I was almost thirty years old. I was not, nor ever would I be, a fucking moron. However, I felt like one in that moment because it was true. I was ready to settle down, ready to have a family of my own. Too bad all that had gone to shit. I had merely picked the wrong guy for it.

“Good girl. I know your brothers and I have kept an eye on you, and we have made some mistakes along the way, but we have always had your best interest at heart. Never forget that.” My father tipped his head at me with a small smile on his face.

I knew he was right. I might not have agreed with what they had done, but when thinking rationally about it, I knew they hadn’t intended to hurt me.

Guilt washed through my soul, the anger dissipating in a flash. “I’m sorry,” I said to my father then turned to Val. “I’m really sorry. I was pissed and flew off the handle. I love you.”

“You always know I have your back. We all have it. No. Matter. What. Also, know that, if I would have known that fucker was hitting it behind your back, he wouldn’t have been able to walk. You could’ve been pissed all you want, but it is what it is.” He reached over and squeezed my hand, pulling it to his lips and giving me a soft kiss.

“I know, but you guys have got to let me spread my wings. I may get them clipped a few times like with Antonio, but if you keep guarding me, I’ll never find out.” I shook my head. I was grateful they didn’t get in my business when it came to Antonio, but that was the first time. I really needed them to let me live my life.

My father spoke directly to me, not moving an inch. “Rina, I get you, but get me. If there is something I can do to stop you from having pain, I will do it.” I opened my mouth to speak, but he shushed me with a raised hand, palm up, at me. “We will try to not be so”—he pondered a word for a long moment, and I had a few I could have thrown in yet refrained—“concerned with your… with the guys you choose to date.”

An exasperated breath left me, and for a moment in time, I felt relieved, but I knew he and my brothers giving up that easily wasn’t going to happen.

“I appreciate that.” A huge smile filled my face in the hopes that I could have just a small bit of freedom when it came to my love life.

“One question.” I pointed my stare at Val, who nodded for me to continue, crossing his legs from ankle to knee. “Why did you tell Jag I was off limits? If you are free to let me learn, why?”

“He’s only here for a short time, so no sense in starting something that won’t go anywhere.” Val shrugged, as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

As I turned to Dad, his eyes glazed over, and I couldn’t read what emotion was floating behind them.

“Just know that I hear you, Val, but anything I do or don’t do with Jag is none of your business. Besides, considering we just met, I wouldn’t be too worried in the first place.” I stood. “Daddy, I really need to go. I have to get home and get cleaned up for tonight.”

That evening, Uncle Vino was having one of the huge parties he had once a month for his associates, including the ones I dealt with at work on a daily basis. It was work, not pleasure, and I had to be spot-on. Both Kiera and I did.

“Yes, you are coming with Kiera, no?” Dad’s eyebrow cocked in question.

I had initially wanted to bring Antonio, and getting Dad to say yes had been a bit of an arm twist, but he had reluctantly. At that moment, I kicked myself for even trying. It had only been another waste of my time.

“Yes, Kiera and I will be each other’s dates.” Then I remembered Kiera had asked Mark to come with her, and her dad had actually approved it. I kept that to myself, though. No doubt, Daddy would find out soon enough and wouldn’t care in the long run.

“Good, good. We will all see you tonight.” Dad pushed his legs down, retracting the chair. Standing he gave me a hug, followed by my brothers and Mom.

It actually astonished me that my brothers kept quiet pretty much during the entire meeting. Dad must have told them ahead of time that he was the only one to speak because, Lord knew, Val didn’t know how to keep his mouth shut, but he did listen to our father.

Leaving Mom and Dad’s, I called Kiera and had Scraper pick her up since we had some serious shopping to do. I needed a new dress and shoes, hot and sexy ones.

Dune got in the front seat with Scraper, and the other guards followed behind. In total, we had five guys with us. It seemed a bit like overkill, but it was our lives.

***

Pulling up to Uncle Vino’s home, I saw lights shining at every angle of the extravagant place, flaunting its beauty. The home was actually built a mile or so from mine and Kiera’s, on the opposite end from my parents’, forming a large plus sign on the compound that spread quite a distance.

Yes, I was surrounded. It was nice to have family around, though not so nice when they were being overbearing. Hopefully, that would change now that we’d talked.

Scraper stopped the car in front of the large water fountain in the circular drive, and I breathed in deeply. Show time. Time to put on my professional hat and reel more clients in or, with the ones I had, see if they would like to invest more. I had this.

I stepped out of the car in my teal, floor-length gown that crisscrossed in the front and had a high back. The slit up the side was modest but still sexy. The neck of the dress was lined in Swarovski crystals, making me feel like a damn princess. I had chosen five-inch, crystal-studded heels that matched my dress perfectly.

As I stepped out of the car and onto the cobblestone driveway, I rethought my decision about the shoes. My ankle wobbled on the second step I took as I hit the curve of one of the stones, and I knew instantly I was going down. I tried to catch myself, reaching out for the car, but somehow my heel caught on the dress. I completely lost my balance, stumbling toward the ground, instead.

I reached my hands down to bear the brunt of the fall, not wanting my shoulders or head to hit. Closing my eyes, I waited for impact, knowing there was no way to stop it from happening.

Strong arms gripped my body, pulling me away from the stony ground. My back was against a hard chest as my eyes flashed open. I breathed in deeply, smelling the most enticing cologne I had ever had the pleasure of inhaling. Hot breath tickled my ear, setting my arousal aflame.

“I’ve got you, beautiful.” It was the same deep voice that had sent chills down my spine the previous night. Jag.

Having the sudden urge to face him, I turned in his arms, and my hands reached for his strong, broad shoulders. I held on tight while I gained my footing. The denim eyes that penetrated me for only moments the night before were melting me. My knees gave out as his strong arm wrapped around my back and tugged me firmly against him, our bodies pressing together deliciously. It felt like hours, but was probably only minutes, but his eyes never wavered from mine. The moment was so intense I forgot I was supposed to breathe. The connection between us crackled like a live wire. Something was definitely happening between us.

I blinked, disconnecting from his penetrating stare, and somehow regained the use of my legs again. Our faces were so close all it would take was the barest movement, and our mouths would be on each other’s. I could smell the mint on his lips and wondered what it would taste like on my tongue. I bit my lip to muffle the small groan that tried to escape me.

“Catarina!” Scraper yelled, his heavy footsteps rapidly hitting the pavement behind me.

I sighed and turned away from the magic of Jag’s gaze long enough to speak, but when I did, my words came out breathless. “I’m fine, just a little slip.”

“You can let go of her now,” Scraper snapped at Jag.

I wanted to yell, No! Please don’t let go. To my surprise and excitement, Jag didn’t release me. He held me to him, ignoring Scraper altogether, making my blood pump harder.