Page 128 of Hostile Love
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, frowning.
Dante sighs heavily and looks right at me, his expression hard.
“Carina doesn’t want to see him tonight,” he tells me, then returns his gaze to Tomás. “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride the night before the wedding.”
Mama joins them and puts her hand on Tomás’ arm.
“He’s right, son. It was always going to be like this. Even if you were getting married in the city.”
Dante folds his arms. “I’ll give you a walkie-talkie, so you can speak to her. That’s all you’re getting.”
“Look, Tommy,” André explains on a smoky exhale. “Once I’ve checked in on my wife, I’ll call in with Carina. I’m sure she’d like a big hug from her favorite Souza.”
Dani clucks her tongue and takes a confident step forward. I can tell without even looking that she rolled her eyes as well.
“I’ll stay with Carina tonight,” she offers.
Dante’s eyes settle on my woman and linger for a second longer than I’m comfortable with. It’s not from attraction, but more of an assessment. He’s probably wondering where she fits in this dynamic, which is right next to me.
“That’s not necessary. Carina is staying with my wife,” Dante tells her, matter-of-factly. “They’re drinking champagne and talking about wedding shit. It’s what Cari wants.” His gaze flicks back to Tomás. “The next time you see her, she’ll be in her wedding dress walking down the aisle.”
A slight smile twitches the edges of Dante’s mouth.
“Right, let's move out.” His eyes hunt out mine. “Follow Sal and don’t burn the fucking rainforest down tonight.”
37
DANIELA
Sal’s quad bike skids to a halt ahead of us at a crossroads.
Dense leafy plants grow everywhere, and twisted tree trunks form a natural barrier between the man-made path we’re on and the jungle terrain.
While his engine idles, he rotates in his seat and shouts over at Matheus, who’s driving our quad.
“Follow the track around that bend.” He points into the jungle. “Keep going through the forest until you see a clearing. You won’t miss it.”
Sal crooks his hand at Tomás, who’s just pulled up beside us on a quad bike of his own.
“We go this way, Tommy,” Sal informs him. “I’ve got a bottle of your favorite liquor waiting for you. We’ll have a nightcap together before you marry my sister. Dante might even make an appearance too.”
Matheus is quick to respond. “You okay with that, Tommy? I mean…you’re heading away from us.”
Tomás shrugs. “We’re all family now. Which means I should trust the fucker. If he cuts off my head, make sure you show him who the boss is…” He winks. “Souza style.”
Matheus’ shoulders bounce, his deep laughter earning a wicked smirk from his big brother.
And there he is.
The real Tomás Souza.
The boss they’d go to war for.
The brother they love and admire.
Tomás nods. “Good luck, Mat.”
Tingles sprinkle my scalp when they shoot off in the opposite direction and we’re left in the middle of a tropical rainforest, unarmed and minus provisions.
