Something cracks in his expression, something vulnerable and he pulls me against him, one hand fisting in my hair as he kisses me with a desperation that steals my breath.
"Dios mío, Datura," he murmurs against my lips. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that. And it’s a good thing too, because I love you too fucking much to ever let you go."
Behind us, Antonio clears his throat pointedly.
"I'm still here, you know."
Rio pulls back, keeping one arm firmly around my waist as he turns to face my cousin. The two men stare at each other, and I hold my breath, waiting for the violence that seems inevitable.
"You came for her," Rio says finally. "Risked your life for her."
"She's my family,” Antonio says, lifting his chin.
"She's my wife." Rio's arm tightens around me. "But I respect what you did. It took balls to walk into my territory, not once but twice."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"It's supposed to be a warning." Rio's voice drops, taking on that dangerous edge I've come to recognize. "You got lucky. Twice. But there won't be a third time. If you try to take her from me again, I'll kill you. Family or not. She made her choice and she is mine now."
Antonio's jaw clenches, but he nods slowly.
"As long as you take care of her."
"I intend to,” Rio says and pauses, taking a long look at mycousin. “Stay, eat, party,” he says to Antonio as he drags me away. “I’m taking my wife home to worship her body for the rest of the day.”
Antonio scowls, making me laugh, but nods his head before turning and heading into the crowd.
The heat of Rio’s breath hits my ear, sending a chill down my spine as he leans in and whispers.
“I’m glad you chose me because I wouldn’t have let you walk away from me anyway. I love you, Datura and I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you remember that.”
Epilogue
Liana
It’s been six months since I made the choice to stay in Arizona. To stay with Rio. Six of the best months of my life. I’ve explored so much already in such a short amount of time that sometimes I almost feel like I don’t deserve to be this happy.
The morning light filters through the curtains, casting golden light across our tangled sheets, and for a moment, I let myself simply exist in this perfect bubble we've created. I watch Rio with his eyes closed and relish in the warmth of his embrace.
"You're thinking too loud," he mumbles, his voice rough with sleep as he pulls me tighter against him. Like I could possibly get any closer.
"I didn’t say a word."
"I can feel it." His hand slides up my stomach, fingers splaying possessively over my ribs. "Your body gets tense when your mind won't shut up."
I turn in his arms, facing him, and trace the lines of his face with my fingers. I don’t think I’ll ever get over how attractive this man is.
"I was thinking about how different everything is now," I admit.
His eyes fly open, those green depths that still make my stomach flip even after all these months.
"Different good or different bad?"
"Good, of course." I press a kiss to his lips. "Definitely good."
He smiles, that rare smile that's become less rare lately, at least when we're alone.
"Why don’t I help quiet that mind of yours?" he says with a sexy smirk that sends heat right between my legs.
