35. Carina
“You must know something?” I ask the girls sitting opposite me in ivory leather aircraft seats.
Sinéad shakes her head and gently pats baby Cruz’s back. His tiny head rests on her neck and a huge, plush teddy bear blanket covers them both.
I nuzzle his sister Cora’s fluffy black hair as she sleeps in my arms, knocked out in a milk coma after guzzling a bottle of baby formula.
“We”ve been flying for hours.” I sigh. “I bet Dré gave you a hint. Gio would have said?—”
India removes an AirPod and stretches her arms above her head.
“I promise, I’ve no idea.” She laughs at my persistence. “Anyway, I prefer not knowing. It’s an adventure. And we all need a little excitement, right?”
The longer we’re in the air, the more impatient I’m becoming.
“All Gio told me was we wouldn’t have to worry about security.” India’s brows pull together, and her ocean blue eyes turn navy as a thought passes behind them. “We’re probably heading back to Sin Island. I’d like to spend some time at Reno’s memorial site.”
India stares off into space, gazing beyond a napping Lola at the rear of the plane. With Daenis sprawled out on her lap, India strokes the dog in long sweeps and subconsciously fiddles with the gold locket around her neck, lost in her memories.
She never takes the necklace off. I don’t blame her when it keeps her brother close.
I miss hugging my own big brother too. We haven’t seen each other in person for months. We speak on the phone most weeks.
However, Salvador works in the Amazon jungle and puts his everything into his job.
“I’m so excited.” Leo sets his iPad on the table and clambers onto his knees, swiping a curl away from his thick lashes. “Uncle Dré made me promise not to tell the women.”
He sits forward, tucks his feet up under his butt, and stabs his elbows on top of the fixed table, grinning at me.
“He told you?” Sinéad smirks, shaking her head lightly. “Why am I not surprised?”
“He told Cruz and Cora too,” he admits. “You’re going to be so happy, Auntie Rina.”
His toothless smile brightens his gorgeous little face.
“Uncle Tommy said you’ll figure it out as soon as we land.”
My heart flutters. Part anxiety and part excitement.
Tomás had been fully transparent about today”s gruesome events. And taking over the wedding planning was his idea. I didn’t argue when he wanted to keep that part a surprise. All I want in this life is his love.
He had explained what would happen to the Lozano family and detailed the way he’d deal with the traitors inside the Souza organization.
I won’t deny the nausea I’d felt when I woke up this morning, knowing how much blood would spill.
We were never going to recite our vows at the plantation, even though the families of the fallen would forever associate our wedding with a bloodbath.
Before I had boarded the chopper taking the bridal party to the private airfield, Tomás reminded me of everything our family had endured since the bombing in Miami.
How we’d been perpetual targets for long enough. He assured me this power move would petrify the weak, silence the hungry vultures, and keep our enemies on the back foot.
I lift the window shade beside me and gaze out at candy floss clouds and a vast blue sky.
Tomorrow I”ll officially become Carina Souza.
Wife to a powerful drug lord and devoted partner to a man who’d undoubtedly become the most feared gangster in Colombia after today.
Have I got any reservations about my place beside him—not at all.
This is love.
And love overrules everything.
The flight attendant yanks the door open and welcomes in the fading sunlight.
I cover my eyes with a pair of wide framed Gucci sunglasses and scan the tarmac.
“Take my hand, Leo.” India’s voice slips over my shoulder. “The steps are steep. Sin, do you need any help?”
As the girls organize themselves, I move outside of the jet and stand on the top step, suddenly recognizing the airport.
“I’m—I’m home…” I whisper, shocked. “We’re in Manaus!”
I trot down, looking left and right. My breaths are quick as I set eyes on my parents––and Salvador.
Tears burn the backs of my eyes and I let out a squeal. My sandals clomp as I rush towards them at speed and hug my mama first.
I kiss her salty wet cheek and she squishes me tight to her chest.
“Carina…my pretty girl. Look at you!” She takes a step back, gushing. “You’re glowing.”
My stomach flips. When I was a young teen, Mama never stopped telling me I was pretty, even when I hated myself and never believed her praise.
She saw something in me that I couldn’t––the same thing Tomás must see.
I usually chat to my parents over the phone because I’ve never felt comfortable inviting them into my new world.
I’m not ashamed of Tomás and his position. Keeping them at arm”s length is a protective precaution. A way to ensure they stay under the radar.
I’d rather our enemies didn’t know my family existed. So, seeing them again has my stomach full of knots and my nerves on edge. It’s both wonderful and terrifying too.
I throw a glance behind me, ever vigilant of watchful eyes. From the flight attendants…airport staff…pilots…any of them could sell us out for a thousand-dollar handshake.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you guys.” I hug Papá next. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“We aren’t staying for long, mi ángel,” my father tells me, patting my shoulder. “Salvador told us you were flying into Manaus. We had to see you before you leave.”
Months ago, Tomás had helped retire my hard-working parents. He bought them a penthouse apartment and dropped a bag of cash at their front door when he handed them the keys.
I’ve never seen them so happy.
“You look great, Papá…both of you do,” I choke out and then thump Salvador in the bicep. “What’s with the muscles, Sal? Are you seeing someone—oh, wait…” I giggle playfully. “You hide out in the wilderness.”
He chuckles. “I work hard, princesa. Something you clearly know nothing about. Is that flashy private jet an early wedding present from Souza?”
I swat his arm again and he grins. “I’ve missed you, big brother.”
Salvador throws his arms around me, hauls me into the air, and swings me around.
“You smell fancy, Cari. That’ll change soon.”
When he lets go, I can’t hide the smile on my face.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, going in for another cuddle with my mama.
Salvador nods to a glossy black helicopter.
“I’m your guide. We’re going back to the wild. He’s opened his oasis to the Souzas, Cari––for your wedding.”
El Fantasma…
My fingertips automatically drift to the old scar on my upper lip.
“Are you serious…uh, is he serious?”
“Deadly. And you’ll understand why it’s best for them if they don’t come with us.” Sal gestures at our parents. “Okay?”
I understand completely and nod. My parents would be at risk of stumbling across something they shouldn’t. They aren’t used to guns and violence.
Privacy and concealment are everything to el Fantasma. Having the Souzas in his domain is a move I never saw coming. He’s obsessive about who enters his space and how many guests are personally invited at one time. This is––a big shock.
“He actually allowed Tomás to plan our wedding in his hideaway?”
Salvador laughs. “He sure did. You know our friend would do anything for you. So, when Souza contacted me weeks ago and explained the whole situation, he agreed. Don’t worry, a lot has changed at the oasis since you left. Plus, your fiancé invested a heap of cash into making everything perfect for your ceremony…and the honeymoon.” He rolls his eyes playfully. “Just wait until you see what we’ve done with the place. You’re going to love it, Cari!”