~Nevaeh~

When I return home, neither of my parents are here. That's not really a surprise. Mom does interior design for the rich and famous so her schedule stays pretty full. After tossing my purse on the counter, I whip out my cell and dial Mamà's number first.

"Sì, mi hija?" (Yes, my daughter.)

"Where are you, mamà?"

"Con un cliente, " (With a client.) She quickly replies.

"Oh, well, can you come home? Bellemy called for me today. Rowan says we have to leave soon."

I listen to her slow breathing, wondering why she is hesitating.

"No puedo, bebé, este cliente es demasiado importante. Él vino de Irlanda. Si me retiro de esta reunión, mi negocio está listo. ¿Puedes perdonarme?" (I can't, baby, this client is too important. He's come from Ireland. If I back out of this meeting, my business is done for. Can you forgive me?)

What the hell is wrong with her? She's blowing off a goodbye for a client? I'm her daughter and there is no telling if or when she'll see me again. I want to cry, but at the same time, this isn't uncommon behavior for her. Therefore, I do what I always do and don't argue.

"Sì, mamà." She must hear the sadness in my voice because she sighs. 

"Haré todo lo posible para hacerlo antes de que te vayas. Si no lo hago, podemos programar una visita tan pronto como tú y Bellemy hayan tenido tiempo de establecerse." (I'll do my best to make it before you leave. If I don't, we can set up a visit as soon as you and Bellemy have had time to settle.)

Biting back sadness, I steady my voice. "De acuerdo, te amo."
(Alright, I love you.)

I hang up and wipe some tears off my cheeks as Rowan walks in. Turning my back, I call my dad. He doesn't even answer, making me realize I wouldn't get to see either of them before I left. The day is just growing more depressing with every hard breath I take.

Acting as if he's stuck in a hard spot, Rowan sighs. "We can go to his office if you'd like."

"Do we have time? I still need to pack."

"No need to pack. You'll have everything you need at Casa Belle."

I quirk my brow, trying not to mock the title of my new home. "Really? Casa Belle? He's full of himself, right?"

"Rule number one won't allow me to answer that, Mam."

I smirk, crossing my arms. "You don't falter, do you, Lurch?"

"Never."

"That's not such a bad quality. There are a few things I'd like to grab if the terms allow room for sentimentality."

"They certainly don't say anything about it, but material things are pointless in life, no matter how much you think they mean."

Smacking my lips, I tremble my head. This man doesn't have a soft bone in his body. "Well, I have one item that I can't leave without. Let me grab it and I'll meet you in the car."

Nodding he starts toward the hallway, but pauses and spins back my way. "Be quick. Amada expects us by noon. We have a small drive and traffic will be a damn heart attack in the making."

I have no clue who he's talking about so I ask. "Amada?"

"Your mother-in-law."

"Oh, yikes!" I stutter, seeing a sneer roll his lips.

"Just wait."

How often does a woman meet her mother-in-law before her husband? And what does he mean, just wait? I bet she's horrible. I've always heard my mom speak poorly of my father's mother. Apparently, she was a racist fool and hated that he didn't marry a blonde-hair, blue-eyed, caucasian woman like herself. They had a terrible relationship.

Now, I'm even more terrified. What if Amada hates me because I'm not completely Hispanic? What if she tries to murder me before I ever set eyes on Bellemy?

I've watched enough shows to understand most rich mamàs don't play, especially when it comes to their children. I don't need to know much about their life of crime to know she is probably treated like a queen and capable of getting away with skinning me alive and feeding me to hogs.

After I trek up the steps, I speed walk into my room and head for my dresser to open my jewelry box and reach for my most valuable possession; My Abuela's necklace. I stare at gold and diamond cross charm a moment, wishing she was here. Right before my father got in trouble, my mother's parents died in a car accident. I'm still not over their loss.

I spent most of my time with my Abuela since mamà stayed at work, even as a child. I know she would have been here for me because we were closer than mom and me. My Abuelo was always away on business with my father, but he was a good man, too. When he was home, I was his everything, no one was allowed to interrupt our downtime together.

I realize I've been too long and rush down the steps to grab my purse off the counter before going out to the car. Rowan growls at me.

"Sorry, I needed a minute," I tell him.

"Apparently. Are you buckled?"

I reach over my shoulder and grab the seatbelt, latching it. "Am now, so don't get excited and think a brake check will send me out the window."

"Damn," He jokes or so I choose to think.

I pull out my phone as he starts the car, and see that Bellemy has sent me another message.

-I have a minute...Are you alright?-

-I'm fine. Maybe a little confused.-

-I know and I'll explain at some point. This is a big deal.-

-Tell me about it. Though, I'd like you to be aware that I'm not thrilled that I'm meeting Amada before you.-

-I didn't figure you would be, but there's no choice. You'll like her.-

-The bigger concern is if she'll approve of me.-

-😂 Just wait, Chica.😂-

I smile since I've never seen him use an emoji before.

-You and Rowan are really starting to give me a complex. Also, I see that I'm wearing off on you. 😍. It's nice to see a smile...even a fake one.-

-No need to be worried. She's a character and most consider her to be an acquired taste; one I think you could appreciate. And the smile was very real. Even my papà found it amusing. I do need to go. However, I'll see you in a few days. Remember, Casa Belle is your home now. Feel free to relax and enjoy all it has to offer. I'll try to message when I can, but there is some tension at work and we are all on edge.-

-So...I can walk around naked?😉-

-Sure.-

-Really? No snippy remark?-

-Nope...Rowan will enjoy the show and I get pictures. What's there to complain about?-

I don't even bother to stifle my laughter, enticing Rowan to swerve slightly. Ignoring it, I go back to my message.

-Well played, Mr. Perez, well played. 😆-

-😁Bye, Nevaeh.-

-Stay safe, Bellemy.-

I look out the window, feeling slightly better about my situation until I realize we are going in the opposite direction of my father's office. "Hey, Lurch, what's the deal? Papi's office is the other way."

"Mr. Perez said no stops. Sorry, Ma'am."

I look down at the cell in my hands and growl under my breath. There for a moment, I actually believed we were making our way to a great meeting. Sadly, it seems that jerk only messaged me to keep me sidetracked. Too pissed to speak, I lay my head back on the seat until I calm down enough to rest.



"Up, Mrs. Perez. We're here and late!" I hear Rowan snap as he shakes my arm.

"Mmhm, " I yawn, rubbing my eyes. "I don't think I'm ready for this, Lurch."

My personal prison warden scoffs. "Bullshit. You've done nothing but bitch for 10 months about wanting to be in this very spot."

"Nuh-uh!" Offended by his false statement, my mouth drops. "That's a lie! I cried about being married to a stranger for the first 4!"

"Uh, yeah, I remember. It still makes my head hurt to think about it! Out now or I'll pull you out by your feet."

He'll do it, I know it. That makes me step out of the SUV onto the U-shaped driveway. My eyes spread as I tilt my head to examine the extravagant view before me. The house is sort of what I expected, but more modern. It's got the Spanish-villa vibe with a hint of American. It has four garage doors and it probably takes up an entire 3 acres alone. There are plenty of trees around, but none close enough to keep me from sunbathing.

"Holy guacamole, I thought our place was huge!" I shout, spinning to look at the plants in the center of the lot.

"This is your place, " Rowan says.

"Oh, you know what I meant! There's a pool, right?"

His shiny, bald head bobs. "Yup, plus 4 hot tubs."

"Who the hell needs 4 hot tubs?"

"A bachelor." I cringe, thinking about the number of body fluids those things have seen. "Perhaps, I'll avoid those."

"That's a good call. However, the one in the gym should be fine. Only the boss uses that one."

"Good to know, " I answer, shaking off the terrible images of a faceless man fondling a big breasted woman in a steaming bowl of raunchy water.

Rowan smirks as if he knows where he sent my thoughts and escorts me inside. I'm barely through the entryway when I hear a squeal that makes me jump. 

A woman with hershey hair pinned high and tan skin parades her way to me, instantly grabbing my cheeks and plants a kiss between my wrinkled brows. I'm certain her dark purple lips are now tattooed in that very spot.

She trudges back, keeping me in her hold. "I've waited a lifetime for this! Nevaeh, I'm so thrilled you're finally here!"

I try to show her a friendly face. "Amada, I presume?"

"Yes. My gracious, your pictures don't do you any justice, Chica! You're absolutely stunning!"

"Thank you."

"Come in the living room and I'll get you a drink to calm your nerves."

That's exactly what I need so I place a hand on my chest and tilt my head, flutter my lashes dramatically to show affection. "A woman after my own heart!"

I follow behind and glance around, there are no pictures of anyone, let alone, my husband. I'm dying to get a peek at him. There are, however, three grey sofas, a white piano, a fluffy, charcoal chair, and cast-iron rails along the floor above us, giving me view to the hallway they border. There are so many arch doorways where we came through, barely showing the tan walls. I'm a bit awed by the beautiful, marble fireplace.

I take a seat on the sofa and wait for her to make our drinks and join me. When she finally does, she hands me a finely engraved glass of bubbling, clear liquid.

Sipping on it, I feel a biting warmth circulate down my throat and in my chest before calming in my stomach. The flavor made me want to gag but what got me was the strength. I expected it to be mixed with something. Nope, pure alcohol.

I cough slightly as she giggles. "Too stout for you?"

"No, Ma'am. I just wasn't prepared. Is that Cherry Vodka?"

"You're good. My son has it carbonated for young tram...um... guests. Your generation just doesn't know what a good drink really is."

I snicker. "I don't know about that. I'm a Macallan kind of girl, Amada."

Looking impressed, she sips her drink. "Oh, a whiskey girl?"

"Mhm, tequila is pretty high on the list too."

She raises a dark brow, placing her finger on her chin. "In margaritas?"

"I love a great margarita, but who doesn't, am I right? However, I'd rather just take it over ice or straight from the bottle."

Showing a great deal of excitement, she laughs. "Bellemy isn't going to know what to do with you."

"I doubt that. From the little I've heard just since I got here, I think he handles women like a real playboy."

I spin the rings on my finger, trying to decide if the annoying feeling in my gut is from the awful beverage or envy. Do I even have a claim for jealousy? It's not like he chose me because he got to know me and fell in love with my charms. I was just a business deal to this family.

A warm hand placed on me halts the action and I peer up at kind chocolate eyes. It helps calm me. "He's been honorable since your marriage became official."

"Oh, well, " I push hair away from my face. "That's nice to know. It is surprising, though. I'm not a real wife after all. He doesn't love me. Hell, I haven't even seen him. There would be no reason to take his romantic life personal at this point."

"You are a real wife. You have taken our family name and that's cherished! I understand this is all so strange and you're scared, but I'll be here for you until he returns. I've also seized care of most of the party planning, but Bellemy wanted me to include you since you are technically the queen of his kingdom."

I choke on my drink, spitting what I could back into the cup. Did she just say a party? I haven't heard of any festivities. Why would there be one at all? "Excuse me, what about a party?"

She gapes at me before shaking her head. "He was supposed to tell you!"

"Oh, he definitely did not."

"Well, in two days, he and my husband will be home from their business in Mexico. Bellemy's father insisted they be welcomed with a good time. He's also using it as a way to announce your union and give people a chance to feel you out."

"Oo, umph, can we not? I don't do well in big groups with fancy people. Honestly, I'll probably bring you guys shame."

"Sorry, Dear, invitations are out and the caterer is hired."

I wave my hands like a moron. "Then, I'll just stay in my room."

I'm normally okay with parties, but not ones filled with killers and kingpins. Nope, I'll pass.

"Nonsense. You'll be fine. We have time so let's stop worrying about that and calm the jitters. Want something else?"

I bounce my head excitedly. "God, yes! This tastes like shit."

She tosses her head back and laughs. "Come with me into the kitchen. We can snag something to snack on as well."

"Any chance you have some Cheetos in there?" I question because I'm starving.

"Oh, I'm sure he does. The boy has terrible eating habits."

"I don't know why, but that's not surprising."

We go into the kitchen and I'm awed once more. The pale cedar cabinets stunningly coincide with the dark green, granite countertops. There are two stainless steel ovens in the wall next to the built-in fridge that has doors to match the woodwork. If it wasn't for the ice maker and screen on one, I'd thought it was another cabinet. There's a large island with a flat top stove on one end as well. It's so pretty but very overwhelming.

"Geez, this place is going to swallow me alive."

"Ah, you'll get used to it, " She tells me, looking around. "Zolia?"

"Sì?" I hear a sweet voice holler, but don't see anyone.

"Come in here, please, " Amada says.

Through a different door than we entered from, a short elderly woman appears, smiling when she spots me. She's got curly silver hair and wears a pair of big pink glasses over her chestnut eyes. "Ella finalmente está aquí!" (She's finally here!)

"Yes, isn't she lovely?"

Zolia claps once, still beaming at with pride that I don't understand. "Sì!"

"Would you be a dear and make us some lunch?" Amada rubs her back, kindly. "After, you can join us for some bonding."

The maid starts to turn away, but I gently grab her hand. "Also, do you know where Mr. Perez might hide his junk food stash? If I don't eat something soon, I fear I won't be much fun."

Grinning, she hurries to a long skinny cabinet and points. So I rush over and move around every brand of snack cakes known to man until I find the object of my mouth's desire between some Doritos and Bugles. His mom was right, he's certainly a sweets junkie.

"Yes, points for him! The crunchy Cheetos are my favorite!"

After a wait, we eat an amazingly prepared dish of albóndiga (meatballs), we chat over drinks and cheesecake. The day wears away and soon, all three of us are drunk as hell, laughing at nothing and everything at the same time.

In the living room, I get an idea and look at Zolia. "Sound system?"

She stumbles to a large entertainment center and opens it to reveal a huge TV and speakers.

Running over, I mess around with it until I have it Bluetoothed to my phone so I can play Hips Don't Lie by Shakira, then, I kick off my shoes. I began swaying my body to the music, wiggling until I get to Amada.

She laughs when I shimmy around her. "You are so much fun!"

"You too! Not gonna lie, I was sure you'd be a monster!"

"I'm not a stereotype, mi chica."

I hop onto the largest couch as Zolia spins in circles and Amada uses the coffee table as her stage. All my tension is gone for now because all I need is to know I'm not alone.

Rowan pops out of nowhere. "Mrs. Perez, get down!"

I bobble my head and pucker my lips, not listening. "No, I'm daaancin!"

"I wouldn't call that dancing and I said get down. You're gonna hurt yourself!"

Amada tosses a pillow and hits the party police in the back of the head. "Piss off, you grouch! She's relaxing!"

He groans and raises a stubby finger to her. "You get down too! Your husbands will have my balls served to your next bodyguards as a warning to what happens to those who fail them!"

Rowan grabs my hand, helping me as I hop down. I'm not done with my fun though, so I toss my hands over my head, swaying skillfully around the sofa as he chases me. Zolia and Amada are roaring in amusement, now shifting their bodies together while sipping on their drinks.

Grasping mine off the piano as I go by, I give my bodyguard a playful sneer. "I bet you miss Daisy right about now, huh, Lurch?"

He grunts, causing Mrs. Perez to choke on her cocktail, she shakes her hand at me, nodding ridiculously. "That's it! Oh, chica, thank you! For yeeaars, I've been trying to figure out who he reminded me of! I looove it!"

"Put it down, Ma'am!" Rowan orders, gesturing to my liquid fun. "You've had enough!"

Pausing behind the large chair, I shake my glass. "If you can catch me, you can have it!"

"I'm not playing into your foolish behavior!"

I shrug, putting my lips to the glass, damn near dying in shock when he vaults over the seat. Damn, who knew a bear could move like a gazelle?

"Run, girl, ruuun! Don't let him ruin our bonding!" Amanda yells, pumping her fist as the maid snorts in a fit of enjoyment. I fly slip under his arms as he attempts to seize me. "Bride-1, Lurch-0."

Rowan jerks his head back towards my mother-in-law. "Don't encourage, Amada! Bellemy warned you to be chill with her!"

"Buhaha, did you just say chill?" As I tease, he storms my way so I back up, hitting play on my phone as I pass so the song restarts. I begin to sing along and doing a terrible version of the twerk, nearly seeing my macho guard break into a smile. However, he stops and straightens his back, looking rational again.

"I win! Now, go get us another round!"

"I don't pay Rowan for that. I believe one of your dance partners holds that title." My heart and hips quit all movement at the same time. The husky voice from behind me sends a spiral of emotions through my blood as I work myself up to finally see the face of my husband.

Shit, this isn't how I was supposed to meet him for the first time. Does my hair look okay? Probably not because I've had a rough day and I was just acting like a 21-year-old, newly revealed to the world of drunk fun.

After a long, deep breath, I manage to coax my legs to rotate my body. He's absolutely gorgeous. His dark hair compliments his skin tone, which isn't as dark as I imagined. The surprise of his height jumpstarts my heart again. He's so very tall that I feel like a small child before him. Best of all, his face is covered in a thick beard that I desperately want to touch. I love a man that can rock facial hair and still look polished. Amusement pours from his pecan eyes as he drinks me in for the first time.

Honestly, he's sexier than I could have ever dreamed.