Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84181 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84181 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I have another splitting headache, and I’m still so damn exhausted, even after a pretty decent night’s sleep, but I won’t let it stop me from enjoying this day. Enjoying what we have for now.
There are things he and I have to discuss. Last night was like a dream—I never wanted it to end. It made me think of the future. It made me think about us.
I walk out of the bedroom and down the hallway, smelling syrup, cinnamon, and one of my salty favorites—bacon. As I step around the corner, past the bar and kitchen, I enter the dining area, and the table is filled to capacity—all but one seat that is right beside Draco’s, who sits at the head of the table.
I’m surprised to see Mrs. Molina is sitting with everyone. Her eyes barely linger on mine when she sees me. She drops her gaze and continues eating, putting her focus on her plate.
Clark is sitting beside Patanza, and Mrs. Molina beside Draco. Emilio has clearly pulled a chair up from the pool; it’s wedged between Mrs. Molina and Draco.
All eyes shift to me when I enter—all eyes but Mrs. Molina’s.
“Do you always sleep in late?” Clark asks, looking me over. “Early bird catches the worm, and all that other shit. Gotta stay on top, cousin.” His forehead creases as he puts his focus on me. “You good?” He gives Draco a glance, like he’ll lunge at him if he has to.
I smile. “I’m good, Clark. Just need some coffee to wake me up.”
Draco lowers his newspaper to look at me, running his eyes from head to toe. “Come, Gianna. Sit.”
A soft smile pulls at the corners of my lips as I walk behind the chairs, taking the empty one between him and Clark.
“Eat, reina,” he murmurs, and I don’t hesitate. I pile bacon and fruit onto my plate, but then my eyes land on the pancakes.
Pancakes? I quirk a brow, looking his way just as he looks at me.
“I had a taste for them,” he says, and there is nothing more. No need for him to go into the back story, or how he’s most likely trying to overcome his awful, bloody past.
I huff a laugh, biting into my bacon. Emilio fills my empty mug with coffee, and I thank him. He gives me a solid nod, but his eyes linger on mine longer than they should. I pull away, digging into my breakfast.
Forks scrape on china and lips smack as everyone devours their meals. For the most part, we are quiet, but the quiet doesn’t bother any of us. It’s…peaceful.
If only for now.
Draco clears his throat after taking a few hard gulps of his coffee. “There is something I need to say—and I will only say this once, and never again. I’ve already spoken to Emilio about it, so I’ll tell you all in English, so you can understand.”
Patanza straightens her back, giving him her undivided attention. I’m surprised she’s even eating breakfast with us. She normally doesn’t—would rather patrol and protect than waste time eating.
Clark lowers his glass of orange juice, and Emilio lowers his fork, still chewing. Mrs. Molina meets her son’s eyes for a brief moment and then drops them down to mine. I start to look away, knowing she’s probably still angry with me, but I catch a glimpse of something in her eyes.
Something I can’t quite explain.
Like she’s still wary of me, but still cares. Like she’s accepting my silent apologies with her eyes, without uttering a word.
Draco’s voice fills the room again, pulling my focus to him. “Everyone at this table has a purpose,” he starts. “Every single one of you are important to me in some way.” He looks at Clark. “You are important to Gianna, which makes you an important asset to me.”
Clark smirks, slouching back in his chair, like he’s proud of the status he’s accomplished with The Jefe in such a short amount of time.
“I know I have been restless. I know I have done things—unspeakable things—that may or may not let you sleep at night. I know I have been working you all hard—harder than ever before. But out there,” he says, holding a finger up and pointing, “is a threat that needs to be taken care of. And you all know that I will not rest until we find her. I will not rest until I see the breath leave her body. I don’t care about the territory she’s trying to take. That’s nothing—land I can easily get back with a snap of my fingers. Right now, I’m letting her relish in it, but that will be mine again once this is all over.”
He drops his hand, clenching his fist on top of the table. He shuts his eyes and starts to seethe like a wild bull. I drop my hand on top of his forearm, and he glances down at me, steadying his breaths, shutting his eyes briefly before opening them again.