Reckless Kiss

Exploding through space until we’re floating down to Earth again, holding each other close, sharing each other’s breath. Sharing everything.

Forever.

“I think you should go back to Beto’s place.” It’s pre-dawn, and Angel’s packing for the drive back. She’s actually worried about losing time on Winnie’s portrait.

“You’re joking, right?” She cuts those pretty eyes at me.

“Actually, I’m not. I think it’s the best thing—for now.”

I passed a restless night, her beautiful body draped over mine, staring into the darkness searching for another way, but the only way forward is not creating a bigger rift than already exists. For now.

“I’m not going back there.” Shaking her cute, stubborn head, she places her art supplies in the suitcase, wrapping the pencils and brushes in paper towel and dropping them in a large Ziploc. “Mamá took me away from that life. Now I understand why.”

I study the oval diamond ring on her finger. With the rose-gold setting it’s beautiful on her elegant hand. “Your brother loves you. His anger is justified. Us living together will only make things worse.”

“I’m your wife.”

Catching her arm, I pull it to my lips, kissing the soft skin of her wrist. “Not on paper.”

“A piece of paper isn’t going to change anything.”

“At least we’ll be legal.” Pushing off the bed, I walk around to face her, sliding a curl off her cheek. “I know we’re going to wait, but when we do have children, you’ll miss your family.”

She stiffens, blinking away from my gaze. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

Catching her chin, I turn her eyes to mine. “What about Sofia? You love her.”

“Don’t bring Sofia into this. She’s just a little girl.”

This plan makes my stomach hurt, but I know it’s the right thing to do. If we’re ever going to make peace with our families, we have to do this the right way.

“Just try. I’ll fix this, and we can plan our wedding.”

“Maybe some things can’t be fixed.”

Leaning closer, I kiss her temple, taking a hit off her sexy scent. “Trust me.”

“I want to, but I’m not sure I can anymore.” She exhales heavily. “I didn’t mention this… Mateo is waiting for you in Plano. With a gun.”

“Shit.” Stepping back, I rub my forehead. Waiting for me? “What does that mean?”

“He said shooting Beto can’t go unanswered.” She shakes her head. “It’s stupid. Beto’s going to be okay… I’ll make him talk to Mateo. Stop him.”

She zips her suitcase closed, and I lift it off the bed, hating the fact she’s leaving, hating the idea of her not being with me all the time. Hating the idea a guy’s waiting for me with a gun—what the fuck?

We walk slowly to her car, and I put the suitcase in the trunk. “Look at me.” I catch her arm.

She slams the trunk. “I am looking at you.” Her eyes meet mine, and her voice is soft, determined. “I’ve only ever looked at you. I’ve only ever trusted you.”

Her words hit me straight in the heart. “I said I wouldn’t let you down, and I won’t. I love you. You’re my wife.”

Stepping closer, she rests her forehead against my cheek. A moment passes, and her hands go around my waist.

She speaks softly, like we did at the monument, at Jesus’s feet. “I love you… I love you… I love you.”

Leaning down, I kiss her with all the promises I’ve made, all the promises I have inside of me waiting to be made. “Now and forever.”

Fire burns in my belly to fight for us, to protect what we have. Our world isn’t ending, it’s only beginning, and I defy anyone who tries to keep us apart. I want to bring this family together, but not at the cost of losing us.