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Eden
I closed my eyes, envisioning my wedding day. I’d fantasized about a man who’d sweep me off my feet, but never had I imagined I’d be the one posing the question. I hadn’t intended to do something so rash, but when I was with Cruz, every defense I had seemed to fade away, lost in the same mist that had enshrouded me for years.
I’d spoken of freedom, but there was only one way that would happen. I shuddered at the thought of what that meant. Cruz had asked me several times if I trusted him and the truth was I did. Maybe to others there was no reason, but he would never hurt me, at least not in the way others feared.
Besides, I was a grown woman. I could fend for myself. I stood in the greenhouse, enjoying the quiet moment all to myself. Cruz was handling other business, which I was smart enough to realize at this point I didn’t want to know anything about. While the soldiers remained on the premises, the house still felt a little like a prison. This was exactly where I enjoyed spending time when Cruz was out of the house. Although I knew Jameson was keeping watch from his usual vista on the massive stone patio. As I took a deep breath, I pictured my wedding day, wondering how I would feel knowing I’d be spending the rest of my life with Cruz.
A shiver drifted down my spine, not from fear or apprehension, but from the deliriousness of the way my skin tingled whenever he was in the room. Maybe my abrupt question was strategic. I was a Rosario after all. However, my desire had nothing to do with money.
I headed for the roses, brushing my fingers across several petals. They were a beautiful representation of everything good in the world. My mother had loved them as well, only my father had insisted on purchasing two dozen every single holiday. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Christmas. He’d never missed an opportunity to shower my mother with love. However, the ones Cruz had sent all those months ago had been even more special.
“Hello, Carmella.”
The hair stood up on the back of my neck, an instant rush of bad memories clouding my mind. His voice was similar to the dark baritone Cruz had used when he’d exposed the game he’d been playing. However, there was menace in my uncle’s tone as well as amusement, as if he’d found a crack in the system, already destroying my happiness.
He’d been expected, but that didn’t mean hearing his voice wasn’t terrifying.
I turned around slowly, holding my head high. “Devon. What an interesting surprise.”
“Is it?” He took a few seconds, studying the greenhouse, smirking before walking closer. “You were a very bad girl to run away from your responsibilities.”
“They were your responsibilities. Weren’t they? Oh, wait. No. It was all about money.” I giggled on purpose, which I knew would make him angry. “Does that mean you received the invitation to my wedding? I addressed it myself. Did you appreciate the vibrant color I used?” When he didn’t answer, I walked closer. “Crimson. Or should I say the color of blood?”
“You think you’re a clever girl. Don’t you, Carmella?”
“My name is Eden.”
He laughed as he walked closer, his presence more ominous than I remembered. “There’s no denying who or what you are.”
“I know exactly who I am.” As he moved closer, I held my breath. The last thing I wanted was for him to come any closer. I threw a look over my shoulder out the glass, searching for Jameson. I didn’t see him, or anyone else.
“No one is coming to your rescue, Carmella.”
“That’s not true. You should be careful,Devon.”
“You won’t even call me your uncle any longer. I’m your only living, breathing family that’s left,” he snickered, as if this was such a joy for him. I’d hated him for years, a man I’d only known in name as my uncle prior to my parents’ death.
“You were never my family.” I backed down the aisle, trying to keep my wits about me. “Why did you hate my father so much?” I had to know.
He seemed surprised at my question. “Because he had everything.”
Everything. The word seemed so strange to me.
“He had a family. Power. Control. What did I have?” he continued, throwing out his arms. When he did so, I was able to catch a glimpse of the gun shoved into his waistband. “Did you know your grandfather used to beat me because I wasn’t good enough? Strong enough? Fast enough? That’s our legacy, my sweet niece. We come from a brutal family.”
“My father wasn’t like that. He was caring, loving. He adored me and my mother.” This wasn’t going where I’d expected it. There was such anger in his eyes, hatred.
Just like I’d seen in Cruz. Why in God’s name would my parents dare allow Devon to become my guardian?
He laughed, the sound full of despair and bitterness. “Then he fooled you like he did everyone else. He locked me out of the family fortune, just like good ole Dad did. I was given almost nothing to live on. Nothing. The man deserved to die. So did his bitch for a wife.”
A level of fury unlike anything I’d felt before rushed into my system. I lunged toward him without thinking. “You killed them. You killed my parents.” As I pummeled him with my fists, I instantly realized I’d made a terrible mistake. He managed to wrap his arm around my neck, jerking me to face the other way.
“If you think you’re going to hurt her, Devon, you’ll need to go through me.”
I’d known the love of my life was coming to my rescue. We’d rehearsed the scenario, planning for Devon’s arrival, but that no longer mattered as my uncle placed a gun to my head.
“I thought you might want to finish our discussion, Cruz. I must say, I’m surprised you left your future bride unattended.”
