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  He moved behind her, pushing her forward, until her hands landed on the bed while he peeled her panties down her thighs. She felt the head of his dick sweep through her folds before pressing in.

  “Were you thinking about me on the way over?” he demanded.

  “Always.” She pressed back, letting him sink to her depths as he gripped her hips and thrust harder. She was so full she couldn’t think. Pleasure pulsed through her like a wildfire.

  She whimpered, letting him have what he wanted.

  “Come, Ari.”

  Arianna snaked her hand down the bed to circle her clit. She brushed over the sensitive bead and exploded from one touch. “Fuck, yes,” she panted as Isandro buried himself in her, coming hard.

  He held still a long moment before slipping from her and collapsing on the bed, pulling at her hand to urge her to come to him. Smiling, she scooted up next to him and curled into his arms.

  “Later, I’ll take my time,” he promised.

  “Mmm, but that was perfect.” She bent her head and tugged the barbell.

  He hissed, reaching down to grip her hip. “Start that and we’re going to be late.”

  She giggled and rolled away. “I haven’t met your brothers. And I seem to be growing on Marissa. So we should probably go.”

  “All right. But tell me you’re staying here tonight.”

  “Oh, we are. I’ll have to leave somewhat early to go shopping for something to wear, but you can come with me…if you aren’t too busy.”

  “If I get to see you try everything on, I’ll come. Not sure how much help I’ll be. Fashion was never my thing, and you look good in everything.”

  She giggled. “I know what I want, but Ella doesn’t always have enough choices in my size.” She sighed as she climbed from the bed. “Unfortunately, a lot of designers don’t carry what fits me.”

  “We’ll go wherever you need to go. And you always find sexy outfits.”

  Shimmying her jeans and underwear back into place, she grinned. “Thank you.”

  His eyes lit up as he sat up with a single arched brow. “No doubt this time?”

  “Nope. You’ve proved you like what I’ve got. And I like myself the way I am. So why question it.”

  “I love every curve of your body.”

  Giggling, she nodded to his pants. “Get dressed, Bulldog.”

  * * * *

  Isandro very nearly threw Arianna back on the bed to continue worshipping her, but she was nervous. With Marissa’s reservations, he didn’t blame her, but he wanted Arianna to feel welcome in every facet of his life.

  His sister had been right about one thing. He could give her the important things. Acceptance, praise…love, though he wasn’t ready to admit it. Not yet. Not until he knew what she felt for him.

  Arianna slipped into the bathroom while he cleaned himself up with his T-shirt and tossed it into the bin. By the time she came out, he’d pulled a plain white shirt on.

  She licked her lips, trailing her eyes over him. That look made him hard all over again, and he had to adjust himself.

  “Really wish I managed to leave sooner,” she whispered.

  “Me too, but we have all night. Come meet my family.”

  “Tomorrow you get to meet mine, but I have a feeling it won’t go nearly as well.”

  He shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first time someone’s parents didn’t like me. I’ve come to the conclusion that as long as you want me around, I’ll be around. I don’t care what the rest of them say or do.”

  “Which is why we can skip the party, if you’d be more comfortable.”

  He shook his head, smiling slightly as he moved across the room to take her hands. “I want to be there for you. You say you want to support your sister, then we will.”

  “She’s the one I couldn’t walk away from. She’s been known to parrot the venom my mother and oldest sister spew, but she never means it. She’s just heard it so much it rolls off her tongue without thought.” She rubbed at her head. “Why is my family such a mess?”

  “At least you’re not.” He brushed his lips over hers, then smiled. “I’ll be on my best behavior. Don’t worry. I’ll keep my mouth shut and stay with you. If it gets bad, we can go. If it doesn’t, I’ll be glad I was wrong.”

  She licked her lips, looking into his eyes. Slipping her arm through his, she pulled him to the front of the house. Jesus, he was never getting enough of the sway of her ass. And he loved when she got sassy and playful with him.

  He grazed his fingers across her hip as he moved past her and placed the basket on top of the marinating container.

  Arianna shook her head, taking the basket back. “Makes me feel better if I bring my dessert. At least until I don’t feel like an outsider.” The pink of her cheeks pulled at his heart.

  “You’re mine. You are not an outsider.”

  “I’m definitely yours, but your sister isn’t one hundred percent sold on me. She still looks at me like I’m going to tear your heart out.”

  “You won’t.”

  “She doesn’t realize that.”

  Sooner or later Marissa would. “Don’t worry about that. She needs to get to know you better. Give it time.”

  He locked up and started for Marissa’s, across the grass. Arianna paused to slip off the sexy heels and walk across barefoot. He couldn’t help grinning.

  “I would have carried you.”

  She shook her head. “I should have thought about the fact it was a barbeque. Heels and yards don’t mix.”

  Except, he knew for a fact her parents had a large patio and paved walkways through all the property. Not that her father was still around. He knew their yard well, thanks to his first job as a landscaper. The Nelsons paid a pretty penny to have their property perfect at all times.

  Enrique grinned as he sauntered up to the gate and opened it for Arianna. “Marissa told us Isandro had a woman now. She didn’t mention you’re a knockout.”

  She blushed a deeper shade of pink. “Thank you.”

  A small victory. She didn’t try to deny it. Isandro had every intention of instilling the notion.

  “Remember whose woman she is,” Isandro warned, winking at Enrique.

  Enrique’s hands went up as he backed away with a grin. “Don’t worry. I’m not looking for a fight.”

  Isandro nodded at his little brother. “This is Enrique—he thinks he’s Rico Suave. Estevan is over there—he’s the shy one. Guys, this is Arianna.”

  Estevan’s jaw about hit the ground as he watched Arianna sway over to the picnic table. All Isandro could think was, hands off, she’s mine. Not that his brothers would go there.

  “Hi-hi. Here, let me help.” Estevan hurried over to take the basket. “You’re the woman in the chocolate shop, aren’t you?”

  Her brow arched. “You like chocolate?”

  He nodded. “Isandro shares, when he isn’t being greedy with it.”

  “I’ll make sure to send extra next time he comes in.”

  “Really?”

  “Sure. I make a lot of chocolate. Wouldn’t hurt to send extra, as long as he promises to share nice.” Her eyes cut back to him with a smirk.

  Isandro moved behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. He bent down to whisper in her ear. “As long as you save the best for me.”

  “Always,” she breathed.

  Marissa peeked into the basket Estevan set down. “Ooh, you went out of your way.”

  Arianna smiled. “Not at all. I enjoy creating treats.”

  “These look so good.” She dropped the lid and moved them out of the way. “However, we should eat dinner first.”

  “Want help with anything?” Arianna asked.

  “Isandro’s in charge of the grill. If you want to help, I need to put together the salad and check the parmesan crusted baby reds.”

  “Sure. Point me in the right direction and I’ll do what I can.”

  Isandro kissed her cheek and squeezed her quick before letting her follow his
sister inside. He hoped she didn’t start asking too many questions.

  Enrique shook his head slowly. “You really like her, don’t you?”

  “Yes, so don’t be an ass. She’s already nervous.”

  “Why?” Estevan asked.

  “Marissa is still on the fence. Arianna’s family is full of assholes who treat her like shit. And her ex—that douchebag better watch himself or I’m going to beat the piss out of him.”

  “Fine, I won’t flirt.” Enrique sighed, then shot Estevan a look. “And you, don’t stammer too bad over her.”

  Isandro shrugged. “Hey, as long as you’re respectful, I won’t beat your asses. I like the way she lights up when she’s paid a compliment. She’s not used to them. I want to change that.”

  Enrique grinned. “I can help with that.”

  “Respectful, nitwit,” Isandro growled.

  “Yeah, I got ya. I’m not a pig.”

  Isandro nudged his shoulder. “Remember that.”

  Estevan snorted. “He does have his moments. I get too tongue-tied.”

  “And some girls will find that endearing,” Isandro pointed out.

  * * * *

  Arianna smiled and chopped veggies while Marissa added something to the potatoes before putting them in a serving dish. She couldn’t help noticing the pictures on Marissa’s fridge. The four siblings through the years. She’d never felt that close to anyone but her father, and she’d lost him a few years before.

  She turned to Marissa. “You have a lovely home.”

  Marissa snorted. “I’m sure you’re used to nicer.”

  Shaking her head, she shrugged. “If you’re suggesting my mother’s place, I hate it. It’s a showroom, not a home. My condo isn’t anything fancy. I worked my ass off, bought it with my own money, and made it my own.”

  “Sorry.” Marissa blew out a breath and moved to the counter. “I really need to stop making assumptions. You make Isandro happy. And every time I talk to you I find a new reason to like you.”

  “I’m used to it. Everyone judges me because of my family. I was always the black sheep. I never fit in. That’s why I’ve distanced myself as far from them as I could.” She shrugged. “Except Cherise.”

  Marissa nodded. “She is kind of a ditz. Antoinette—well, I can’t stand her. I need to stop letting that get in the way of getting to know you.”

  “I hope you do. I think we could be friends.”

  “I’d like that.” Marissa smiled uneasily. “Don’t take this wrong, but I’m curious why you’re taking my brother to the country club.”

  She shrugged one shoulder. “I tried to give him an out. As much as I want to be there for Cherise, I don’t want to deal with my mother, Antoinette, or Derrick. So if he’d said no, I was willing to skip it. Honest.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  Arianna nodded.

  “Did you ever love Derrick?”

  “In the beginning. I was stupid, but I learned a valuable lesson. I’m never going to make the same mistake.”

  “And my brother?”

  “He’s changed my whole perspective. Even if he gets tired of me, I’m not taking any shit anymore. Not from Derrick, or anyone else. Not even my mother.” She snorted. “She even attempted to get me to tell you Derrick couldn’t have anything to do with the break-in. And maybe he didn’t, but I have a funny feeling about that.”

  “Well, he has a solid alibi. That doesn’t mean he isn’t involved. He may have planned it. Some of the things he said…there’s something fishy about him.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t know what, and as long as he leaves me alone, I don’t care.”

  “I wish I’d known you better. I would have told you he was screwing around if I felt like I could.”

  “Me too. I could have wizened up faster.”

  Marissa smiled. “See, another reason to like you.”

  Arianna glanced away. “I really do…like your brother.”

  “You more than like him, right?”

  Gulping, she nodded. “It’s fast. I know that. I don’t want to jinx us.”

  “Pretty sure he feels the same.”

  “Don’t put words in his mouth. It’s early,” Arianna pleaded. She’d jumped in to professing love too early with Derrick. That all fell apart, time after time. What she had with Isandro was so damned good she didn’t want to ruin it before it got started.

  “Fair enough.” Marissa nodded to the salad. “I think we have enough, if you want to give it a quick mix.”

  * * * *

  Isandro started to worry about the conversation in the kitchen. He was about to go in there to check on Arianna when she sidled up to him, leaning against his side.

  She hummed her appreciation. “Smells amazing.”

  He bumped her shoulder. “Everything go okay in there?”

  “Yeah. I don’t feel like she expects the worst of me now.”

  Isandro fixed Marissa with a dirty look. “She better not.”

  “I don’t,” she replied, putting her hands up with a smirk. “And I’m glad we talked. Most of my worry had everything to do with Antoinette.”

  “She is more your age.” Arianna smiled sadly. “I can’t imagine she was very nice to you.”

  “Nope, but that doesn’t excuse my assumptions.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Arianna moved to the table and poured herself a glass of tea. “I’m happy to start at the beginning.”

  A moan echoed through the backyard, followed by the sound of skin slapping skin.

  “Shit,” Isandro muttered, pulling the steaks off the grill to put them on the platter.

  Enrique snickered at the grunting. Then a woman started screaming about filling her hole with a giant cock.

  Estevan winced. “Dale’s at it again.”

  Arianna turned a pretty shade of pink. “What’s going on?”

  Marissa pinched the bridge of her nose. “My other neighbor is an old horny pervert who forgets to turn off the outdoor speakers when he’s home alone. Normally, it’s animated movies for the grandkids, but let’s hope they’ve gone home for the night.”

  “Grandkids?” she squeaked.

  “I’ll take care of it,” Isandro offered, already walking toward the next house.

  “Harder! Harder!” the woman cried, followed by a slap.

  “Scream for me,” the man ordered.

  Isandro shuddered and booked it to the door, slamming his fist against it.

  Seemed to take forever before the sound shut off. He stayed right there, continuing to bang on the door to make sure Dale actually turned the speakers off before going back to the wankathon.

  The short, potbellied, white-haired man opened the door with a sheepish smile. “Forgot the speakers were on, huh?”

  “Yeah. Pretty sure my girlfriend may die of embarrassment while my little brother applauds your choice in movies.”

  His brow arched. “Girlfriend? Can I meet her?”

  Isandro crossed his arms over his chest. “Maybe next time. Now turn off the damned speakers.”

  “Right, of course. Sorry.” He hurried through the house, leaving the door open as he went out back to fiddle with the speakers. Then he came back. “Tell your sister I’m sorry. I don’t want no trouble.”

  He sighed. “Maybe put a note on the movies to check the speakers next time you put one on?”

  “I was browsing videos online.”

  “Oh, I really don’t need to know.”

  “I am sorry.”

  Isandro half laughed. “Enjoy yourself.” He turned and walked away. “And thanks for shutting them off.”

  “At least you get the real thing,” he muttered before shutting the door.

  * * * *

  After Isandro came back they fell into an easy conversation. In a short time, Arianna began to feel comfortable with his family.

  Enrique’s flirting made her blush. Estevan’s shy nature made her smile. Isandro kept his hand on her thigh, shoulder, or wrapped aroun
d hers. And Marissa, now that she had accepted her, had loosened up to show a lighter, more fun nature.

  Isandro finally pushed his plate away with his sexy grin. “I think it’s time for your dessert.”

  Marissa got to her feet before she had a chance. “Let me. You spent enough time making these beauties. They are so pretty it’s almost a shame to eat them.”

  “I made them to eat. I can always make more.” She stood and walked over. “They’re all a little different. I labeled them. Isandro told me things each of you liked.”

  “You made them special?” Estevan asked sweetly.

  “Mmhmm. I wanted to do something for each of you.” Arianna took the basket with a smile and pulled out Marissa’s cake. “Allow me.” There were hints of their favorite berries, and special fillings in each. “If I picked the wrong flavor, I blame Isandro for leading me astray.”

  “Oh, it’s chocolate, you can’t go wrong with chocolate,” Marissa answered.

  Estevan nodded. “She’s right. We all love it.”

  “Except Enrique,” Arianna answered, looking at the young man. “Right?”

  “What did you make me then?” he asked, a curious glint in his eyes.

  She smiled and pulled out the vanilla bean cake. “No chocolate for you, but you still get cake.”

  His eyes closed as he breathed deep. “Vanilla, oh, you are good.”

  Isandro chuckled. “I didn’t expect her to go that far with my suggestions.”

  Arianna handed Estevan his cake, and then placed one in front of Isandro before taking her seat again. His was made especially for him. Hers had an espresso filling she used in some of her truffles.

  He leaned over and breathed deep. “Oh, I need a bite of that.”

  She giggled. “Sure. Though there’s a layer of salted caramel in your dark chocolate cake.”

  His brow arched. “That’s my favorite.”

  “I know.” He always ordered as many as she had. She may not have paid enough attention to him as a man, but she always remembered what her customers liked. She wasted so much time hoping Derrick would treat her better, she mostly ignored other men.