Page 217 of Before Dawn

“She’s worth every cent,” he added, his voice softer than expected. “The cars are nothing compared to my love for her.”

Arnoldo smirked, tipping his glass toward Alex. “What about you?”

Alex stretched out, taking a slow sip. “European vacation homes.”

Arnoldo raised a brow. “Across the continent?”

Alex grinned. “Mara wanted places in Belgium, Amsterdam, France, Italy, Spain. Gotta have options.”

I laughed. “Sounds like a property portfolio.”

Arnoldo chuckled. “Now we know Alex’s been busy fathering Isaiah, flying planes, and collecting homes like souvenirs.”

Alex shrugged. “If it makes her happy, I’m good with it.”

The conversation shifted, and Arnoldo’s gaze landed on me. “Alright, Suarez. What’s the damage?”

I leaned back, amusement in my eyes as thoughts of Abigail crossed my mind. “My jet,” I admitted, running a hand over my jaw.

Arnoldo raised an eyebrow. “I thought you bought that for the company?”

I shook my head and took a slow sip of water. “She has flight anxiety.”

“I’m waiting for you to tell me this is a joke,” Arnoldo said, his tone edged with disbelief.

Dillon and Lucio exchanged knowing glances, their smirks speaking volumes.

“Keep waiting, Reyes,” Lucio said, his voice laced with amusement.

Arnoldo shook his head, exasperated. “Eres increíble.”164

“The rule,” I said simply, letting the words hang in the air, “is whatever she wants, she gets.”

He snorted. “The rule? Come on, there’s always a limit.”

I shook my head. “Not for her. What are millions compared to her?”

Arnoldo let out a low whistle. “Damn. No wonder she’s got you whipped.”

“When you love a woman, you love a woman, Reyes. And I happen to love mine.”

“I’d say you’re bordering on obsessed.”

“Bordering?” I laughed. “Iamobsessedwith her.”

Reyes chuckled, shaking his head. “Lucio, what about you? What’s your damage?”

Lucio glanced at his wedding band, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Marina likes the water, so I bought her an island and two yachts.”

Arnoldo raised an eyebrow. “An island? Two yachts? Was that really necessary?”

“Does it matter?” Lucio shrugged, smiling as he twisted the band.

Arnoldo crossed his arms. “You guys are wild. All this for love?”

I shrugged. “You’d do the same if you were in our shoes.”

“I don’t think I’d drop millions on a yacht, let alone three,” Arnoldo said, more to convince himself.

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