Page 90 of Guarded

“I am. My niece Lucia, my nephew Luca, my brothers, and my dad. We are all Geminis.” I answer.

“Isn’t Leatherface a Gemini too?” Louie asks Jasper.

“The fuck am I supposed to know, prospect? Shut up and finish eating.” Jasper replies.

“He’s a Virgo,” Louie whispers with a hand up, blocking Jasper’s view.

We finish our meals before heading back into the limo. Nero refuses to let me sit anywhere but his lap. I don’t mind, though. Curling into his lap is becoming my new favorite destination.

His fingers brush delicately all over my body. My shoulders, my back, the curve of my legs.

“Are you still sad, princess?” he asks, stroking my hair.

“No. What’s there to be sad about?” I reply before resting my head on his chest. The strumming of his heart soothes me.

I am sad, but it has nothing to do with Preston Cuevas. I was sad because I was falling in love with a man I could never have.

This man whose heartbeat against my ear was the reason I looked forward to every new day. At the same time, the joy of every new day was counteracted by the sad reminder that I was getting closer to saying goodbye.

Chapter 26

Nero

Louie

Barbie has left the dream house.

Nero

Stop calling her that.

Follow her, but don’t let her catch you.

Louie

On it.

Jasper

It’s not our prospect’s job to follow your girlfriend.

Nero

Fuck you.

Ipull up the picture Ariella had taken of us from last night. The one of me, her, and Guapo. Her smile is radiating. I love the way her pale skin contrasts with my tan skin.

Stop using love in sentences where she’s involved.

The person I used to be prided themselves on never falling victim to addiction. I never understood how someone could go to these extreme lengths for a temporary high. It never made sense until I met Ariella.

I put my phone back in my pocket when I saw the man I’d been waiting for exiting his house. He thinks he’s on his way to see Ariella.

Surprise, mother fucker.

Stepping out from behind the building, I plant myself directly in his path. The shock factor on his face is impressive. He looks around, considering his options.

“I wouldn’t run if I were you. I have an impressive shooting range.” I move my vest slightly so Alfonso can see the 9mm I brought with me.