Page 82 of Thorns of Desire

“Not true,” I objected, wincing slightly. This man was nothing if not perceptive.

“Liar.”

“I just don’t know what to make of it all,” I admitted. The truth was that my heart hadn’t stopped racing since we left the jewelry store. “You might regret it.”

“Never.” One word was enough to make me feel all squishy inside. One hand still in the pocket, he slung his other around my shoulder. “Now, aren’t you going to ask about your surprise?”

We started for the castello once more, my flats crunching the stones in the path.

“I’m just hoping it’s not more jewelry,” I croaked. “You almost had me believing you were going to clean that poor shopkeeper out.”

“I would have, if that’s what you wanted.” He smirked, then his eyes fell on my hand. “This is the only one that counts.”

As we came closer to the entrance, I noticed a commotion by the door. A towering man, dressed much like Manuel in a three-piece suit, stood with two boys who looked like his carbon copies.

They turned around as they noticed us approaching. I stopped short when two new figures came into view, my hand coming up to cover my open mouth. No, it couldn’t be.

“Is that…” I turned to Manuel. “What… How…” I couldn’t form the words. “You brought my mom?”

Manuel’s hand tightened around me and he bent his head, his mouth near my ear. “I want all the people you love surrounding you on the day you say yes to forever with me,amorina.”

Emotion swept through me and tears burned in my eyes. Without another word, I took off, sprinting toward my mom and best friend with a huge smile on my face. We crashed together in a mess of hugs and tears.

“Mom, I can’t believe you’re here,” I said, her red polka-dot A-line dress making her stand out in all the greenery. It was always “go big or go home” with Alexandra, and the effect had her looking forever youthful. It wasn’t uncommon for people to believe she was my and Isla’s age.

“Of course I’m here.” She pecked my cheek.

“This feels like déjà vu,” Isla said, laughing as her eyes went glassy, likely remembering back to her and Enrico’s wedding.

“Where are the girls?” I wondered, glancing around.

Isla’s expression fell.

“They’re all still MIA.” Worry settled in my stomach, but I tried not to let it show on my face. Although, judging by the expression on Isla’s face, she was struggling with the same thing. “I’m sure it’ll all end well.”

I didn’t know whether she was trying to convince me or herself.

“Yeah,” I murmured.

My eyes darted past Enrico to Isla’s stepsons, Enzo and Amadeo. “Hey, boys.”

Amadeo grinned. “I thought you were going to wait for me.”

Enzo bumped his shoulder against his brother. “No, she promised to wait for me.”

I chuckled. “I think Raven made those promises. If you’re going to be charmers, keep your facts straight.”

Isla waved her hand. “Go find some trouble to get into, you two. This is Athena’s day, so let’s focus on her.”

“Yes, let’s,” Mom chimed in. “This mama needs to have a mother-daughter talk. Isla, can you give me a moment with my baby?” The boys took off running and Isla flicked me an uneasy look. I gave her a reassuring nod and she gave us some privacy, wandering over to where the men were catching up. Mom pulled me into her side, the soft floral scent of her perfume reaching me. “Thisis not what I wanted for you, Athena.”

I fought the urge to jerk back, disappointment like lead in my stomach. I didn’t know what I expected, but this wasn’t it.

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t want you getting wrapped up with the mafia,” she said, a tremor slipping into her voice.

“You’re the mistress of the head of the Spanish mafia,” I pointed out, my voice slightly unsteady. “Isn’t that kind of hypocritical?”