Stephanie's POV

After we arrived home to Tia Celia's house, I immediately went to my room to change out of the hideous dress I was forced to wear. I closed the door, pretty sure I locked it, but I must have forgotten to because before I could even undo the eye hook, the door was opened, and Carlos walked in, relocking the door behind him.

"Carlos, you know you shouldn't be in here. If Tia or Abuela find out,"

"Then you have to be quiet, Babe. Dios, this is an ugly color for a dress, but it looks fabulous on you. You look muy sexy." Carlos's arms came around my waist from behind, and his mouth was on my neck, under my ear. I felt him slide the zipper down, slipping the dress down my body. God, what he could do to me.

"Mierda, you weren't wearing anything underneath but panties?" His hands went up to my breasts, cupping them as he flicked my nipples, pebbling them. I felt heat rush through my body. He turned my head so my face was near his as he began to assault my mouth with his. He slowly led me back to the bed, gently pushing me down on my back after turning me to face him. Carlos kissed down my neck to my breasts, staying there a few minutes before heading further south. His hand cupped my center, and I felt myself building to an orgasm. By the time his lips managed to touch me there, I was primed to explode. He quickly brought me to another orgasm, before kissing his way back up my body. Feeling more relaxed, I turned us so I was on top of Carlos, and slowly starting to kiss my way down his toned chests, towards his soldier who was standing at full attention. I brought my hand around it, stroking it from the base to the head before I placed my mouth over it, sucking it like a popsicle. It didn't take long for me to bring Carlos to his peak when I expertly swallowed all he had to offer. We kissed once again.

"Babe, we need to get cleaned up," Carlos whispered.

"I know. Let me put on my robe, and I'll go in the shower. In ten minutes, I'll be done. How are you going to sneak out of here? Your clothes aren't exactly pristine, they look all rumbled."

"Don't worry, I'll get back to my room without anyone knowing. It only took us ten minutes. Besides, everyone is too busy screaming about your parents."

"I hope you're right. You know Les always seems to be around."

With one last kiss, I put my robe on and grab my PJs and underwear. I open my door as Carlos hides in the closet. When I enter the hall, the coast is clear. I manage to get into the bathroom without anyone hearing anything. I wash my hair, and the rest of my body, more to get rid of Joe cooties. I can't believe he tried to touch me again. Bastard.

I get out, dry myself off, then get dressed. When I return to my room, no one is there. I put my slippers and my robe on heading downstairs. When I get down, Carlos is sitting in basketball shorts and a tank top, along with Lester. Tia Celia and Uncle Paul are filling Abuela in on the happenings at the wedding. She glances at me, then at Carlos, and I know she knows what went on with us. Shit. I try to remain calm, though.

"Gracias Dios, your curls are back," Carlos said as I appear in the kitchen. I smile at him and sit down at the table when everyone's attention shifts to me.

"Stephanie, tell me what Joe did to you," Uncle Paul ordered.

I sigh. I didn't really want to share that with anyone. The only reason I told Carlos was that it was so close to the event. But I know that Uncle Paul won't let it slide.

"My parents made me ride to the reception hall with Joe in the back of a two-person car. Once we got in the car, Joe tried to put his hand under my skirt. I managed to situate myself so that he couldn't accomplish his mission. Then he tried to touch me elsewhere. I grabbed his wrist, twisting enough to hurt, but not enough to break it. He stopped. I tried to keep my distance from him, but whenever possible, he would stand very close to me, touching me in some way, and he kept on touching my backside, my arm, anywhere. My parents smiled every time they saw him touching me, regardless of where he was touching me. Apparently, my parents told him that I will marry him next year. From what Mary Lou told me, on my eighteenth birthday, Joe is going to propose and we'll be married within six months. My mother wants me pregnant before my nineteenth birthday."

By this point, I'm looking at the floor. I can't bear to see the looks on everyone's faces. I know that I'm at a loss here. I'll probably be sent back to my parent's house tonight. No one would want me to be in their family considering who my parents are.

"Estefania, look at me." I look up at Abuela. "You will not have to worry about your parents. You are going to West Point in a month. You will not be anywhere near the Burg. We will not allow that slime to go near you. Don't be scared. You are part of our family now. You're stuck with us forever."

Carlos moves his chair closer to mine and puts his arm around my shoulders. I lean against him, taking solace in his warmth, in his strength. I know he'll protect me from Joe. I know he won't let anything happen to me.

"Stephanie, I told you this last summer, and I will say it again. You should press charges against Joe Morelli. He's only going to continue his womanizing ways unless you put a stop to it. I know you don't want to do that because of what the dumbasses here in the Burg will say, but it's the right thing to do."

"Uncle Paul, I appreciate your support, but I'd rather not say anything. I will be made out to be the town slut, the town whore, who sleeps around. I'm sure several guys will all come forward, saying I had sex with them to help keep Joe's reputation intact. I don't have a leg to stand on here. I'm not what you would call a reliable witness. Everyone already sees me as a misfit, an outsider. They will use me moving Miami as being more sinister than it is. They will say that you are brainwashing me, that Carlos is controlling me. I can't go through that, and I won't put you through that. You know it's true."

"Please think about it, Stephanie. Whenever you are ready to press charges, I'm here to support you. And don't worry, your Uncle Joe has a few cards of his sleeve to help you with your credibility."

"Thank you. I truly appreciate everything you all have done for me. I could never repay you for your love and support."

"You don't need to. Your friendship made both Carlos and Lester better men. That is all we need in return," Tia Celia replied.

Tia Celia leaves to go put the girls to bed. Uncle Paul tells Lester and Carlos to help him pack the car. He wants to leave for Newark at six tomorrow, to try to avoid seeing my parents. That leaves Abuela Rosa and I in the kitchen.

"Estefania, I know you are my Carlito are…involved. I know that you both have needs. Please be careful. You both have a bright future ahead of you. I don't want to see you ruin your chances to be someone because of a mistake you made in passion. I don't want to be a bisabuela yet. You are still taking the pill, correct."

I feel flush in embarrassment. "Yes, Abuela."

"Good. Make sure you take it every day. Use a condom every time. I don't have a problem with you showing your love for each other, just be smart about it. I've already spoken to Carlito. Now, I've spoken to you."

I am mortified that Abuela knows, but somehow her acceptance of Carlos and I makes me feel better, makes me not feel dirty. She doesn't think poorly of me because of it. But, now I know we have to be more careful. We need to try to calm down a little, at least until we are at school. I guess if I think of Abuela knowing what we are doing, that will be a good mood killer.

"I know that one day, you and Carlito will be married, and you will have children. When that time comes, I will be your biggest supporter. You are good for each other. Now, go to bed. You had a busy day and will have a long one tomorrow. Good night, mi hija."

End of Part I

A/N: This is the end of part I. Part II is complete, and slightly longer than part I. My fabulous beta Susan has it, and is in the process of working her magic. Once she is done, I'll begin posting part II, twice a week, while I write Part III, which is already about 20 pages long. I would like to thank you for your support and encouragement. I write because I love these characters and love the places I can take them. I share my writing because of people like you, who enjoy reading my crazy ideas and encourage me to continue. I never thought of myself as a good writer, I'm begining to change my perspective because of you. Thank you!