He drops down into one of the forest green chairs surrounding the huge black table. Seating for ten. A reminder of her huge family. Until now.
Hours pass as he sits alone, milking several cups of rich coffee, a robust blend only cut with a few drops of sweetened milk. Watching as Leticia cooks, fluttering around the kitchen, and back and forth between the house and the huge open pit on the expansive lanai. While Gina signs papers, checks off their list of preparations, and sorts through photos. Giving him a glimpse of her metamorphosis from chubby cheeked child to long haired teenager swallowed by too much black clothing to the sophisticated woman she is now. Christmas. School plays. Weddings.
Standing up a bit too quickly to refill his mug when her mother taps on the image of Gina and Richard. Surrounded by several couples on the dance floor, her ex's face red and bright, watching her, while she smiles at the camera. No hint of the hesitation she told him she felt that day.
Damn. Nope. Not going to let himself get sucked into uncertainty from their exclusion of him. Just because they doubt him doesn't mean that Gina does.
Renata's sharp tone jerks him out of his pussy ass self-pity. Her mother throws up her hands and spins around, stalking down the hallway before a door slams. Gina covers her eyes with her palms, shoulders drooping even lower.
This time he offers his hand to her. "You okay?"
"No."
She slides onto his lap, nuzzling his neck while her petite fingers ball his shirt. He caresses down her back. "What do you need?"
"This."
Then this is exactly what he's going to give her. Thankful she relaxes under his touch. Lets him provide her with some comfort.
Leticia steps forward, placing a casserole dish onto the yellow mat decorating the center of the table. "It is time to eat."
She gives him a knowing nod. Embarrassment flushing her face. The beginning of his dismissal. It takes everything he has not to grab Gina's dress and keep her from moving to another seat. Not ready to let her go. Now or ever.
They assemble, except for Renata. No one explains her absence, and he's smart enough not to ask. Keeps his hand on Gina's thigh while she picks at her asado, the grilled pork unbelievably tender, but the Malbec goes down a little too easily. She huffs when he slides her glass closer to his place setting. But he doesn't need her drunk again.
Small talk between her brothers. Mostly Manuel filling the silence. Banging his cup on his tray and attempting to elicit a response from his parents as he tosses strands of meat onto the floor. The child's face lights up from his grandmother stepping back into the dining area. But the older woman doesn't respond to him. Motioning instead to Gina, who nods and hops up, following her into the other room.
His teeth clench from her desperation. So anxious to please her mother. Make amends for a crime the woman isn't even aware Gina thinks she committed. He needs some fresh air.
"Excuse me."
He asks pardon of no one to go outside and retrieve Gina's suitcase. Everyone occupied with the meal. Unified in preparing for the memorial service as well as hating him.
Slamming down the tailgate harder than necessary doesn't make him feel any better. Maybe he needs another glass of wine too. Although a thousand bottles wouldn't be enough.
“You are a liar.”
A voice drifts out from the darkness. Just like a coward to hide in the shadows rather than face him head on. His thick accent blurs the pronunciation but the message is clear. The man he assumes to be her oldest brother, Bruno, wants a fight.
Max swings around, waiting for him to make himself visible. “Aren’t we all?”
“There's something you do not tell us." Bruno steps from the garage, his stout body taut with anger, his coal black hair rustling from his shaking head. "Gina says I should respect you because you are the hero and protect people. But if this is true why are my father and brothers dead?”
Probably a fair accusation, but the insult pisses him off anyway. This guy has no idea what happened. The danger Enrique put Gina and other innocent people into. Unless...maybe he does. “Because my job was to protect the ones who can’t protect themselves. Like innocent women who shouldn’t be attacked and babies who weren't ready to be born. I would think your father and brothers would have wanted that."
Bile swims in his stomach from the fucked up risks Enrique took with his own daughter. The stupid bastard too sanctimonious to care how close he came to losing her. Or that he sacrificed his own sons in his selfish yearning for power.
"What are you hiding?"
"I should be asking you the same thing."
Fire burns in Bruno's expression, ruby racing up his throbbing cheeks. "Filho da puta."
Some kind of insult or challenge her brother tosses out through clenched teeth. Doesn't matter which one. Kicking his ass is not an option. Not with Gina standing in the doorway, wiping away tears caused by her mother. Or maybe he himself. Probably all of them. Fuck!
Max points to her. A reminder to himself as well as Bruno that she comes first and this futile argument is over. Bruno jerks his head, following Max's line of sight, and strides toward her. They meet halfway, already arguing before they reach each other.
Bruno tries to grasp her hand. But Gina twists away from him, and he yells a few more words, before stomping toward the white vehicle closest to the iron gates.
He's on her before the engine turns over. "Are you okay? What did he say to you?"
"Nothing."
Bullshit. "Don't lie to me, G."
Her hands slide around his waist, dropping her sweet head against his chest. Cooling some of the rage pouring through his veins from that motherfucker mistreating his sister. He sucks in a deep breath, welcoming her flowery scent and soft touch.
"It doesn't matter. He's not coming back. We won't see him until the funeral tomorrow."
Good. He strokes her silky hair, holding her with everything he has, hoping to relieve some of her heartbreak before he upsets her again. "Leticia booked a hotel for me."
"She told me." Her grasp tightens, and she looks up to him. Dark circles rimming her dimmed eyes. The normal fire extinguished from the endless turmoil. "You don't have to go."
"I know. But I want to make this as easy as possible for you. I know it's not when I'm here."
"I'm sorry. My family—."
Nope. He refuses to pile on any more guilt to her already needless burden. "It's fine. You can spend time with your mom and Leticia. I'll be back first thing in the morning."
"Okay."
Uncertainty contrasts with her agreement. Matching his own misgivings. Wondering why the right thing to do feels so fucking wrong. He places a soft kiss on her lips before forcing himself to walk to the SUV and drive away.
9
Chapter NINE
Max falls back onto the bed. Sinking into the soft mattress. Which doesn’t do a damn thing to relax him. Failing just like his ten-mile run and steam drenched shower to calm his spinning thoughts. Unable to ease the stress coiled tight around the strained muscles in his neck and back. Nothing can. Except for her.
Sometimes he’s his own fucking worst enemy. Acting like a good guy when he’s really a weak bastard who can’t fucking survive being separated from her. Accepting Leticia's advice was so fucking easy when he wasn’t actually doing it. Now he’s alone. Fucking lonely. Fucking needing her so bad. Wanting her to be her old self again. Not this shell she’s become. Drowning with fear and uncertainty. Fucking slaying him with her misery.
And he can’t figure out a way to help her. His hand brushes over the thick sheet. Cold and empty without her. Wishing for a hint of her flowery smell on the pillow. The satiny strokes of her hands on him. All of her emotions raging in her huge chocolate eyes that have been dulled for too damn long.
Maybe staying here isn’t the answer. Renata hasn’t been able to reach her. Her mother seemingly incapable of giving her daughter a reprieve from her guilt. Fear rages in his stomach. What if he can’t either?
&nb
sp; A soft ping from the nightstand ends his futility. He swipes the plastic, his heart pounding harder from his favorite picture of her smirking face filling the screen. Fucking stoked to receive her simple message.
Hi.
God he fucking misses her. Hi. You okay?
Can’t sleep.
Same here. Damn, what he wouldn’t give to be with her. To protect her from herself. Promise me no tequila.
Wouldn’t help anyway.
Not sure if that’s good or bad. This is so fucked up. His mind races, trying to formulate the right words. The perfect response to comfort her. But her message comes through first.
I miss you.
Pain worse than a bullet rips through his chest. She’s going to fucking destroy him. He needs to stay strong, and keep his fucking promise. I miss you too. More than you know. But I’ll be back in a few hours.
Nothing. His fingertips drum on the case. Maybe her mom came in. Maybe she fell asleep. His heart flings against his rib cage. Maybe she’s disappointed in him. He can’t hold back. His fingers fly over the keyboard. Gina?
I need to know you love me.
He’s on fucking fire. Fuck this shit. Fuck propriety and her mom’s judgment and her brother’s hostility. She needs him, and he’s not letting her down.
He flies off the bed and grabs the shirt draped across his bag. Jerking it over his head and sliding his gun into his waistband. Practically running to the door. He swipes his Nikes off the black swirled carpet and yanks the knob.
Gina.
She stands there trembling, head drooped down between her hunched shoulders. So broken. Lost. Confused. Bad enough she suffers because of her family. But he’ll be god damned if she ever doubts him.
“I love you.” He scoops her up, the phone tumbling to the floor, welcoming her limbs wrapping around him like he’s her lifeline. Which is exactly what she is for him. “I love you so fucking much.”
“I don’t want to be without you.”
Her heartfelt whisper blows against his throat. Raising goosebumps on his blazing skin. Throbbing from her death grip around his neck and waist. “You won’t ever be.”
Kicking the door shut with his foot, he backs them into the room. Her mouth finds his and his tongue plunges inside. He angles his head, delving deeper. Desperate and greedy for more. Her body. Her mind. Her belief in him.
Walking backward, he stumbles over his abandoned shoes. Smacks his ass against the sofa. He releases one arm long enough to lay his Glock on the side table and sinks down onto the stiff cushions. Not giving a damn about anyone or anything but her.
He forces himself to break away, panting against her lips. Making sure she can really handle him right now. “This is more than sex, G. I just need you. I need you to be with—.”
“Fuck me, Max.”
A growl rumbles in his chest from the lust pulsing in her throaty whisper. Her tongue clashes with his while his fingers glide up her satin thighs. Looping around the silky material at her hips, he rips through the fabric and tosses her lacy panties on the floor. His dick strains even harder from her moan when he strokes her soft folds. Wetness coats his fingers. Soaked for him. In spite of his failures, she still desires him.
Impatient to be inside her, he can’t manage anything more than shoving down the waistband of his shorts. Her hands curl over his, helping him bare himself to her. Giving him permission to take her. As soon as his dick springs free, he lifts her by the waist and impales her in one fast, almost violent shove.
Making them one.
Returning him home.
His hands glide up her back and wrap over her narrow shoulders. Holding her in place so she can’t move. Can’t do anything but meet his gaze. She squirms under his fingertips, her hips futile in their attempts to grind against him. Seeking the friction they both want. The release they both need.
The edges of her bunched up skirt flutter from her efforts to rub her sweet pussy up and down his angry cock. Just as furious at him for not thrusting hard and deep as her body can accept him.
Not yet. Not until she’s completely there with him.
Her eyes fly open. Irritation from his abeyance flashes in her gaze. Giving him her ‘what the fuck?’ death stare. Anger flaming even hotter from his smile. Hopefully she fucks him before she kills him.
Ever so gentle, he kisses her pouty lips, already curling in protest. Barely hanging on with the adrenaline racing through his veins. Sweat rolling down his ribs from fighting all his instincts to ravish her. He trails along her jawline, grazing her earlobe with his teeth.
“Always. Mine.”
She stills from his whisper. The clawing on his back pauses. A heavy sigh warms his cheek, and she softens under his grip.
“Do you believe me?”
“Yes.”
His heart releases from its cage with her absolute agreement. That she's finally able to escape from the insecurity controlling her thoughts and actions. Now that her mind is sated, he can satisfy her body too. His hands move to the neckline of her dress. The fabric pulled taut across her breasts. Hard nipples straining to be free. And sucked. He rips through the flimsy material. Providing him with complete access to her gorgeous body.
Shock fills her wide-eyed stare from his demanding demeanor. Until he caresses the taut peaks, lightly brushing in rhythm with her swaying body. Licking circles around and around the sensitive skin before bringing one to his mouth and tweaking the nub with his teeth. Her eyes shutter closed and her back arches, forgetting the ruined clothes. Losing herself in his touch. Curving upward to give him complete access to the other side while rocking back and forth on his now gloriously happy cock.
Nothing else exists beyond the two of them. Her lavender essence on his tongue from laving the delicate hollow between her breasts. Her fingers grazing his scalp, drawing him closer. Smooth skin gliding like honey under his calloused fingers. Moans of pleasure driving his thrusts harder into her heaven.
Shallow breaths fill the air. On the edge of her climax as she clenches around him, her arms circle his neck while her knees dig into his hips. Leaving bruises just like his fingertips will, from digging into her firm little ass, helping her ride him faster. Needing to hear absolute certainty in her voice when they both fall over the edge. Needing to eliminate the vulnerability in her expression.
Sheathing herself against him, she lets him take over. Allowing him to control her vibrating body to find their bliss together. And he refuses to disappoint her.
“You’re mine too.”
Ragged and hoarse yet her voice still conveys confidence. Confirming the fire he feared she lost is still inside her.
His arm curls over the top of her sweet head, clutching her tight enough to steal both their breath as he explodes inside her. She cries out his name, shuddering against him, and twists to bites the taut muscle in his forearm. The most painful ecstasy he’ll ever experience.
She clings to him, her body continuing to hum against his. Still floating and sensitive from their sweaty skin plastered together. He should carry her to the shower. Clean their pleasure from their thighs. Ensure she gets the sleep she so desperately needs.
But he can’t. Not when he doesn’t want a damn thing except to stay in this peaceful mirage until the real world intrudes. She must feel the same way, her vise grip on him never loosening. He strokes over her damp hair, while keeping a tight arm around her waist.
“I’m sorry I’m acting so crazy. I just can’t seem to get my shit together.”
He kisses her temple, trying to alleviate her turmoil. “Nothing to apologize for. I’ve been feeling a little nuts myself lately.”
“Because of me.”
He fucking hates her defeated tone. And this fucking life she's stuck in. All the bullshit that comes from choices she couldn’t control and he was too broken to realize the consequences of being sucked into Nick's world until it was too late. “Because I love you so much. When you hurt, I hurt more.”
“I know you do.”
>
Delicate fingers cup his face and she gives him a sad smile. Failing to reassure him of anything except that they’ve got a long way to go before they can get back to the happiness she deserves.
She brushes the stray hair on his forehead. “I just want to get through tomorrow.”
“We will. Together.”
10
Chapter TEN
Max scans the perimeter again, blinking from the glint off the backhoe preparing a plot about a hundred yards away. Grateful for the bright sunshine. Not only for the small blessing of pleasant conditions while they stand outside, but for allowing him to wear his darkest sunglasses. That she usually says make him look sexy and mysterious.
But not today.
Today she says nothing. About anything. Just keeps a vise grip on his hand. While they listen to the priest offer false praises for her father and brothers. Applauding them for their dedication to their family. Commending them for the sacrifices they've made for their spouses and siblings. Unaware of the sins they evoke against the people they claim to love.
His masked gaze skips to Gina's brother. Bruno's anger apparent to everyone, including his mother whose sharp reprimands quieted the asshole long before the service started. Now he seethes in silence, his arms crossed over his chest in churlish defiance.
The pastor concludes his final blessing and steps toward Renata. Grasping her hand and whispering his condolences to the silently sobbing woman. Bruno finally lets his arms fall and squeezes his mother's shoulder. Max rolls his eyes at his obvious ploy. Pretending to show her comfort. But more likely reflects her brother's desire to solidify his new position as patriarch of the family.
His gut clenches when Gina pulls away from him. Accompanying her mother to address each grave. One by one saying their good-byes. Leticia, Pedro, the other two widows, and even Bruno join the procession. Her sister-in-law gives him a sympathetic nod, her mouth drooping in a small frown. Nothing he can do but wait while Gina remains stoic. No tears or words. Emotions he can't decipher frowning her pale face.
Truth About Tequila: Believe in Me (Surviving Absolution #4) Page 7