Page 133 of No Merciful Corruption

“I think you’ve done enough of that already.”

Even in the semi-darkness I can see Karina burning fifty shades of crimson.

“I—” she stumbles over her words. “Forgot something.”

“Hm,” I give her a once over. “Your clothes? In Diego’s room?”

If a person could die of humiliation, Karina would be dead and buried where she stands. It gets even better when Diego bursts from his room like a bat out of Hell, mostly naked save a pair of underwear barely pulled over his hips as if dressing in haste. Very little modesty and more of my brother-in-law than I’d ever like to see but entertaining nonetheless.

“Kay—”

He stops short when he sees me.

“Titi and Tio are up to no good,” I sing-song as I open my door. “Let’s hope they don’t make Easter awkward.”

Karina huffs and disappears into her bedroom. There’s no mistaking the click as her lock falls into place.

Our bedroom is quiet and dimly lit. I slip into bed as quietly as I can but my husband stirs beside me.

“On one of your walks again?” His voice is rough with sleep.

“I’m surprised you’re awake.” I smile teasingly. “After all you had to drink last night.”

His eyes are closed but I can feel the glare in his voice. “I am perfectly sober.”

“Mhm,” I lean over and kiss his head. “You were singing.”

One eye pops open. “Singing what?”

“Boleros. Your rendition of Dos Almas was very romantic.”

He sighs and sinks deeper into the pillows. “Could’ve been worse.”

He snakes an arm around me, pulling me closer. When the baby kicks, I adjust his hand so he can feel the movement.

“Deja que tu mami duerma, ya.” The baby shifts against the palm of his hand. “Por favor, mi vida.”

“I don’t think they like taking orders. Wonder who they get that from.”

He chuckles softly, eyes still closed. “Probably the mother who threw a chair through her bedroom window.”

“That was one time!”

Alejandro laughs and I pick up a pillow to throw in his direction when a tightness seizes me. The pain is mild but quick and catches me off guard. A gasp leaves my lips when it happens again.

All humor gone from his face he springs up in bed, suddenly alert, and turns on the lamp. “¿Estás bien?”

“Yes, yes, I’m okay! It’s all right.” I promise. “The doctor said this would happen the closer we get to the due date.”

He studies me closely before checking the time. “We should’ve stayed home.”

“Alejandro, I’m not due for another few weeks. I’m refuse to sit around and twiddle my thumbs until May sixth. Besides, most first-time mothers give birth late anyway,” I say. “I was born late. Almost two weeks to the day. My mom said I didn’t want to be rushed but I think deep down, I just didn’t want to be born a Gemini.”

He casts me a look over his shoulder as he throws off the covers and climbs out of bed. “God forbid anyone try to tell you what to do. Much less when to be born.”

“I know you meant that to be snarky,” I call after him as he heads to the bathroom. “But I take it as a compliment!”

The baby kicks in response and I smile to myself.