“What’s he saying?” Mac whispers loudly. “Put that shit on speaker; I’m nosy.” I hear slight smacking sounds, and I picture the two of them slapping at each other’s hands.
“You can put it on speaker. I have nothing to hide.”
“You only need to speak to me.”
“Right.” I’ll take that as her being jealous. I smile, taking a seat back at my desk. This conversation isn’t going anywhere, but I’m going to enjoy it nonetheless and draw it out as long as I can. Any time I get to spend with her is precious. Soon it will be forever, which is the ultimate goal.
“As I was saying, I have a few things that must be handled.”
“I told you I’d handle the body.” I know it’s long gone by now.
“Ahh, that’s sweet,” Mac says in the background. I hear a whoosh followed by a playful laugh from Mac. They’re in Naomi’s bedroom, and I’d bet she threw a pillow at her cousin.
“Will both of you allow me to speak?” We both grow quiet, and Naomi continues. “After I oversee a few things, I will have my father call you and set up dinner.”
“I’d rather you call me.”
“He’s the one who will arrange this.”
“If you say so.”
“That is the way of things.”
“I don’t give a flying fuck if War is okay with this marriage or not.”
“What?” The question comes out fast, in surprise.
“I asked him so that I could get a meeting. It was my foot in the door to you. I will ask your father to marry you out of respect for your traditions, but his answer changes nothing to me. I only care about yours.”
She’s quiet for a long second. “I like this answer.” I can see her in my mind doing that sharp nod downward with her chin in approval. “I will be in contact soon.” The line goes dead.
I send a message to Arturo, knowing my girl is about to be on the move… and I’m not wrong.
Chapter Eight
NAOMI
Iawoke this morning with a slight headache, but a few Advil fixed it. What I hadn’t expected was to be in bed with Mac, who was snoring. I’ll have to record her next time because she denies such an accusation.
I still can’t wrap my mind around what happened last night. I have to tell myself to stop touching my lips. I know I logically can’t feel him there today, but I do. Blaming it on the alcohol isn’t going to fly because I want more of his kisses. What’s worse is whatever this is, it’s growing.
A knock sounds on my bedroom door as I’m finishing getting ready. “Come in,” I call. Mac is lying on my bed on her stomach, kicking her feet in the air, swinging back and forth as she plays on her phone.
“I have everything set,” my dad says, standing in my bedroom doorway. “I would ask if you’re sure about this, but…” He trails off, knowing me well. There are things you have to see for yourself.
“I have to know before I agree to a marriage with this man.” I will not have things kept from me. Especially another woman. My hand tightens around the strap of my bag.
“If anyone understands, it’s me. I moved your mother here so that she would be safe behind these gates, away from any other men who might try to take her from me.”
“I’m not jealous.” I say it far too quickly. Mac snorts a laugh, and my dad’s brows rise. “Okay, I suppose I am. Lying to myself is not helpful,” I admit out loud.
I shove a few more things into my bag, ready to go. Mac slipped over to her parents’ house earlier to grab a few things. Before we take off, I want to address one issue.
“It’s good to know who you are. Like that I’m clearly the smart one around here,” Mac says.
“I think that?—”
“Shut it.” Mac sits up. “You’re to agree with me.”
