but I do want you, though. I understand we’ve only known each other a short time but I know that it’s you I want. I want this friendship to become a serious relationship. I want us to build something you can believe in but only if it’s also what you want.”
Shaking her head and sighing loudly, Alinna broke eye contract with Alex and said, “Alex, there’s a lot you don’t know about me. First, you should know that although I do like you a lot, I’m still in love with my son’s father, even though we’re no longer together.”
“Where is he now?”
“He left town.”
“Is he coming back?”
“I’m not really sure,” Alinna answered truthfully, before adding, “I don’t think he will though.”
“So, basically, what you’re telling me is that our chances of having anything aren’t great because you’re still in love with your son’s father, even though he hurt you?”
Looking back and meeting Alex’s eyes, Alinna said, “I want you, Alex. I won’t lie to you. But my trust isn’t really great right now. I can only promise you that I will give things between us a real try if you’re willing to give me time.”
Alex reached up and gently brushed back Alinna’s hair and lightly ran the back of his hand down the side of her face. Alex smiled as he replied, “Whatever it takes to make you mine, Alinna. I’m willing to endure whatever. I want you that badly.”
Smiling a bit as Alex leaned towards her, Alinna reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, while accepting the kiss he laid on her lips.
* * *
Dante drove the smooth-riding Benz up the drive back to the mansion and saw the crowd of security already posted out front. He also noticed both Carmen and Dominic standing outside the mansion doorway. Dante heard Natalie mumble something about Gomez, which directed his attention to the big man posted in front of the house just a bit further down from where her parents stood on the porch.
Pulling the Benz to a stop in front of the crowd of security team, Dante parked the car as a chauffeur rushed over around to the driver’s door. He noticed the big Spanish man snatch open the passenger-side door and grab Natalie aggressively out of the seat.
“Gomez!” Natalie cried, pulling and trying to get away from her bodyguard’s grip. “What is wrong with you? Let me go this minute!”
“You are not supposed to leave without me!” Gomez said, as he pressed his face angrily up into Natalie’s face.
“You are out of line. Release me now!” Natalie yelled, still trying to get away from her bodyguard.
“You will never leave without . . .”
“You may wanna let her go,” Dante stated, as he calmly walked up beside both Natalie and the bodyguard.
“You will be dealt with shortly,” Gomez told the new guy, pushing Dante away. He then turned his attention back to Natalie.
Dante caught Gomez’s hand by the top of his fingers and bent them backwards, causing the guy to cry out in pain. Dante then slammed his elbow into Gomez’s nose, snapping his head back. At the same time, he kicked his left leg out from under him and sent homeboy backwards to the pavement.
He then grabbed his banger from his right holster with his left hand, while still holding Gomez’s fingers in his right hand. Dante had the .45 pressed to the front of Gomez’s forehead by the time he opened his eyes and was looking up at Dante.
“Enough!” Dominic yelled out, drawing everyone’s attention to him including Dante who cut his eyes up to his new employer before focusing back on Gomez. “Release him, Dante! He’s okay now.”
Doing as he was told and releasing the muscular bodyguard’s hand while keeping his hammer out gripped it in his left hand, Dante grabbed Natalie and pulled her behind him. He watched Gomez slowly climb to one knee and wipe the blood away from his busted and bleeding nose.
“Do you still question my decision, my wife?” Dominic asked Carmen, while showing a small smile toward