The Queens: Scarred Queen, Alejandro's Prey
Chapter 57

He lowered his head to hers and kissed her, soft at first but then with growing urgency as her lips parted eagerly beneath his and her arms circled his waist. He pushed her back against the wall and slid his hand into her hair, tangling his fingers against her scalp and tilting her head so he could access her mouth more deeply. He thrust his tongue deep, swallowing her gasp and then taking each moan and shiver she quickly offered. He growled and pressed hard against her, stealing her breath, her space, everything she had when she tugged him closer and offered herself with abandon.

He forced himself to release her lips, trailing kisses along her cheek and hairline before straightening. He pulled her up against his side and watched with satisfaction as she ran shaking hands down her skirt and up her halter to ensure everything was in place. She shook her hair back from her face and smoothed a hand over her thick riotous

curls.

"Do you forgive me?" he asked as the elevator arrived in the lobby.

"Forgive you?" she asked breathlessly when they stepped off into the path of Fredo and his men. They must have hurtled down the stairs to arrive first.

"Forgive me for not telling you exactly how beautiful you look in that dress the moment I saw you, mi amor," he explained. "My tardiness was unforgiveable."

She tucked her hand against the elbow of his jacket. "I'll forgive you this time since you're taking me to my favourite restaurant. But don't let it happen again, Alejandro."

"Ah, you have made me a very happy man," he told her, picking up her hand from his arm and bringing her fingers to his lips.

She smiled shyly at him and followed him out into the cool mountain evening where he helped her into the back of one their vehicles. The restaurant was easily one of the best Bolivia had to offer. Alejandro enjoyed the way Gina's eyes lit up as he escorted her from the car, up the concrete steps and into the building, modern and rustic elements twining together in perfect balance. It occurred to him, as he was unable to tear his eyes from her while they were being led to their table, that Reyes had made a good decision in sending men with the couple. Though there was no question about Alejandro's ability to defend himself, he was undeniably distracted.

He nodded at the hostess when she smiled deferentially and took them to a private corner next to a large window that faced the night-shrouded mountains and the glittering valley of La Paz. Gina's gasp of appreciation and quick grin told him he'd chosen well. He slipped a bill into the hostess's hand before waving her away and seating Gina himself, making sure her view of the valley was unobstructed.

"This is incredible," Gina said excitedly after they were both sitting.

He nodded, watching her animated features, tracing the slight flush of her cheeks with his eyes. He'd always thought Gina lovely, but tonight she was more. She was radiant. Perhaps because she was about to become his? He didn't know, and he didn't care, he was beyond questioning the pull she had on him.

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"I want to make you happy, Gina," he told her, his voice dropping in volume. Though their corner was private he didn't need his men, who were seated in twos at two separate tables flanking theirs, to hear any part of their conversation. This weekend was private, between him and his new bride.

She nodded happily, distracted, still looking around. Alejandro leaned forward and captured her hand pulling it across the table toward him. He gave it a squeeze, feeling the fine bones beneath the skin. So small, so fragile compared to him.

"You need to listen for a moment, mi amor," he told her, his tone serious.

Her eyelashes fluttered and she focused on him, tilting her head a little. Her blond hair spilled across one bare shoulder in a shiny fall drawing his gaze toward her cleavage, reminding him that she was bared to the eyes of others. He shifted in his seat and swallowed his annoyance. This evening was about Gina and himself; it was about establishing their future, their relationship.

"I'm listening, Alejandro," she said softly.

A slight shiver rocked his frame at the way those gorgeous lips shaped his name. Blatantly sexual images flashed through his brain. Gina on her knees in front of him, her lips wrapped tightly around his cock, those sweet grey eyes turned up to him as she willingly took him into her mouth and throat, licking, sucking, worshipping. Fuck. He nearly groaned out loud and had to shift in his seat to replace a more comfortable position.

He squeezed her hand again and closed his eyes in an attempt to remember what he'd planned on saying. He replaced the sex with blood and violence. His job, his life. Her life with him. He hardened his heart and opened his eyes. "I am in love with you, Gina," he said matter-of-factly, ignoring the tiny gasp that escaped her lips. "But you need to know that I will not always make you happy. I'm sure there will be times in our marriage that my actions will make you very unhappy. And you will have to learn to live with that. Because once my ring is on your finger, I won't let you go."

He watched, still holding her hand in his, feeling a slight tremor run down her arm and through her fingers as she struggled to process his words. He noted the rapidly beating pulse in her throat and the paleness of her features as the blood drained from her cheeks. He hadn't planned on frightening her, hadn't wanted to cast an unpleasant shadow over their evening, but he needed truth between them on the eve of their wedding.

She lifted stormy eyes to his and said, her voice strong, "I understand, Alejandro. I also understand that you still haven't asked me to marry you. So, as far as I'm concerned there is no marriage or ring until I've said yes."

He stared at her, his mouse turned vixen in the space of a day. He could see anxiety beginning to replace her bravado as she worried that he might smash her tart words under his usual dominance. For some reason, he wanted her to feel comfortable in saying what she wanted to him, so he gave her hand a squeeze, grinned and replied, "Give me time, cari?a. Now pick up your menu and tell me what will make my love happiest to eat."

She melted into her seat, picked up her menu and smiled sweetly as she chose first an appetizer, then a main course. Alejandro watched her every move, the predator purring in satisfaction. He was making his bride happy. A necessary evil since he had no intention of ever letting her go. Whether she rejected his ring or not, it was going on her finger and she was going home with him.