Page 19 of Unruly Protector
CHAPTER SIX
No bathroom breaks
— CATERINA —
Itake one last glancein the mirror and assess my appearance.I’ve curled my long brown hair and it falls loosely on my back.The red lipstick, same color as the dress I’m wearing, is the only extravagant makeup I’ve put on.I couldn’t resist, it just pops.I’m about to head out to some club Gracy reserved a VIP booth in to celebrate, a bachelorette party, whatever.I’m expecting it to be just some drinks with a few friends.
It’s been eleven days since I arrived and ten days since Donya came here to become Arturo’s wife.And I have to say, those two seem to be adorably awkward together.It’s almost comical to watch.The talks I had with Donya gave me enough information to know they have enough chemistry, but for some reason Arturo is holding back.
Maybe I should talk to Clemente about Arturo, he might know why Arturo is practically rushing out of the room as soon as those two are together.And they’re not sharing a room either.Donya is still staying in one of the guest bedrooms.It’s as if Arturo doesn’t trust himself to stay close to Donya.Like I said, it’s almost comical to watch those two.
Clemente and I are sharing a bedroom, but I’m fast asleep when he comes to bed and he’s gone when I wake up.Sometimes I think he falls asleep in his office and never comes to bed.The man either works too hard or is avoiding me like Arturo is avoiding Donya.
Okay, clearly Donya and Arturo aren’t the only ones with issues.But Clemente and I are getting married in three days.A wedding night might change the whole going to bed and waking up alone sequence.
I grab the tube of lipstick and slide it into my purse and stalk out of the bedroom.When I’m walking down the stairs, I hear two people murmuring and it sounds angry, almost frustrated.But I’m not catching all the words and have no idea what the discussion is about.
Another weird thing is that this discussion is taking place in the hallway instead of Clemente’s office.Donya is standing to the side, dressed in an emerald green dress.She’s clutching her purse and her head swings my way, making her red curls bounce around her head.Clemente and Arturo are huddled close together, still talking in hushed, angry tones.
I come to a stand next to Donya and give her a hug.She’s nothing like me.Where I’m straightforward, she’s shy and withdrawn.I love to cook, while she can barely manage breakfast.She’s amazing with a pencil and paper, making sketches and creating art worthy enough to be placed in a museum.I, on the other hand, can barely draw a stick figure.You get the idea; we’re different but became best friends growing up.
“You look amazing,” I compliment.“I hope the guys will let us dance with their overbearing restrictions, it’s been awhile.”
Donya instantly relaxes.“It’s been three weeks since we last were able to dance together.But yes, dancing barefoot in the living room or in a club?There’s a huge difference, so I guess you’re right; dancing in a club has been awhile.”
My eyes stray to the guys.Clemente catches my eyes and I can read the frustration on his face.
“Everything okay?”I question.
Even if this is my bachelorette party, Clemente and Arturo were going to tag along and spend the night at the VIP booth next to ours.They said it was their chance to have a bachelor party alongside mine, but these days I’ve noticed Clemente is almost obsessive when it comes to protecting me.
Clemente doesn’t answer me but instead bellows, “Mattia, get in here.”
My head swings in the direction of the living room.Mattia stalks out, dressed in black slacks and a white buttoned up shirt.He’s changed a lot since the day we arrived here.He’s more focused and less playful.
Normally he would crack jokes and be my friend.But with the whole awkward information about him having feelings for me, and Clemente confronting him, it all changed.And I’m happy to say it’s for the better.He’s grown somehow, fitting in perfectly with the other guys around here.
“Mattia, I need for you to stay with Rina and Donya tonight.We have to take care of something.If there’s anything out of the ordinary, call.And don’t make it an all-nighter, have them both home before midnight.”Clemente must notice I’m about to ask him what’s going on again because he adds, “Rina, a word in my office, please.”
Well, he said please, my mind offers, but it does nothing to calm my spiking anger.Good thing we’re heading for his office to be alone so I can be myself and curse him out.Have them home by midnight.Asshole.
The door closes behind us and he starts before I can do much as utter one word.“The gang who we think is involved with the illegal gambling parties sent a guy to the whorehouse a few days ago.The guy offered them mountains of gold in an effort to steal them to come work for them.Arturo received a message from a whore.The guy showed up again today.Leandro went to the whorehouse and it turned out to be a sixteen-year-old.Probably a kid they have dealing on the streets and give some cash to do their dirty work.Point is, Arturo and I are heading over to talk to the kid.We need to know who’s behind this new and uprising shit that keeps landing on our plate.They make it seem like it’s a woman, but I think they’re spreading the rumor to give them a smoke screen to work behind, throwing us off.”
“What you mean is you have to map out the players to assure Fredo is tied to it and can wipe them all out in one go,” I easily supply.
He rubs two fingers over his mouth and I’m guessing he’s doing it to hide his smile.
“Right.I’ll see you when you get back.”He’s about to give me a peck on the freaking cheek like he’s been doing every time he leaves the house, but I step away and point a finger in his face.
