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Nico has been away in Spain for nearly three years, only communicating with Luis directly. Even when he was home, I rarely saw him. I saw more of his parents, who are standing right next to him along with our guards and other staff. Nico has always been a cold and rude man, a complete contrast to his childhood best friend. Luis and the Acosta family have been a part of this business for years, so I know Nico’s parents are just as affected as the rest of us. Nico on the other hand, displays no emotion, which is normal for him. I look away quickly, offering a small smile to his parents before I turn back to Rosa, who’s stepping away from the casket. I step back with her, allowing everyone else to get their final moments with my husband. When everyone says their goodbyes, Rosa offers to stay with me.
“No. Go get yourself a drink, Rosa. I’ll only be a little while. I just need a minute alone with him.” I say quietly, her head nodding before she kisses my cheek and leaves with Nico’s parents.
Before I step closer to the casket, I lock eyes once more with Nico as he leaves, his gaze just as cold and intense as usual. His eyes rake my body, causing my spine to stiffen in response. He doesn’t speak to me, doesn’t hug me or offer me any condolences, he just stares at me long and hard, his wavy, raven black hair resting against the shoulders of his expensive suit. His beard is longer than it was before, but still kept clean and short. Luis never had a beard, he loved to be clean and presentable at all times. Nico is not that person. Nico is unkempt and wild. Like I said, a complete contrast.
He tips his chin at me before he leaves, his chocolate brown eyes nearly black as he gazes at me with unreadable eyes. The intensity in his gaze is too much, so I look back to the casket, my long, auburn red hair brushing against my bare shoulder. I hear the click of his shoes echo against the floor as he leaves, closing the church doors as I am now left alone with my deceased husband.
I take a deep breath and walk forward, looking at my fallen soldier who lays peacefully in his forever repose. He’s dressed in his typical Armani suit, his tan skin much paler than it ever was, closer to my Irish skin now. His brown hair is short and swept back, his long and dark lashes resting against his high cheekbones as his eyes remain closed. I wish that I could see his eyes one last time. They were like onyx orbs that held nothing but passion and adoration for me, even when he was frustrated with my antics.
I rest my hand on his, his skin cold and unfamiliar.
“I wish you were awake so that I could kill you.” I whisper, fresh tears falling down my face as I speak.
“I wish you would’ve listened to me when I said this trade didn’t feel right, that it wasn’t right. Maybe if you chose to listen to me for once in your life, Luis, then you would still be here.” I cry softly, bending over to rest my forehead against his.
“You promised that you would never leave me alone in this world, that I would always be safe and protected, but look where I am now, baby. I’m more alone than I was when you married me.” I say, sniffing as I reach for the necklace he gave me on my eighteenth birthday, a simple gold heart with a red stone in the middle.
I take it off and place it around his neck, clasping it shut as it nestles against his lifeless skin.
“I’m going to take over now, Luis. I’m going to continue your legacy and make sure that your mother is safe, that your men are safe. I’m going to be my own protector now. And this time, you’re going to listen to me.” I say, kissing his cold jaw before I pull back and press my hands to the top of his casket.
“Goodnight, my sweet prince. Until we meet again.” I whisper, closing the casket before I step back and hold my head up high, staring right into the eyes of St. Michael.
I wrap my arms around myself, shoving back the rest of my tears as I try to pull myself together. I have three hundred people outside waiting for me and I know my husband would be very angry if I was late.
He would be angry if I offered anything less than perfection.
ChapterTwo
Scarlett
The reception is just as grueling as the service if not more so. I’ve been out in the courtyard for nearly an hour, and I’ve already had fifty plus people come up to me.
It’s always the same too.
The same sympathetic gaze, the same grasp on my arms, the same awkward hug, the same apology. Always the same apology. And for what? It’s not their fault he died. They’re not the ones who made the choice to fly to the border and get ambushed. They’re not the ones who didn’t do enough research because they wanted more money even though they already had more money than God himself. He did that. He’s the one that should apologize. But he’s not here and even if he was, he wouldn’t.
I’m hugging my fifty-ninth person when suddenly, it all becomes too much. I look around Rosa’s courtyard filled with waiting staff and people laughing and crying with drinks in hand. I look around until my gaze is blurred with tears and I rip myself away from the person’s arms, waving Rosa off as soon as she rushes to me.
“I just need some alone time.” I say in between tears. “I’ll be back in a little while.” I say, her saddened gaze lingering as she nods, and I run off into the castle.
This place has over twenty different rooms, but I run straight upstairs and into the bedroom that’s nearest to me. I kick off my heels before I climb the stone staircase, my tears dropping against the floor as I run towards the large guest bedroom. I close myself inside and lean against the door, my purse still clinging to my shoulder. I let myself cry for a solid minute before I wipe my tears and walk to the large, ivory vanity table, staring at my smeared makeup in the mirror. When I hear my phone start to vibrate, I fish it out of my purse and frown at the unrecognized number before I accept the call.
“Hello?” I say, my voice hoarse and thick.
“Hello, Mrs. Romero! This is Cali with Tripline. We were just giving a courtesy call to remind you of your upcoming trip at the end of this month and to ask if there’s any extra preparations that you may need?” The young girl's voice over the phone says, my chest audibly crumbling now.
Our ten-year anniversary is this coming Saturday and Luis promised me a trip to the Bahamas. I’ve spent nearly six months planning this trip and have spent well over thirty grand. Now, it’s just another crushing reminder of what once was and what will never be again.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I haven’t had much time to respond to the emails. My uh…” I pause, tilting my head back as I blink away my tears.
“My husband has passed, so I’ve been a little preoccupied.” I say finally, her gasp sounding over the phone.
“Oh, Mrs. Romero, I’m so sorry. If there’s-”
“Thank you. I’ll forward over my cancellation sometime this week. I understand the refund will only be partial. Thank you for the call.” I say, hanging up before she has the chance to offer me my hundredth condolence of the day.
If I hear the phrasethoughts and prayersone more time, I’m going to explode.
