“Yes, it was. Definitely worked up a sweat.”
We’re sitting facing each other, my legs draped over his. He leans forward and grips my hips beneath the water, pulling me toward him. I make it easier and scooch toward him. Our kisses are light pecks as we run warm water over each other’s shoulders. He massages mine, and I lean toward him.
“Mmm. I can’t reach that well.”
Bullshit. His arms are plenty long enough. I know what he’s after, and I’m happy to oblige. I shift onto my knees and lower myself onto his cock. He’s fully aroused again, and I’m still slick with his cum. When am I not aroused when he’s around?
Our movements now are filled with affection. Some may say I’m warming his cock, but I don’t think so. We’re not trying to get off, but neither is he ignoring me on purpose to edge me. We’re one when we’re like this, and I love every moment of it. I’m happiest when we’re like this. It gets even better when he wraps his arms around me and tightens, so I lean against him.
“I love you, Flora. I think I have since the very beginning. I knew it was more than lust, even if that was a major part of it.”
He tweaks my nipple, and I Kegel.
“I love you, Pablo. I didn’t want to admit how sexy I found you. It seemed disloyal to my family, and to want a man like you…I’ve never been into the bad boy type. It was scary. But Iknow now you are the man I thought you were, but that’s not who I see when I’m with you. You’re way, way more than that. I see a gentle and selfless man who makes me happy.”
“I can’t help the things I do because leaving it behind would put a target on both of us that’s bigger than it already is. My family would never let us go unprotected, so it would endanger them too. I have duties I’ll never shirk, but I’d walk away with you if I could.”
“I know, Daddy. I get it. I know you won’t always let me know where you’re going, and you won’t always know when you’ll be back. But will you tell me when you can?”
“Always. I will try to never leave on a trip or mission without saying goodbye and telling you I love you. I can’t promise I’ll always be able to, but it won’t be because I forgot.”
“That’s all I ask.”
He kisses my shoulder and up my neck. I shift to make it easier for him. It allows me to do the same thing until we move to bring our lips together. We stay like this until the water cools. We don’t get off. Instead, we hurry to scrub the last of the wax off me. Then we curl up together.
“Pablo’s up to something, Madeline. I’m sure of it. You’ve known him your entire life. Should I be worried?”
Madeline’s family already lived in the house next door to Pablo’s when she was born. She grew up with him like a brother rather than a neighbor. He used to tutor her in high school science, and they’d hit tennis balls against the side of her house when her older sister and Pablo’s younger brother hung out. He made sure Laura and Juan never excluded her when they werelittle, and all played together. I figured she’d know if Pablo was up to something.
“I don’t think so. Pablo’s always kept things to himself when he doesn’t feel like sharing, but he won’t lie to you if he doesn’t have to. I know things aren’t resolved yet, so it could be that. It could be work. It could be a surprise for you. I don’t know anything specific.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
It’s Sunday dinner, and Madeline and I are in the living room with the other women while the men set the table and finish cooking. Margherita and Luis are hosting this week. For twenty-odd years, Madeline’s family shared Sunday dinner with Pablo’s. They alternated hosting. Shit that happened to Laura because of Juan ruined that. Madeline swears it’s not odd to be here with Javier rather than her parents and Laura, but it must be a bit strange.
Javier and Madeline just bought a home in the Switzerland of Queens. It’s the syndicate neighborhood where most of the bratva, Mafia, mob, and Cartel families live. It’s the one Luciana moved into when she arrived in the States with Javier, Joaquin, and Jorge. Catalina, Matáis, and Alejandro already lived there. Apparently, every time a house comes on the market, a syndicate couple swoops in.
“Do you feel completely settled in?”
“I do. I’ve been here nearly three months. I wish there was nothing looming over us, but I know not everything happens when I want it to. Hard lesson for an only child to accept.” I grin at Madeline.
Pablo and I looked at three houses in the syndicate neighborhood today. There was one we liked more than the other two. Unfortunately, the sellers’ agent got really cagey once she recognized Pablo from photos of an event he and I attended last week at the Waldorf Astoria.
Pablo hasn’t told me outright, but I figured outAbuelodidn’t go back to Colombia. I thought I’d be angry or sad, but I was just—nothing. I don’t miss him. When I dredge up feelings, it’s forAbuelawho’s finally free from the tyrant. It’s for my father’s two sisters, but there’s none for my father’s younger brother who’s a chip off the old block. I learned that phrase recently from a TV show. Pablo had to explain it.
“You know if you need anything or want to explore more of the city, just let me know. I’m happy to figure out something around my shifts.”
Madeline’s a midwife at a hospital in Brooklyn. I bet she’s fantastic. She’s so calm about everything. I experienced Pablo’s first mission overseas two weeks after we professed our love for the first time. He left in the middle of the night with a kiss and an “I’ll call when I can,” which was four days later. I stayed with Madeline and Javier since he didn’t go. She and I are growing close, and I’ve met her sister. Laura was really sweet to me too, which I wasn’t expecting given she’s married to Enrique’s bratva equivalent.
“Dinner will be ready in just a moment.”
Pablo wraps his arm around my shoulder as he slips into the spot next to me on the sofa. I sweep my gaze around the room and notice everyone but Luis is in the enormous family room that sprawls into the dining room. I twist to see him walking out of the kitchen. When he joins us, Pablo stands. Before anyone else can, he thrusts out his hand to me. It’s not just a gentle offer to help me up but something purposeful. It makes the others watch.
“I got good news while I was in the kitchen.”
Once I’m on my feet, he reaches into his trousers pocket to pull out his phone. He unlocks it and hands it to me. I see an email addressed to both of us. I skim it before looking up at him.
“We got the house?”
