Page 44 of His to Bedevil

“You want me to babysit your girl? Really?” His tone is infuriating.

“Irma is important to me. Did you not just hear that she is my fiancée?”

He stares at me for a long moment then bursts out in chuckles. “I told you it would happen to you one day.”

Sidestepping that comment, I begin to go into detail of how I procured such a magnificent creature. Why I can only trust him with her while I’m away. He sits there stoically while I tell him our story from beginning to end.

Once I’m done, ending with how we got engaged, he bursts into deep laughter. It’s been years since I’ve seen him laugh so hard. Though it’s at my expense, it’s good to see.

Sighing, I close my eyes and rub my temples. “I’m sorry, Alejo. I just cannot believe you bribed her into marrying you with the life of her ex-lover.” He continues to laugh, and I’m doing my best to have patience with his levity. He’s wiping away tears when he finally settles down.

“Are you finished?” I grumble.

He chuckles again and shakes his head. “Lo siento, hermano.”

“So, you understand, right? You need to keep an eye on her, and when you leave the room, I want you taking at least one other guy with you. She wouldn’t be able to take you down or anything, but she might be able to take on another guy. Keep her far away from any and all weapons. Anything that can even be considered a weapon.”

“I can’t wait to ask Diego how he got his ass kicked by your girl.” He chuckles again, and I’m afraid he won’t take this as seriously as I need him to. He must sense my concern because he suddenly sobers up. “You know you can trust me, Alejo. I won’t let anything happen to her, and when you come home, she’ll still be here and in one piece. Promise.”

Nodding, I feel some of the tension finally ease. “I need to talk to Mamá and Juanita, then I have to go.” I stand up with my laptop and head for the exit. “Oh, and one other thing.” I turn and face him as he gets to his feet. “No more hot maids.”

His jaw drops. “What?”

“Find your playthings somewhere else,hermano.” Before he can protest anymore, I exit my office and search for either Juanita or my mother.

I find my mother out back sipping on a latte, enjoying the early morning. “Mamá.” I lean down and kiss her cheek.

“Mijo, buenos días.” She smiles up at me.

“I have to leave, but I need to ask you for a few favors.”

She sets her cup down on the table. “Is something the matter, Alejo?”

Yes, I don’t want to leave Irma.

“Everything is okay, Mamá. It’s a favor for Irma. She wasn’t feeling well last night, and I just need you to check on her in a few hours. Bring her some medicine and make sure she has her heating pad.”

She frowns. “Is she ill?”

I shake my head. “It’s just her period.”

She sighs and rolls her eyes. “What we women have to go through,” she murmurs. “Of course,mijo. I will make sure she is well taken care of.”

“Thank you, Mamá.”

“De nada, mijo.”

“I left Lucas in charge of her while I’m away, so that’s where he’ll be most of the time.”

She frowns again, knowing that there is a lot more to the story about Irma. Having Lucas watch over her isn’t just about protecting her, it’s about keeping an eye on her. Picking up her latte, she eyes me over the cup as I stand there feeling sheepish suddenly. She’s the only person who could ever make me feel like this. “I want to know the full story about her when you get back, Alejo. It isn’t nice to keep your mother in the dark. I’m still a part of this family, you know.”

I lean down to kiss her cheek again. “You are the most important part of this family, Mamá. You know that. This situation is a delicate one, but I will tell you everything when I get back. In the meantime, I’d like you to help plan a wedding.”

Her eyes widen, and she stills. “Wedding,mijo?”

A grin stretches over my lips. “I’m getting married, Mamá.”

Jumping to her feet, she throws her arms around my neck. I wrap my arms around her and let her hug and kiss me while she babbles on in rapid Spanish. When she pulls back, she cups my face with tears in her eyes. “You have made my heart very happy, Alejo.”