32. Daniela
TWO MONTHS LATER
“So, this is where you grew up?”
I stroke his bare chest and tilt my head to catch his eye.
“Nah, not here,” Matheus admits.
He brushes a few strands of hair out of my lashes and nuzzles his nose against the top of my head.
Weeks later, and I still get that whole body rush. Goosebumps sprinkle my arms and my heart flutters from his touch.
Being squished next to him is the only place on Earth where I fully let my guard down.
He’s my heart, my home, and my safe space to be Daniela. The girl I’d long forgotten and thought lost.
He sighs softly, gathers my hand in his, and kisses my bruised knuckles before jostling out from under me.
“I was more comfortable at my mama”s house. This place is hell for me. All my stuff is at her place.”
I would have guessed that was the case by the way his room was decorated. Or rather, how within these four walls there’s no sign that a guy lived here, never mind a member of the family.
The whole space is impersonal and feels like a guest suite. No college photos sit pinned on a corkboard, school books he’d read on the shelf or even clothes in the closet.
Well, apart from a hung shirt under plastic film and a pair of unboxed sneakers.
But that’s it.
And the more I think about it, that’s more or less how I had lived too.
Empty and detached from everyday life.
He throws back the sheet and scoots to the edge of the bed. Angling himself away, he stands in all his naked glory and glances over his shoulder to where I’m lying.
“I thought his funeral was the last time I’d ever step foot in the plantation.”
He fingers his inky bangs, his new ring catching my eye.
“Thankfully, tomorrow we’ll be miles away from here…and everything.”
“About that.” I prop myself up on my elbow. “Tell me where we’re going. You know I hate surprises.”
“Patience, my little firecracker.” He winks and my stomach flips. “I hope you’re not afraid of heights.”
I fake a scowl. “That’s not an answer, smartass.”
Matheus scratches the five o’clock shadow on his jaw, considering me in silence.
His Souza ring moves back and forth with the motion, an ever-present symbol of power, wealth, violence—and family.
Once André was discharged from the hospital, the whole Souza family moved into his coastal mansion, including me.
It didn”t take long to establish a daily routine—to slot in around them.
Most mornings Matheus and I rose early, joining India and Leo for breakfast. Afterwards, me and him would spot each other in the home gym and follow it up with a swim in the ocean.
A few afternoons were filled with tactical talks. Although Giovanni had remained guarded, there was a significant shift in how he spoke to me.
As if he knew our interests were aligned—on the same level. He’d accepted we were on the same side.
I even attended fittings for my bridesmaid dress and spent time getting to know Carina a little more.
From inside their world, I’ve noted her interactions with Tomás, especially when he doesn’t know anyone is watching. I see a man devoted to the love of his life and how Carina has a spell on him.
His expression softens when he talks to her, and his possessive hands never leave her body.
It’s fair to say the girl holds the powerful cartel boss wrapped around her little finger. But I don”t think she truly realizes what that means.
In my opinion, she is the most dangerous woman to befriend in Colombia.
One evening, I was invited to sit with Teresa on the terrace for drinks.
It was awkward at first. Just me, her, and the same quiet bodyguard who never leaves the woman’s side. However, after a couple of rum and cokes, I started to relax while she shared stories of a younger Carlos Blanco.
Eventually, I opened up a little and spoke about my mama. Her green eyes misted ever so slightly when I told her about the last moments we had shared together.
I wouldn’t say we bonded. More like forged a mutual appreciation of each other.
Either way, our alone time was the prelude to the evening’s main event, and later that night, the rest of the family joined us for a special presentation.
I sat next to Matheus and supported him when he accepted his father’s Souza ring.
Teresa finally offloaded her secrets too and explained the reason why she had their father murdered. While she spoke, the hand clutching her glass visibly shook and she took her time to sip the liquor.
Her sons weren’t angry, though. Not at all. They understood Matheus came first and all agreed they would have done the same thing.
I saw the emotion swirling in Matheus’ eyes. Hearing them admit they’d do whatever it took to protect their youngest brother—a moment of clarity for him—self-acceptance, maybe.
Nevertheless, he slid the ring on his middle finger and hugged each of his brothers in turn.
I even saw a big smile stretch across Giovanni’s face. Only for a moment, the killer looked absolutely stunning—and genuinely affectionate.
No wonder India can’t keep her eyes off her husband. I get it now.
That’s what their women love. The Souza men have beautiful souls hidden beneath all the violence.
Lately, I’ve started to unmask myself, learning who the real woman is under my atypical profession.
It’s not easy allowing myself to be vulnerable, but Matheus has my full trust.
After Teresa’s confession, the four brothers sat around the table together playing cards, drinking liquor, and puffing blunts.
I’d felt their unconditional bond. And a part of me knew I was privileged to witness it.
To be privy to their one true weakness—the love they have for their family.
On the flip side, Tomás didn’t hide his annoyance for his mother’s backdoor dealings. He was pissed she took matters into her own hands without consulting him first.
Tomás understood the impossible situation she’d lived through. He recognized she was caught between loyalty to her father and the unconditional devotion for her son. Ultimately, she put her children first and always would.
Although he respected his mother’s decision, he pointed out trust was important and overthrowing the head of their family was a big deal.
Once the dust settled and we’d all had a little space, Tomás announced the change to his wedding plans.
And here we are, ready for phase one. It’s going to be quite the show.
Aside from stamping his supremacy on Colombia, Tomás’ main focus is giving Carina her dream wedding.
So, what happens after the chapel is a big surprise for her and the rest of the bridesmaids.
Matheus assured me I’d find out soon enough. Though not knowing doesn’t sit well with me. I’m twitchy and on edge since Tomás Souza is capable of pretty much anything.
Watching Matheus move from the bed, a rush of lust hits me. The sting between my legs reminds me of all the dirty things he and I had done throughout the night.
We can’t keep our hands off each other.
Today, I’m involved in the most important day of the Souza calendar. The biggest social event of the whole year.
Me, a Blanco—a bridesmaid and Matheus’ girlfriend.
“Are you ready for this?” Matheus asks. “Showing Blanco what being mine really means? He’ll be here soon.”
I sit upright and pull my knees into my chest, ogling his naked form as he stalks towards the drapes.
The buffalo skull tattoo on his upper back eyes me in the soft light, a reminder of the vow I’d sworn.
Over the past few weeks, we had spent our days training side by side and our nights tucked up in bed together in Sicily.
Forty-eight hours ago, we boarded a private jet, landed in Colombia less than a day later, and took a chopper to the late Elias Souza’s abandoned plantation.
All four couples arrived ahead of the wedding guests to prepare for the occasion. Service staff dragged dust sheets from the ornate furniture, and in a few hours, the soulless mansion would come to life.
Orchestral music would fill the long corridors, family and associates would eat fancy canapes and drink champagne––and then the celebration vibe would die.
Sunlight bursts in through the big windows. Outside, the clear blue sky meets a far-off wall of trees where the jungle begins.
“Come on,” he calls to me, disappearing into the adjoining marble bathroom. “It’s my second favorite part of the morning. Shower time with my little firecracker.”
My pulse thrums. I scramble off the bed, playing it cool when I enter the bathroom behind him.
Excitement bubbles in my blood. He reaches behind the glass screen, turns on the water, and crooks his finger, gesturing for me to join him.
I’m hypnotized by this guy, practically falling into his chestnut eyes.
“I need you to know something.” I walk towards him and take his hand.
He frowns. “Okay...?”
I place my hands on his smooth pecs, loving how his pupils flare.
“I won’t let anything happen to Blanco.” Our gazes fuse. “I know what our assignment is and don’t want your brothers to pull him aside to start something. I had to convince him to come here. He’s doing it because he trusts me, Mat.”
His chest rises as he inhales deeply and slowly releases a long, thoughtful exhale.
“He’s sitting on the bride”s side.” Matheus smirks, because we both know what that means. “Tommy doesn’t see him as a threat anymore. None of us do…well…I mean, except Gio. He could quite easily stab Blanco in the throat, but he’s prepared to wait and see how this all works out.”
A puff of air leaves my nostrils. “Your brothers are unpredictable.”
Using his whole body, he drives me backward into the shower. Warm water batters my shoulders and steam swirls around his broad shoulders.
He grunts at my comment and keeps ushering me until my ass bumps into the tiles.
“Are you saying I’m predictable?”
I blink at him and shrug. “What if I am?”
Matheus licks his lips and skates his fingertips over my wet nipples. When I shiver, he bites his bottom lip and hums.
That deep, throaty sound does bad things to me. But when I go to touch him, he swats my hand away and shakes his head.
“No way,” he mutters, and just as quickly spins me around to face the wall. “If I’m that predictable, tell me what I’m going to do with you right now.”
The tip of his hard cock prods my ass as he gathers my hair into a low ponytail at my nape, yanking my head back a little.
Tingles erupt over my scalp, and I can’t help but whimper.
Not giving me a second to think, he uses distance to punish, connecting us only by the hand fisting my hair.
“What am I going to do with you now, little firecracker?” he asks, close to my ear in his deep husky voice.
The vibration of it shoots straight to my core. My clit throbs and the ache in my belly intensifies.
“Wash my hair?” I press my hands to the tiled wall, shaking now.
“Try again.”
“Scrub my back?”
God, I hope he does. This man with magical hands, always finding new ways of touching my skin.
“Try again.”
He kisses his way across my shoulder and licks the water from my skin.
Matheus releases the ponytail he’d made and drops to his haunches, placing his hands on my ass. Parting my cheeks, he stuffs his tongue inside and drags it between the crack.
My breath catches when he groans as a finger finds its way inside my pussy. While he pumps in deep and continues to lick faster, my heart thumps even louder.
The hottest guy I’ve ever seen wants me.
And what’s better than that…he’s all mine.
I moan and arch my spine, yet hating how my hands are on the wall, and not him.
“Matheus…” I beg.
He takes his time to straighten, peppering kisses up my spine and still finger fucking me. Sweeping the hair away from my nape with his other hand, he drops his mouth and grazes the flesh.
I’m close to hitting the highs I’ve only reached with him when he removes his finger from inside me and trails it up my spine.
“Matheus…don’t you fucking dare stop,” I whine, panting. “I was so close.”
“I know,” he murmurs, cinching my waist and pulling at my hips.
His erection collides with my ass, hard and firm.
“I want to cum in your ass while you get off.”
A noise comes from behind me like a snap. When I look back at him, he’s closing a tube of lube, tosses it, and his hand glides over his dick.
“You’re so hot,” he praises. “And if predictable means always wanting you, then so fucking be it.”
He caresses my ass and ever so slowly slips his thumb inside, dropping his mouth to my shoulder as he pushes it in.
Sparks of desire explode all over me.
“Mat…” I gasp. Immediately, he stills. “Don’t ever stop being you…when you’re unpredictable, you’re an exciting challenge, but I depend on this… on knowing you want me. It makes me feel desired…happy… and safe.”
His chest folds over my spine, our skin wet and slippery.
“My happy place is right here with you. Skin on skin. Me and you, Dani.”
A hand slides to my breastbone and settles over my beating heart.
“Now, please stop seducing me. I’m seconds away from shooting my load and haven’t even widened your tight little hole properly to fit my dick.”
He chuckles and kisses my shoulder blade. “I want my cum everywhere, baby.”