Page 122 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

“Uncle Lucian and Aunt Rebecca,” he addresses the first couple, and then he turns to the second one. “Uncle Jacob and Aunt Calliope.” He presses me closer to him. “This is my wife, Penelope Reyes.”

I barely resist the eye roll at how much satisfaction coats this statement and nod at them all. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I say shyly to some of the most powerful people in the room.

“Ah, you grew up so much. I remember you being this small.” Rebecca puts her splayed palm at her hip level. “With two pigtails. And now you’re married to Remi.” She comes closer to me and gives me a strong hug, her flowery scent hitting me and easing the earlier tension. “Welcome to the family, Penelope.” She leans back and palms my cheeks. “Congratulations.”

Yes, Jimena got her character and personality from her mother all right. They so easily accept people if one of their own chooses them.

For some reason, this moves me so much, because I never knew motherly love in my life, and while Dad loved me with all his heart, some voids just cannot be filled no matter how much we try.

“Thank you. And my dad still has your painting hung in his living room,” I feel the need to add, hoping she knows he values her as a friend and an artist.

“She’s very talented, so there’s no wonder,” Lucian says and then winks at me. “Congratulations. Your name is Reyes, but you are part of the Cortez clan now. Do not hesitate to come to us should you need anything.” He grips Remi’s shoulder. “You did well, Remi.” He slaps him on his back, and I see nothing but respect in my husband’s gaze when he looks at Lucian. “Although, as a loving father who has a daughter, I must say good luck getting in your father-in-law’s good graces.”

“It’s on my to-do list.” With the confidence he speaks, Remi really has no idea how long my father can hold a grudge.

Although, does it matter?

We might not even be a couple for long. I should not forget all this is just an illusion designed for the monster’s amusement.

My mood sours while my internal fight exhausts me. Losing my guard around this man and believing this arranged marriage can be successful in the future…is wrong.

Even if he kills just bad people, falling in love and building a life with a murderer hardly counts as a fairy-tale love story.

He has a family who loves him, which is so strange, as you never imagine a villain who loves darkness to have any ties.

However, if he had so much love while growing up from them all, why did he become a monster in the first place?

What happened to him?

Calliope’s soft voice brings me back to present. “You’re beautiful.” My cheeks heat up under her praise, and she hugs me before kissing me on the cheek and patting my arm. “Ah, I love all the kids getting married lately.”

“Well, they are above thirty, my love,” Jacob says and smiles at me but makes no move toward me. Compared to the other three, he is more on the reserved side, and yet so much softness and affection laces his tone as he addresses his wife. It leaves no doubt he adores her. “And if you need anything, you can count on the Price family as well.” He looks at Remi. “I expect a proper party.” My husband opens his mouth to say something, but Jacob’s raised palm stops him. “Santiago and you robbed your wives from a good event. Organize something to combine the two.” He motions to his friend. “This one married his wife in his own garden with his butlers as witnesses, so of course he approves and doesn’t judge.”

Lucian pulls Rebecca to him, plastering her against his chest as she muffles a laugh. “Thirty-two years and counting, amigo.” A beat passes. “And didn’t you drag Calliope to a courthouse, and I quote, ‘to make this damned fucking obsession official’?”

“At least I invited you to mine.”

“Because someone had to watch your kid.”

“Still, the thought counts. I got nothing for yours.”

Rebecca sighs while Calliope grabs a strawberry from the nearby table and pops it in her mouth, shaking her head at them.

“Oh I see we’re right on time,” an amused voice trills behind us, and I half turn to see Florian prowling toward us through the crowd along with Santiago and Octavius. “Dad still sulking over not getting an invite to the wedding?” He heads straight to Rebecca, ripping her from Lucian’s arms and hugging her tight, lifting her up a little, and then putting her back on the floor. “Hi, Madrina,” he greets her softly, and my brows shoot up at this, my gaze darting to Remi, who wraps his arm around me, running his fingers over me in soothing motions while I process this information.

Godmother?

The dude really tasted the forbidden fruit. He’s practically related to Jimena from left and right.

Does he really love her that much? Or couldn’t he help himself to indulge in her?

“Hi, godson.” She gives him a stern look and then glares at her son and Octavius, who freeze. “Haven’t seen any of you in a while.” Her focus goes back to Florian. “Especially you. Any particular reason?” Since everyone stays silent at this, she announces, “Next week, I’m hosting a dinner at my house. Everyone needs to be there.” Collective groans fill the air at her order, although they all straighten up when Lucian sends them a warning look from behind her. “And if anyone is late or doesn’t show, I will personally drag them by their ears to my house.” She places her hands on her hips. “Is that understood?”

“Si.”

She hooks her arm through her husband’s and tells him, “Let’s dance, mi amor.”

He immediately pulls her to the dance floor, while Jacob says at the same time, “I’m going to check on Satan.” He grabs his wife and murmurs something in her ear, and she frowns. “See you later, kids.” With this, they walk off in a different direction while I exhale a heavy breath in the restless energy around me that’s permanently attached to the dark four.

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