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“I’d better keep all those weapons connections for myself then, huh?”
“I have a daughter, Benny. She’s six, and she already doesn’t have a mother. I can’t leave her alone in this world.”
“I have no heartstrings for you to tug, Antonio. If that’s your plan B, it won’t work.” Shaking his head, he places his glass ona coaster.“I suggest finding her somewhere to go because you’ll die if you don’t win.”
My jaw tightens, the muscles rigid. “I guess we’ll all get ready for a game of bloodshed.”
“Can’t wait. Save me a seat.” He stares down at his phone when it vibrates. “I have another meeting to attend. You can see yourself out.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I say before leaving his office.
Plan one fucking hundred failed.
Now, onto the next.
27
I flip through the folder of prospective husbands my father handed me three weeks ago. I’ve read each paper so many times that I’ve practically memorized every man’s bio.
It’s not exactly easy to select a husband from a résumé. None of them have social media, which isn’t surprising. There are plenty of news articles about them, referring to their influence, criminal history—or lack thereof—as well as their net worth.
My mouth is as dry as a desert when I pull the top paper from the stack, shut the folder, and place it on top.
“There he is,” I whisper to myself, tracing my red-nailed finger along his name. “My future husband.”
I asked my father to keep the news of my potential marriage a secret until I reached a final decision. I want no outside influence on my decision. It’s for me and me only.
There’s also so much happening in the family that I don’t want to stress anyone. Natalia’s due date is quickly approaching.Benny and Neomi just finished building a new home on the property, only a few acres from the mansion. They deserve that excitement without me interfering with husband-picking.
“I still don’t understand why you’re going to Chicago solo,” Natalia says, making herself comfortable on my bed while I pack my overnight bag.
I shove three pairs of black lace panties inside. “Shopping.”
“And I can’t go?” She scrunches her nose.
Since she found out that Antonio went to Benny’s office, Natalia has been keeping a closer eye on me. I’ve even caught her checking my phone a few times, most likely looking for traces of Antonio.
Speaking of Antonio …
There’s been nothing but radio silence from him.
Whatever we had between us is over now.
“I’m buying my baby brother gifts you can’t see.” I hate lying to her. “Plus, you need to stay in New York in case your water breaks. My father would lose his shit if you were in a different state so close to your due date.”
“True.” She snatches a pillow and levels her elbows on it. “I’m surprised he’s even letting you leave.”
“Bruno will be with me.”
She furrows her brows. “Are you keeping something from me?”
“Oh, shush.” I flick my hand through the air. “You know every move I make.”
“At least bring Neomi or Benny with you. Neomi never turns down a shopping trip.”
“They’re busy.” I zip up my bag.
“I don’t like you traveling solo.”
