The Matriarch and The Mistress
💮Angel💮
I gazed out the window, captivated by the vibrant city of Barcelona. It was more breathtaking than I'd imagined, bursting with color and rich with culture.
I could live here in Spain forever, I thought.
The air conditioning was off, and the windows were rolled down, letting the warm Barcelona breeze flow through the car, carrying the scent of summer.
I'd heard so much about Spain, but nothing prepared me for its beauty—it surpassed every story and photo.
"Where are we going, Raul?" I asked, turning from the window to face him. He glanced up from his phone, his eyes locking onto mine.
"We're going to see my mamá," he said casually.
My heart skipped a beat, my mouth falling open in shock.
"Why didn't you tell me, Raul? I would've worn something more... appropriate! What if she thinks I'm some kind of slut because—" I rambled, panic rising.
"You love getting paranoid, don't you, tesoro?" he teased, his thumb brushing soothing circles on the back of my hand. "It's summer; she'll understand. Mamá doesn't judge without hearing both sides, so relax, alright?"
His touch calmed me slightly, but nerves still buzzed under my skin.
The car stopped in front of a majestic mansion, its grandeur commanding the landscape.
We stepped out, and I took in the lush garden surrounding it, dotted with two elegant fountains.
The sky was a perfect canvas, and I couldn't wait for sunset to see it transform into fiery oranges and pinks.
"Can I get the contacts for all your architects? I'll need them for me and my future wife," Luca said, eyeing the estate with awe.
"You can have mine, little one," Bianco quipped.
"For fuck's sake, I'm not little, Uncle Bianco!" Luca shot back.
"I'll stop calling you little when you stop calling me uncle. I'm only twenty-six, for crying out loud! And I'm not your sister's brother!" Bianco retorted, exasperated.
"Why do you keep announcing your age, old man? You look like you're in your mid-forties, trying to convince us you're young," Luca fired back, smirking.
"You—" Bianco raised his hand, but Luca darted behind me for cover.
"You think your sister can save you?" Bianco growled, and I laughed at their bickering. Luca had a knack for riling up everyone he met, always sparking a playful fight.
"Fucking kid," Raul muttered under his breath, earning a glare from Bianco.
"What was that?" Raul flashed a sarcastic smile and shook his head.
"Nothing to get your dickhead worried about," he said coolly. Bianco rolled his eyes and moved to my side, linking our arms.
"You know, Angel, you're the only real friend I have here. These two are idiots sent to ruin my life," Bianco mumbled dramatically, but a sharp look from Raul had him releasing my arm with another eye-roll.
"Thanks for the offer, Uncle Bianco, but I don't need your architects. I'd rather not live in fear of my house collapsing," Luca said with a goofy smirk, making Bianco glare and Raul chuckle.
I shook my head, smiling, as we walked inside.
The interior was a royal masterpiece, everything draped in pristine white. Does their whole family have a thing for white? I'd been here less than two minutes, but the cozy ambiance already felt like home, wrapping me in comfort.
"I'm sure she'll be here any mo....." Raul started, but then called out, "Mamá!"
A woman in a flowing white summer dress with a slit at the back turned around. Her beauty was angelic—she could've been named Angel herself.
"Hijo!" Her blue eyes shimmered with tears as she ran to Raul, who enveloped her in a tight hug. Her petite frame forced her to stand on her toes to reach him.
She pulled back, squeezing his cheeks with affection.
"Mamá," Raul drawled, feigning annoyance, but she ignored his whining.
"I missed you so much, baby. I nearly went crazy without my boy for so long," she gushed, peppering his face with kisses. I stifled a giggle.
Oh, he's such a mama's boy. I'm definitely teasing him about this later.
"You're spending the whole summer here with me," she declared.
"But—" Raul started.
"Raul Favio D'Amano," she cut him off with a glare, silencing him instantly. He pursed his lips, and she beamed, kissing his forehead.
"No work, no stress. Mamá's going to take care of you, alright? Now, where's Catali—" Her words stopped as her gaze landed on us.
I dropped my head, my palms sweating under her scrutiny.
"Aunt Jazira!" Bianco called, drawing her attention.
She smiled warmly and hugged him.
"You look beautiful as always, Aunt," he said, making her giggle as she returned the embrace.
"Thank you, son."
There was a moment of silence, I could feel the weight of her gaze. My eyes were fixed on my feet. I suddenly found it beautiful.
"And you, Angel," she said, her voice pulling my gaze up.
My heart raced—how did she know my name? Had Raul told her about me?
"I'm talking to you, darling. What's your name?" she clarified, and my brows furrowed in confusion before I met her eyes.
Her ocean-blue gaze held me captive, just like her son's. Her flawless fair skin, long lashes, cascading dark curls, and soft pink lips radiated beauty. Now I knew where Raul got his looks.
"Uh, good afternoon, ma'am. I'm Angel," I introduced, clearing my throat to steady my voice.
Her eyes lit up with amusement.
"Wow, your parents named you perfectly for your angelic beauty. Come here, darling." She pulled me into a warm embrace, catching me off guard.
Her fruity perfume enveloped me, and I melted into her motherly warmth, a pang of longing for my own mom hitting me.
She pulled back, holding my hands.
"You're stunning, darling," she praised, making me blush.
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Don't be silly—call me Jazira. Come in, everyone, I made lunch. You must be starving!" She ushered us forward, her gaze landing on Luca.
"Raul, honey, you brought so many guests! Hi, honey, who are you?"
"I'm Luca, ma'am, Angel's brother," he introduced himself, and Jazira looked between us.
"Definitely siblings. You're very handsome," she said, and Luca scratched the back of his neck with a shy grin.
"You're beautiful too, ma'am. If I saw you out there, I'd never guess you're someone's mom," he flirted, shooting a pointed look at Raul, who glared back.
Jazira laughed, her perfect teeth gleaming.
"He's a charmer," she murmured, giggling.
"Yep, Jazira, I'm a charmer. Give it time, and I'll have you falling for me. We'll be married before you know it," Luca teased, winking.
"Caribello!" Raul snarled, his annoyance clear as I shot Luca a glare.
"Hey, don't be jealous, Icy," Luca teased. "It's not my fault your mom's gorgeous and sweet. Hell, I'd have gone gay for you if you were just a bit nicer."
I shot Luca a sharp glare, and he instantly raised his hands in surrender. I'd warned him countless times that his jokes often came out wrong—and left lasting impressions—but he never seemed to care.
Jasira burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but join her, stifling a giggle.
I'm definitely killing this idiot later.
Raul's lips twitched, fighting a smile, but he held his scowl.
"So, jassy, you'll marry me, right? I'm picking out our ring tomorrow," Luca said, grinning. Jasira shook her head, her smile radiant.
"Luca, when a guy proposes, he doesn't spill the plan—it's supposed to be a surprise," she teased.
Luca pursed his lips, scratching his forehead.
"Damn, how'd I forget that? Don't worry, I'll make it special," he promised with a wink.
"Hold up, Aunt Jasira, you can't be serious," Bianco cut in, pouting. "You rejected my proposal first!"
She laughed and tugged at his cheeks affectionately.
"It's not my fault I'm way hotter than you," Luca muttered, smirking.
"Wait a damn minute, you idiots," Raul snapped, glaring at them both. He wrapped a protective arm around his beaming mother.
"She's my mom, and I'm vetoing all your dumbass proposals."
"Don't be greedy, Icy," Luca shot back, extending his hand for a handshake. "You've got my sister already. How about a sister-for-mother deal?" Raul slapped his hand away.
"Keep your deals to yourself," he growled.
Jazira chuckled, unfazed. "Actually, Hijo(son), I wouldn't mind being the wife of these two handsome men. Right, boys?" She hooked her arms through Luca's and Bianco's, who flashed Raul smug, goofy grins.
Jazira was nothing like I'd expected—warm, playful, and open.
I could already tell this summer would be unforgettable, though I hoped her kindness wouldn't falter once she learned how I'd entered Raul's life.
"Come on, let's have lunch," she urged , tugging Luca and Bianco along with her.
"Motherfuckers," Raul muttered under his breath, making me laugh.
"Hey, don't be such a grump," I quipped, grinning. "Let them have their fun. Your mom's stunning, so I don't blame them."
He smirked, pulling me flush against his chest, his hands firm on my hips.
"You think she's beautiful?" he asked, his voice low. I nodded. "What about me, hmm?"
I pursed my lips, tilting my head as if deep in thought.
"Hey, you can't pretend to think about it when the answer's obvious," he boasted, his eyes narrowing playfully.
"Is it?" I teased, flashing a coy smile. His hand slid down, squeezing my ass with a possessive grip.
"Don't be a brat, Angel," he warned, his voice dripping with promise.
"Or what, papì? Gonna punish me under your mom's roof?" I knew I was poking the bear, but I craved the trouble only he could deliver.
"You just dug your own grave, tesoro," he growled, his hand cupping my sex with a sharp, painful pressure that pulled a soft moan from my lips. "You really underestimate me, huh?"
"I'll deal with you later," he whispered, tugging me by the wrist toward the dining room, leaving my body buzzing with anticipation for his touch—and his torture.