Chapter 7 #3
“Our family has rules. We protect our women and don’t allow them to go running off.
Besides, if someone wanted to get to her, they could.
As Dante said, you’re not as secluded as you think you are.
Not if someone is determined,” Cristiano says, his voice rough from an old injury, maybe, and cold, just like the daggers in his gaze.
I have to give Cheri props for standing up to them. But she won’t have to worry about that anymore. She’s mine now.
“We protect what’s ours,” I grit out.
Cristiano smirks. “Our sister is not yours. She’s lucky my parents have allowed her to live in California for so long.
But now your friend is married, it’s time to come home, Cherise.
Arturo has been more than patient, waiting for you to get this writing thing out of your system before you marry him. ”
“He knows too? He’s not going to tell Dad, is he?” Cheri’s voice is unsteady. Did she think she’d be able to keep her pen name a secret? It took no time at all for Adrian to find out who she was, even without Jaclyn sharing anything.
“Of course not,” Dante sneers. “If he did, he’d have dragged you back to New York ages ago. But Arturo knows, and he’s tired of waiting. It’s time to fulfill your responsibilities. He’s a good man. He’ll take care of you or answer to us.”
Lorenzo rises from the couch and moves toward Cheri. “In fact, if we leave now, we can surprise them for breakfast. Where’s your suitcase?”
“She’s not going anywhere.” It comes out harsher than I intended, but I see red at the thought of her marrying someone else. It’s not happening in this lifetime or any other. I’ll chain her to my bed first. Sure, it’s irrational, but it doesn’t mean I won’t do it.
“I don’t want to go. I have barely seen Jaclyn since I got here. And I definitely don’t want to marry Arturo. He’s an ever bigger jerk-burger than you guys.”
Matteo chuckles. “It’s late. Staying the night won’t hurt, Cris. Have a heart. She’s been traveling all day; let her visit with her friend.”
I think he’s the only one I can stand right now.
He obviously cares for Cheri. The others?
I’m not so sure. That leads to another issue, though: if they’re staying, where do we put them?
The guest rooms are ready, but I sure as hell don’t want to babysit them.
I glance at Adrian, and he sighs. He’s the only one without a partner; it’d be easiest for him to keep watch. But ultimately, it’s up to Andrew.
Andrew growls as he looks at the Santinis, “You can stay the night, but if any of you pull a gun on my family again, you’ll be leaving Gallant Mountain in a body bag. Do I make myself clear?”
None of us want them here, but there’s not much we can do about it right now. I haven’t even explained about Cheri, but somehow, I think he knows she’s mine.
Cristiano nods. “Crystal. Enzo, grab our bags from the car. Cheri, you can stay with me.”
“No, she’s staying with me in my cabin.” I don’t have to turn my head to know my brothers are all staring at me—probably their wives, too.
“I am?” Cheri asks as I meet her gaze.
“Yes, you are. I’ll keep you safe.” I’m not giving her a choice, but if she objects, I won’t force her.
“Okay.” She looks over at Cristiano. “I’m staying with Aaron. I’ll be fine. This way, you can’t try to make me leave in the middle of the night.”
I don’t even try to hide my chuckle as her brothers clench their jaws. Yup, my Little princess will be a handful, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. “Adrian will show you to your rooms.”
Adrian smirks. “The rooms are upstairs, and in case you think about causing trouble, we’re always watching.”
“C’mon, everyone. It’s late. Let’s go home,” Andrew says, and the rest of my brothers head out with a quick goodbye. Andrew stops in front of me and glances at Cheri. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“We will.”
He lifts his chin while Jaclyn and Cheri say their goodnights. Then he carries her out the back door.
“See you in the morning,” Cheri calls out as I take her hand and lead her toward the back door.
“Night, Rece,” Matteo answers. The others just grunt.
“Where are we going?” Cheri asks.
“To my cabin. We all have our own. You’ll be safe with me, Little princess. It’s dark. Will you let me carry you?”
“Okay, but I need my suitcase. Oh, I have to grab my backpack, too. I left it in the kitchen.” My Little girl is exhausted. She’s got dark circles under her eyes, and not just from her mascara, and her cheeks are pale. Cheri needs rest and cuddles, and I’ll be more than happy to supply both.
“C’mon, we’ll go get it. Adrian dropped your suitcase off at my cabin earlier.
It’s waiting for you.” With her hand in mine, I lead her into the kitchen, grab her pack, and then lift her into my arms. The great room is empty when we pass, and I’m relieved I don’t have to deal with her brothers again tonight.
Cheri wraps her legs around me, her arms encircle my neck, and she rests her head under my chin. My heart skips a beat as I drop a kiss on her head, inhaling her rose scent. Her brothers may think they’re taking her home, but I’ll never let her go.