Lahat ng Kabanata ng Bound By a Promise: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

Camila“Camila, you’re aware of what has happened within the cartel?”I nodded.Everyone knew that Uncle Gerardo had betrayed el Patrόn. It caused a big shake-up. And while Uncle Gerardo wasn’t my favorite person, I wasn’t happy to learn of his demise. From what Em has said, the change caused a void in Northern California where he had been in charge. El Patrόn’s son Rei was filling in for now.Papá cleared his throat. “Catalina was able to finish her schooling before she was betrothed.” He reached for Mama’s hand. “That had been our plan for you too.”Mama looked as if she were about to cry.“It will be all right, Mama,” I consoled.Her green eyes glistened. “We have insisted that you are able to continue school.”My cheeks twitched with the urge to grin. I’d finish school in Kansas City, with Dante, Catalina, and Ariadna Gia. “You want me to marry?” I did my best to sound surprised.Papá stood, keeping his broad shoulders back. “With what has happened, it’s best to show that those in

DanteThe edge of Dario’s jaw was sharp as the muscles in the side of his face flexed. “You shouldn’t be calling her and especially not by using my wife’s phone.”“You told me Camila was mine. What the fuck, Dario? You said it was set.”His words came from between clenched teeth as he watched Catalina take her phone and walk toward the library. “Watch your tone. You may be my brother, but I’m your capo.”“Then fix this.”“Tell me why you used Catalina’s phone.”“I don’t have Camila’s number.”Dario ran his hand down his face. “Andrés Ruiz changed his mind after Reinaldo made his intentions known.”“So what? You have more power. You’re his son-in-law. You’re the capo dei capi.”“Fuck,” he roared. “Come with me.” He led me toward his office. Once we were inside, he went on. “I know all that. The decision wasn’t about you. It’s about the Ruizes. After the shit Gerardo pulled, they’re nervous that Jorge could change his mind about who he trusts. He trusts his son, both of his sons. By mar

CamilaWith the time difference between Kansas City and San Diego and a three-hour flight, my plane landed only a little over an hour after I took off. It was just past seven in the evening. The autumn sky was still blue with the beginning crimson hues that came along the horizon with the setting of the sun.If I was going to succeed in my fight to get Camila, I needed an alliance of my own.Securing a rental car, I made my way through the increasingly familiar streets to my sister and brother-in-law’s house, calling her on the way to be sure she was home. Silas, the head of her security, opened the gate. After I parked, he met me at the door.“Mr. Luciano.”“Silas, good to see you again. I hope my sister is available.”“Sí.” He motioned toward the living room. “Come in.”“Dante,” Mia exclaimed as she came forward with her arms wide and a stunning smile, an expression unlike she ever displayed during her first marriage. Her light brown hair was pulled back into a low ponytail. Wearing

CamilaMy pajamas were replaced with a pair of shorts, top, and hoodie. If seen by my parents or any of the guards, the change wouldn’t incite anyone’s curiosity. The long white sundress I have stuffed into my backpack would. It wasn’t what I imagined my wedding dress would be, but as my circulation hummed with anticipation, I knew my dress wasn’t what I’d remember about this night. It would be the significance of saying ‘I do.’Turning my phone to vibrate, I stuffed it in my back pocket. I zipped my backpack and swung it over my shoulder. Inside my bedroom, I stilled, standing with my hand on the doorknob and looking around.Seeing the room I’d lived in my entire life, memories stared back at me. Pictures in frames and others pinned to a bulletin board. Hurrying to the bookcase, I grabbed a framed picture of Em, Catalina, and me. It was taken at Catalina’s graduation from college. Taken before her life changed forever. The innocence we shared could be seen in our happy and clueless e

CamilaStanding in front of the full-length mirror, I didn’t see the same woman who I’d seen hours earlier, back at my house. Gone was the frizzy, braided hair and the bloodshot eyes. The woman in this reflection was radiant, the way I’d always imagined a bride should be.When we pulled my dress from the backpack, it looked like it had been stowed away in a ball because it had. Mia ironed the long white sundress, erasing the wrinkles and making it crisp. Wearing a pair of Mia’s high-heeled shoes, I turned a slow circle, seeing someone new.The dress was the only item I’d thought to bring. That left me with no makeup or a way to style my hair. Mia offered me the use of her makeup. As I highlighted my eyes, cheekbones, and lips, she curled and styled my hair. She pulled it up on the sides securing it with dainty pearl combs and draping the long dark curls behind my shoulders.“You’re beautiful,” she said, standing back and crossing her arms. “Dante is a lucky man.”I met her gaze in the