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He barked out a laugh, genuinely delighted. “I’m pleased you’re so amenable, little pet.”
He captured my lips in a fierce kiss, a thorough, seductive promise that I wouldn’t regret choosing him.
Chapter 21
Stefano
“You’re home early,” Carmen commented, glancing up at me from her reclined position on the couch. Bandit was a fluffy black shadow on her belly, and she had to nudge him twice before he reluctantly hopped off and permitted her to rise.
“You don’t sound disappointed,” I remarked, goading her. “Did you miss me already, little pet?”
She rolled her eyes and sat upright, setting her book aside. “I’m surprised. You’ve only been gone for a couple hours. Usually, you’re not back until close to dinner time.” She shot me a saucy grin. “Maybe you’re back so soon because you missed me.”
I chuckled, warmth flooding my chest. Ever since Carmen had admitted that she wanted to be with me last night, I’d felt an unprecedented level of pleasure. My entire body felt oddly light, and my pleasant mood took no effort to fabricate.
“I definitely missed you, kitten.” I closed the distance between us and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “But I’m here on more official business.”
Her gray eyes flashed, wary. “Involving me?”
I settled beside her on the couch, caressing her cheek to soothe her. “Yes, involving you. Last night, Arturo Flores was quite vocal in criticizing my strategy with you,” I reminded her. “After sleeping on it, I’ve decided that he’s right. My tactics were miscalculated, and I’m going to change my approach.”
Her posture remained assertive, but anxious tension lingered around her mouth. “How so?”
I placed the gold gift bag I’d brought with me down on the floor by my ankles, enacting the scene I’d been planning since Carmen had fallen asleep in my arms last night.
“As Arturo so helpfully pointed out,” I continued, “Miguel Armendariz is rallying Ronaldo men to support him by framing himself as your white knight. He is using you as a symbol for the cartel, and I have made a woeful mistake in degrading your proud legacy.” I removed the black velvet box from the gift bag and placed it in her lap. “I intend to undermine his efforts by honoring that legacy.”
Her hands rested on the box, eyeing its size and shape suspiciously. “This had better not be another damn collar,” she warned.
“No,” I reassured her. “I think this will suit you far better than a collar. Open it, kitten.”
She obeyed, and her lovely eyes flew wide when she revealed the delicate, gold tiara I’d selected for her.
“I propose an alliance,” I announced. “I see no need for my cartel to destroy yours when we could simply merge. No one else needs to die, and there won’t be any further disruptions to our business running smoothly. If you agree, I’ll move forward with plans for your official coronation. I think a very public announcement should eliminate any subversive chatter doubting the genuine nature of our relationship.”
Her fingers trailed over the rubies and diamonds that accented the gleaming yellow gold, her touch covetous. But her eyes remained keen on my face, assessing my offer for any hidden agenda or conditions.
“And what is the nature of our relationship?” she pressed. “Am I your pet? Or your queen?”
A vicious grin split my features. “Yes.”
I allowed her to absorb the weight of the intentional ambiguity. Public uncertainty about the exact power dynamic between Carmen and me would work to our advantage. When I’d destroyed her family’s estate, she’d been taken as my prisoner, but soon, she would be presented as my equal. I could hear the whispers already…
Has Duarte gone soft? Has Carmen managed to control him?
Does Carmen truly have power, or is this Duarte’s ruse to discourage Ronaldo resistance?
If he’s just using her, can Carmen be persuaded to turn on Duarte?
We would present a united front, and anyone who was foolish enough to try to use us against each other would simply expose themselves as a two-faced threat to our regime.
Her lush lips curved in a wicked smirk. “Very clever. I don’t suppose you’d like to share the real answer with me, would you?”
I beamed at her. “I’m sure we’ll have countless arguments over it. Why spoil all that fun by coming up with a definitive answer today?”
Her delighted giggle was as intoxicating as the finest Champagne. “You are thoroughly insane, Stefano.”
“I think you’re wonderful, too.” I brushed a kiss over her forehead. “Does this mean you accept the terms of our alliance?”
Her brows rose. “You mean the fact that there are no terms? Sure, why not?”
I curled two fingers beneath her chin, lifting her face to mine. “There are no terms because I need you to trust me,” I said in a more serious tone. “I won’t insult you with a tin crown. If I tried, you would turn on me at the first opportunity. I want you, Carmen, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you. Do you understand? No matter if you wear a collar or a crown, you’re mine, and I will not let you go.”
