More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Read between
June 23 - September 6, 2025
For the eldest daughters, who work so hard and do so much. I see you. I am you.
Me!
This was her chance to truly know her sisters and improve their relationships despite the ways their father had worked to undermine them.
Ana María missed the warm sun on her skin, the taste of a tortilla fresh off the comal, the soft melodies her tía Susana coaxed from her guitarra on balmy summer nights.
“You three will be wealthy Mexican ladies seeking refuge from the French occupation.
“What I mean is that I now have three lovely, wealthy, intelligent heiresses to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Mexico.”
Gideon’s skittering gaze landed on her with the force of a cannon blast. She was flanked by guests, like a sun in the center of the universe.
“Mexico is a colorful, vibrant place, and this color reminded me of home.”
It was an alarming thought that he craved this woman’s approval, and a voice in the back of Gideon’s mind wondered why he cared.
“Well I’m Mexican and will speak Spanish when I feel like it,” Gabby pushed, turning in her seat next to the viscountess to face her directly.
Her reserved sister, who was the living embodiment of the Luna family’s Purépecha roots, had long been subjected to lingering glances and whispered sneers.
“I simply sought to make a good impression.” “And who said you didn’t?” Mr. Fox moved a half step closer. “I was impressed.”
“Miss Luna, buenas noches. Cómo está?” Gideon asked in halting Spanish,
“No one has tried to converse with us in our home language, and mi corazón hurts to hear it.”
Gideon regretted even more that a man waited for her back in Mexico.
“Do you think Señor Fox’s lips are as soft as they look? Like two feather-down pillows. I bet he’d whisper dirty words in your ear before he’d nibble across your jaw to claim—”
“Miss Isabel is wearing blue, which I must say looks striking against her dark skin.” “Miss Isabel is quite striking all on her own,” Gideon murmured.
In reality, Isabel had been made to feel inferior simply because she looked like their father.
What was it about seeing Ana María in this situation that made his chest ache?
“Isabel doesn’t need this.” Gabby crossed the room and ripped the white tube from Isabel’s hand. “Why would she want to be a pale version of herself when she was born to stand out? When her skin has been touched by the sun?”
“You’re beautiful, Isa. I’ve always been so envious of you, with your lovely skin that looks stunning in every color. You don’t look washed out and sickly when you wear yellow.”
And when her gaze met his, her pink lips tilting up into a secret smile, his goddamned heart soared. For that shy smile was meant only for him.
“Señorita Luna”—her name was a growl—“I should very much like to kiss you.”
“Will you help me with the buttons here, little wife?” he rasped.
