Page 31 of Veiled Amor

He wanted to own the woman who strangled his heart, who tormented his dreams and thoughts, even today. Worse today.

He wanted to know where she was at all times, probably be at her side like a panting dog. Capone would be happier if he were the one to do things for her, protect her, provide for her.

Putting her in the box markedfamilymeant he had a chance of resisting what he shouldn’t have.

In his brother’s memory.

As much as the brothers hadn’t seen eye-to-eye, Santiago deserved better than to know Capone was hungering for his wife.

It made him as despicable as the father trying to re-cage his daughter.

They left the motel room without a word.

Lucia climbed into the waiting truck when he opened the door for her. She slid into the middle as far away from him as she could get and stayed that way.

However long it took to get her safe, it was going to be too fucking long on his control and patience. He had an idea how to do that.

But it was out of the question.

Too fucking absurd, and went against his moral code. As loose as that was.

He couldn’t do it.

Wouldn’t.

But it stayed on the bench as a back-up plan.

Another lie he made himself swallow.

He’d do whatever that was needed for her safety, that much he knew.

And because Capone couldn’t help himself, he reached over and grabbed one of her clasped hands, enfolding it in his.

She didn’t pull away, didn’t even turn to look at him, but it made everything right again.

ELEVEN

“An unexpected declaration…” - Capone

Whatever she expected from the large square complex, Lucia was still taken aback when the purring truck came to a halt in front of a four-story-high warehouse-style building. Dark bricks and windows made it look like a student accommodation with double doors and a keypad entryway.

Without thinking, she shyly squeezed Capone’s hand, and he squeezed back, reassuring her.

“I’ll let the Prez know you guys are here.” The younger boy announced, jumping out.

“Gracias, prospect.”

A category five hundred hurricane tore through her with nerves.

She wasn’t a naturally nervous person. Learning to handle the knocks over the years. And these last three weeks had been a blast. She’d never realized how badly she’d craved to be on her own, doing what she wanted to do.

Having her father’s guy turn up like that this morning put her situation into perspective.

Ugh. If only he was doing it out of love. Out of a sense of fatherly care.

It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Being a commodity her whole life had meant Lucia built up her own confidence and self-worth. Emotion gathered in her throat, and she fought to push it down. So happy to be around him again, even if it made her a masochist. Their kiss was… out of this world.