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An exasperated huff flew past my lips. “Ugh,” I groaned.
“Why is he still going out of his way to treat me like a child after I told him I had it taken care of? I mean, what’s the point of even sending me out here to meet with Reed if he was going to have you report back my every move before I had the chance to? ”
“That’s between you and Unc. You know I don’t get in between y’all shit. You’re too much alike and opposites at the same time. It’s weird.”
I rolled my eyes while trying to brush off the negativity building up inside me. “Well, I’m good now. Once I get to the villa with Samara and the rest of the girls, you’re free to head back to Chicago.”
Dominic nodded. “Bet. You got the address?”
“I’m texting it to you now.”
The breathtaking Mexican sunset spread its golden, orange, and pink rays over the grand estate that sat on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
I stepped out of the car in awe. A smile crept across my face as my eyes soaked in the breathtaking beauty of the secluded mansion, painted a warm, earthy orange.
The large house was made of stucco and bordered by tropical gardens and palm trees with necks as long as giraffes swaying gently in the light breeze.
Samara’s cousin, Rayne, had gone above and beyond, securing a spectacular estate for the pre-wedding festivities.
I couldn’t wait to see what the weekend had in store for me.
“You sure you don’t need me to stay?” Dominic asked as he grabbed my luggage.
“In a house this gorgeous with a dozen beautiful half-naked women running around? No. I think I’ll spare you the torture,” I joked.
He smirked. “Yeah, whatever. Be safe, alright?”
“Always,” I replied with a wink.
As soon as my heels hit the paved walkway, I was greeted by Samara and the other bridesmaids, who were all buzzing with a blend of excitement and tequila.
Samara took my hand and pulled me through the front door. “You’re here!” she squealed with delight.
“In the flesh,” I said, looking around. The house was as much a picture of luxury on the inside as it was on the outside.
“Shots and introductions first,” she insisted. “And then I’ll give you a tour.”
The foyer and living room were a colorful blur as we raced into the kitchen to meet and greet everyone.
It was the weekend escape I never knew I needed.
I was beyond ready to free myself from my worries and my father’s unrealistic expectations that had been weighing on my shoulders for most of my life.
Samara handed me a shot glass filled to the brim with tequila. “Welcome to paradise, Demi! I’m so happy you could make it, girl! This weekend is all about love and having fun. Leave your stress at the door because that shit is not allowed up in here, okay?”
My teeth flashed white and broad as I took the shot glass. “Thanks, girl. This place is exactly what I needed, and this tequila is right on time! Thank you for including me.”
“That’s because I’m an on-time type of bitch, okay?” she teased with a chuckle.
We laughed in unison as the bride and the other bridesmaids gathered around the kitchen island.
The bride raised her glass. “To love and marriage.”
We toasted Rayne’s upcoming nuptials and the adventures that lay ahead for her as a newlywed.
The five of us clinked our glasses together as the sound of joyful laughter blended with the R the sunlight blurred into streaks of color.
“No . . .” I murmured, barely audible.
My thoughts galloped, desperately trying to piece together what was happening. Who is this woman? Why is she doing this? And is she connected to Ozias?
Ozias. The name echoed in my fading consciousness. El Diablo. The devil himself. I’d never met him, but I’d heard the whispers, the stories. A man as dangerous as he was powerful. Is this his doing? Is this retaliation for some perceived slight by my family?
I wanted to ask, to demand answers, but my body wouldn’t cooperate.
My eyelids were so heavy, and I couldn’t keep them open any longer.
As darkness consumed me completely, one final thought flashed through my mind: I’ve failed .
I failed to prove my worth and failed to protect myself. What would my father say?
Then, nothing.