Page 86 of Arranged

The powerful men were concerned. That much had been made clear.

Alejandro had been different since his promotions, now the Underboss of two powerful forces. There was no formal name for him; I’d never heard about an Underboss leading soldiers from another organization.

I’d seen my new husband’s stress level rise in only twenty-four hours. He wasn’t the kind of man to explode in anger or violence. He handled many of his emotions inwardly. But I’d seen the change in his eyes. He’d grown harder, colder.

But not toward me or Gabriel.

Around us, he was almost doting. The change was like night and day and unnerving as hell.

We were set to move into the house in Great Neck. I wasn’t certain how I felt about that.

Three days had passed. Three days of worrying about my clinic and not being told what would happen to my former life. I knew Alejandro had been busy. Although he’d made time to spend with us both in our new house and at the stark condo, things had become somewhat different.

I sensed he was worried, more so than he’d been before.

At least Gabriel was safe and having a fun time with his aunt and uncle, who were doting on him. That gave both Alejandro and me time to adjust to the new living arrangements.

Alejandro had kept two soldiers outside the house at all times. He’d paced the floor of the office he’d taken as his, still on the phone. I’d overheard him checking on the dozens of warehouses in the combined new regime. It wasn’t that I’d felt ignored, but when I was angry and nervous, there was one thing that made me feel better.

Baking.

Maybe stupid.

Maybe silly, but that’s what had gotten me through the horrible time with Derek. So what was I doing inside my new home? I was baking fucking brownies. I didn’t even know if Alejandro liked brownies or if he was allergic to chocolate. Brownies weren’t my favorite treat, but they were Gabriel’s. At least I could soften my stupid decision by believing the dark treats would be a great homecoming.

I tossed the mixing bowl into the sink, enjoying the loud clang it made against the side. I stared down at the pan of liquid brownies, wishing I could throw a tantrum. I envisioned the dark goo plastered across the pristine walls or the gorgeous wide window highlighting the incredible flower garden outside.

When was the last time I’d had a tantrum? I laughed at myself and decided to look for sprinkles instead. What the hell? A little color on top might make me smile.

Or not.

I yanked open all the cabinets and spice drawers, laughing bitterly as I thought about the couple who’d left almost everything behind. Except their clothes. And all I’d brought had been clothes. How ironic.

The line from my favorite song swam in my head because that had been the actuality of my life. In finding sprinkles not only in rainbow colors but in gold and copper, Halloween and Christmas, I felt a tiny bit of solidarity to the previous woman who’d lived here. I tossed a good amount on the top of the brownies and stood back.

“I didn’t know you could bake,” Alejandro said quietly.

I slowly lifted my head, staring at the handsome man standing in the doorway. He was wearing his signature dark trousers and white shirt, only minus the jacket. His sleeves were also rolled up past his elbows, the shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest. With his dark hair and piercing green eyes, he appeared ready for a photoshoot.

“Yeah, well, you don’t know very much about me at all.” I stood with my palms resting on the counter, staring down at the chocolate mix. Why I suddenly feel as if I was going to burst into tears?

“You don’t know much about me either.” He swaggered closer.

I eyed him carefully. “No, I don’t. Not sure I want to. But I’ll ask you this. Do you like chocolate?” As if the answer mattered in the least.

His mischievous grin, the one that had captured my attention the first time he’d smiled instead of frowned spread across his face as he advanced. When he swiped his finger through the center, I was ready to snarl at him, but the move was adorable.

So I laughed.

“Nice tats,” I told him instead, which was something I doubted I’d mentioned before.

He sucked on his finger as if licking and tasting the best lollypop in the world. My thoughts drifted back to my clinic because of that alone. “I like art.”

“I guess so. Very colorful.”

Alejandro flexed his hand before fisting it, even extending his arm so I could see the group of hearts.

“Why the daggers?” I asked.

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