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Natalia had planned to ease into the subject after the appetizer arrived, but Lucia’s blunt opening forced her to reconsider.

“Have you told your parents you’ve broken up with Marco?”

Lucia’s curvy body stiffened. “My parents don’t need to know until I’m ready to tell them. But I’m sure you’ll make certain they know now.”

The antagonistic way Lucia spoke had Natalia reevaluating the younger woman. During the few times they had spoken at social gatherings, Lucia had always been sweet and reserved.

“If they find out, it won’t be because of me,” Natalia assured her.

Lucia stared at her distrustfully. “I have every intention of telling them. I’m only giving Marco time to accept my decision and tell his father. I care about him, and I don’t want to cause him any more pain than I already have. His father won’t take our broken engagement well, and he’ll blame Marco instead of me.”

The fact that Lucia wanted to protect Marco from his father gave Natalia a flicker of hope that part of her still loved him.

“I don’t think he’ll accept your decision anytime soon.”

“I will give Marco time, but I have already moved on. He needs to be an adult and quit letting Antonio make his life miserable.”

Natalia had often thought the same thing about Marco.

“You’ve already moved on to someone else?”

“Don’t pretend Marco hasn’t told you I’m involved with another man. We are in love, and soon, Jesus will replace Marco’s ring with his.”

Judging by Lucia’s dreamy expression, she genuinely believed Jesus intended to marry her.

“How did you meet him?”

“I used to take lunch to my father and Marco during my break. I had seen Jesus, but I’d never spoken to him. Then one day, I got off work early and stopped by to ask Marco if he wanted to have dinner with me before he came here. Marco and the rest of the construction crew had already left for the day. Jesus was outside working on his motorcycle, and we started talking. We have been seeing each other ever since.”

“How long have you been seeing him?”

“One month.”

“That’s such a short time to end your engagement to someone you’ve known for years.”

“My heart recognized Jesus as the man I should be with, not Marco.”

“Are you sure Jesus feels the same way?”

“He shows me how much he wants me every time we are together. He wants me to get better acquainted with his friends. I have met a couple of them—Puck and Buck. They were both very friendly.”

I bet they were, Natalia thought snidely. They were probably already imagining a threesome with the young woman who had no idea what she was getting herself into.

Natalia poured wine into Lucia’s glass before pouring a generous amount into her own. Taking a long drink, she braced herself for the next part.

Lucia glanced at her own glass, which Natalia had filled only halfway.

“You’re driving. I’m not,” Natalia explained, setting the bottle down. “Lucia … has Jesus invited you to their clubhouse?”

“Oh, yes. Several times. But my father always keeps me busy on Friday nights.”

Thank God. Lucia had dodged that bullet so far.

“I told Jesus I could go this Friday. All of my family are going on a three-day cruise. I’m looking forward to the party. Jesus tells me they are a lot of fun.”

Natalia picked up her glass and gulped down more wine.

“There’s something you should know before you go. The Last Riders don’t have regular parties like I’m sure you’re used to.”