Behind closed doors, everybody knew exactly who they were, but as soon as they were questioned, they didn’t know a damn thing. It was amazing, yet sad, how much fear these brothersinstilled in people. I’d only been in New York for three years, but according to the rumors, they’d been running the city for almost a decade.
“I don’t know, Nirah, but it’s a possibility. You can’t deny that he isn’t really the most open, talkative, or friendly man. He’s also filthy rich, and no one knows what he does for a living. Not to mention you saw his gun.” I had, in fact, caught a glimpse of itonce.
“Marco carries a gun too,” I quickly shot back. “Nothing wrong with a little protection.” I heard exactly how ridiculous I sounded as soon as I uttered those words. I chewed the inside of my cheek. “Maybe he just hates human contact. Nothing wrong with keeping to yourself.”
She sighed—heavily. “You should ask him.”
“I amnotasking him,” I laughed, and her shoulders slumped. “Seriously Silvia? You want me to walk up to him and be like ‘Hey, by the way. Did you send a—” My throat closed up at the thought, and she put her hand on my shoulder.
“I’m just trying to look out for you.”
“Yeah, I know, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.”
With an uneasy gut feeling and my mind racing through a million thoughts, I finally left the dressing room. I had to take over for London because, unfortunately, Theo got sick again.
I cleaned one of her tables, and my heart dropped to my feet as Antonio stood with Cesar at the entrance.
I couldn’t help but stare at him as they conversed.
When Antonio left Cesar’s side, I hurried over. “Is he always like that?” I asked, stopping in front of him.
“Like what, Miss Nirah?”
“Like he shoves a stick up his ass every morning.”
Cesar let out a faint, breathless chuckle, shaking his head. “I can assure you, miss, he does not.”
“Why, because you’re up there so much, you know exactly what’s going on?” I smiled, resting my hands on my hips.
He only pinned me a look, and I broke out in a broad smile, gently rubbing my nails up and down the stubble along his jaw. “I’m kidding,” I leaned up to say, and he shook his head in disapproval.
I crossed my arms over my chest, turning my back on Cesar, and both our eyes landed on Antonio.
“Oh no, he’s coming back, act natural,” I whispered to Cesar. “He’s walking normal. Do you think the stick fell out?” I glanced up at him before he and I both broke out in a mischievous snicker.
When Antonio reached us, I mustered up false courage. “Ah, it’s my prince charming. What can I get you on this fine evening?” I asked, heading over to wipe the table.
“An answer,” he vaguely said, sitting down at my table.
I stopped, standing up straight, and noticed Cesar was gone. “Mm,” I paused in thought. “False. To get to the other side. Large sex on the beach. Red,” I said, spitting out random answers.
“Nirah,” he warned.
I sighed, plopping down in front of him. I stared into his beautifully green eyes, trying my utmost best to stay focused. His dark hair really made his eyes pop, and his olive skin tone complimented his features so well.
He pulled out his cell phone, and I watched his thumbs run across his screen. My phone vibrated, and I looked down the screen. “Save it,” he said, and I nodded.
“Where did you get my number, you creepy stalker?” I asked, slipping my phone back into my pocket.
“Silvia.”Yes, of course.
I was hesitant about the entire proposal until this morning. Whoever sent it knew where I lived. And if they’re anything like Sylvester, they’re heartless, and that scared me.
Ever since I met Antonio, I felt some sort of comfort. Maybe it’s just my daddy issues kicking in, but I felt safe with him—even though he was a stranger.Crazy. I know.
“Okay fine,” I breathed. “But if we get married, then I want a wedding. Anactualwedding.”
He nodded. “Done.”
