Page 25 of Taking His Heart

“I’m just saying what I heard from what you could call a reliable source,” he counters.

“Call Uncle Santo. Tell him he’s going to have a brother to bury because I am going to kill your father if there’s any truth to this.” Mum storms out of the room.

I almost feel bad for my dad if he actually is planning to marry me off. I highly doubt it’s true. I just can’t see my dad doing that.

I turn to my brother. “Do you actually believe this?”

My brother snorts. “Not in the slightest, but it is Dad. I’ve seen him do some… questionable things before.”

“Who is this trusted source?”

“CJ came to me, demanded I put a stop to it. I would place money on the fact that he’s not too happy about you being married off to someone who isn’t him.”

“I’m not marrying anyone.” I shake my head. “I can’t.”

Aurelio takes his phone from his pocket and taps at the screen before a ringtone comes over the loud speaker.

“Aurelio, how’s Vegas?” my Uncle Marcel asks down the line.

“Good. Got a question for you, Uncle.”

“Okay,” Uncle Marcel says cautiously.

“When Aunt Zoe told you she didn’t want kids, did you ever resent the fact you don’t have any?”

“Fuck no. I love her more than anything in this world. Besides, I have all you lot. I don’t need kids of my own,” Uncle Marcel replies.

“Right, so a man can love a woman who can’t have children and be content?” Aurelio continues.

“Of course. Is there something you want to tell me, Aurelio? Who is she?”

“Fuck, it’s not me. Asking for a friend. Thanks, Uncle Marcel. Gotta go. Shit to do.” Aurelio cuts the call and gives me a look that says: I told you so.

“That doesn’t mean that every man would be okay with it, Aurelio.” I shake my head.

I should have kept this to myself. It was easier when no one knew. I didn’t have to defend my choices. I didn’t have to see the look of pity in the eyes of my parents. And I certainly didn’t have my brother trying to set me up.

“Why are you even pushing this? You’ve literally never been okay with me dating. Why the sudden interest in getting me together with CJ? Unless there is truth to this marriage thing you said Dad was planning?”

“I don’t want you to date. I want you to be happy, and I want you to know that you deserve that, Daniella.”

“Aw, admit it! I’m your favorite person.” I smile at my brother.

“You’re in the top two,” he says.

“I need you to stop, though. I can’t deal with it, Aurelio. I’ve made my decision, and you know what? So has CJ.”

“What do you mean so has CJ?”

“He’s done with me. Told me as much this morning. There’s only so much rejection a person can take, you know.”

Aurelio snorts. “A million bucks says he’s not anywhere near done with you.”

“I’m not betting on that.” I laugh. “That’s demented. Also, you should try focusing on your own love life.” I get up from the bed and walk out of the room. I need to get away from everyone.

I make it to the bottom of the stairs when I pause. CJ is standing at the front door talking to a woman. A very attractive woman, who currently has her hand on his arm.

Huh, I didn’t know he was seeing anyone.