do to anyone that hurt her…
Well, let’s just say your worst nightmare wouldn’t compare.
By the time we reach the elevators, my nerves haven’t dissipated. They’ve increased tenfold. I’m not usually this anxious. And honestly, why do I even care if his friends don’t like me? I don’t even likehim.
When we step into the elevator, Jazzy lets go of Carlo and comes around to me. She takes my hand. “It’s gonna be okay, Antonia,” she whispers, comforting me.
This kid really has such a good heart. “I know.”
“Wanna know what I used to do when the bullies would make me scared to go to school?” she asks.
I look to Carlo, who is now clenching his jaw.Bullies? Someone bullied her? Hell no. That’s not okay.“What did you do?”
“I would think of a happy time. My mama used to take me dancing, and it always made me happy, so I just remembered that,” she explains. “And tried to ignore the bullies.”
“That’s a great idea,” I say. “Later, I want you to tell me who these bullies are. I’ll go sort 'em out.”
“That’s what Carlo said too.” Jazzy laughs. “You can’t beat a bully by being a bully. It’s not right.”
“Maybe,” I agree, becauseI knowshe’s right. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to put those little shits in their place. I turn to Carlo. “I’m going to handle them.”
“They’re kids, Antonia. What are you gonna do?” he whispers.
“I’ll figure something out. You can’t let anyone get away with bullying her,” I tell him. “I won’t.”
Carlo smiles at me and the doors open. I drop his hand because Jazzy rushes into the room, dragging me behind her.
“Guys, this is Antonia, my daddy’s wife. You have to like her because I said so,” she yells at the top of her lungs. All eyes turn to me, and I can hear Carlo laughing behind us.
“Uh, hi?” I say, not knowing what to do after that introduction.
“And if you don’t like her, then you’re just mean. And I don’t like mean people,” Jazzy adds.
“Well, then, I think I just found my new best friend,” Sammie says. “Welcome to the family, Antonia. Nice dress.” He chuckles.
“Thank you.” I try not to glare at his reminder, but I don’t think I manage to school my features as well as I should. “Jazzy wanted to match,” I reply—my way of explaining the reason I changed.
“Right.”
“Look! I got lip gloss, Tío E,” Jazzy says, running over to Carlo’s friend, who also happens to be the leader of a Mexican cartel. Although with the way he softens for this little girl, you wouldn’t think it.
“You do. Who gave you that? You are way too young for makeup,” Emmanuel tells her.
“But it’s pretty,” Jazzy whines.
“I think you look beautiful, Jazzy,” Charlotte, Louie’s wife, chimes in. “This is my friend, Evie. She’s here for the weekend.”
“Evie,” Jazzy repeats. “Are you going to marry Tío E? Because he has your name on his wrist. And my daddy has Antonia’s name on him and he married her.”
“Ah… no, that must be a different Evie,” Charlotte’s friend replies while sending Emmanuel a look that would make most people squirm. Not him, though. He doesn’t react at all.
