Page 48 of Bratva Hunter

“Come meet us in the kitchen.”

I step out of the room as my mother leans against the top banister overlooking the first-floor great room. “I’m hungry.”

“Well, of course you are. Mrs. Martin has your favorites.”

“Great.” I slip my hand in hers to walk down the stairs. “Everyone is being really nice to Roric.”

“He’s your husband.”

“Not for long, if I have anything to say about it.”

She stops us on the stairs. “Rosalie Rachel, you need to grow up. This is life. We make choices to better our situation. You modeled to get away from your father and increase your profile so he couldn’t take you. Marrying a rich man from a powerful family gives you protection from your enemies, and knowing your father’s family like I do, they won’t just decide to leave you alone.”

I shrug as we continue down the stairs. “He lied to me.”

“Men lie. But does he hurt you?”

“Only my pride and my heart.”

“I don’t think we’re talking about the same man. That man who brought you to your family is the right man for you.” She sighs. “You don’t want people to look at you like a failure because you’re alone with children. People can be so cruel.”

“Is that why you hide in Mexico?”

Her gasp makes me sad that I asked her. “Everyone here found out who your father was and shunned me. Your grandparents stood by me, but many of their friends dropped them. And your grandfather was a powerful financial advisor to the Dallas rich, and my connection to the cartel put a cloud over him, too. I left because my choice shouldn’t hurt those around me.”

We step into the kitchen. Various platters of foods pepper the counter as Mrs. Martin smiles. She rushes to me, pulling me from my mother. “Welcome home, honey.”

Tears well up in my eyes as her hug tightens around me. “Thanks.” I wipe my eyes and blow out my breath as I sit down.

“Here’s a plate. Dig in.”

Four bites into my chimichanga, I look up to see everyone staring at me. “What?”

My grandmother beams. “You’re having twins. How exciting.”

My hand stops moving while I cock my head. “I wasn’t sure Mama told you.”

“Of course, she told me. I was with her when she read your texts. Now let’s talk about a reception.”

“What reception?” I continue eating my favorite entrée as my mother sits down next to me..

“A wedding reception this weekend to celebrate you and Roric.”

“Why would I want to celebrate that?”

The kitchen phone on the wall rings. Mrs. Martin answers, and the color drains from her face. “No. I’m sorry she’s not here.” There’s a pause as she implores my grandmother to stand.

My grandmother takes the phone from Mrs. Martin. “Hello?” She gestures to my mother, who texts my grandfather. “Marco, you are not welcome. Rosa and her husband are visiting.” She rolls her eyes. “Security won’t let you enter the property. You can try.” She hangs up the phone with a hard slam. “Asshole.”

A few minutes later, my grandfather and Roric enter the kitchen. Grandfather goes to his wife, and Roric comes to me. He asks. “What happened?”

My grandmother hugs him. “Marco called. He wants to come see Rosa. I told him security won’t let him on the property.”

My grandfather nods. “I need to make a call.” He steps out of the room as Roric holds me against him.

“Are you okay?”

“I guess. I thought he wasn’t going to bother us now that we’re married. But now I realize, he’s going to always cause us trouble.”

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