Page 96 of Blood on Ice

When we were far enough away that Coach couldn’t hear us, I turned to Vito. “You don’t have to embarrass me like that.”

He laughed. “Get used to it. I’m not going to do anything to fuck up your career and neither is my family. We’re behind you one hundred percent, but I will make sure everyone knows you’re mine. I don’t mind staking my claim whenever and wherever I need to.”

I sighed. “This isn’t going to be easy.”

“No, I’m not used to being in the spotlight with a superstar, but I’ll learn how to handle it.”

We got into Vito’s SUV, and I took his hand. “You shouldn’t have to be in my shadow, especially not when you felt like you were always in Val’s growing up.”

“It’s not the same at all. I think I was looking at a lot of things the wrong way. I don’t need to be the one in control—not always.”

“Just in bed?”

He grinned. “Most of the time. I just needed to know I was loved.”

“You are, Vito, by me and by the rest of your family.”

“Even without them, you’d be enough.”

“You need them too.”

“You’re right. I realize I have to be able to rely on them. Benito could’ve killed me, and we wouldn’t be here together now.”

“I’m not used to having a dangerous family, or really any family, supporting me, but I suppose I’ll get used to it.”

“You will.”

“I want to. I need more than just hockey. I need people and excitement, just not the excitement of losing all my money at the casino.”

“Nor the excitement of taking a loan from someone like Benito.”

“Oh no. I would so much rather borrow money from someone like you, because you’re so safe.”

Vito rolled his eyes. “To you, I am.”

“I know, and I’m thankful for that every minute of every day.”

“I love you, baby, and I’m going to be right here supporting you, watching you become the star I know you can be.”

“I love you too.”

“So, you think we can take a little time before the celebration?” He glanced suggestively toward the backseat.

“Vito, I don’t think?—”

“I’ll make it quick.” He pulled me to him, and I glanced at the time.

“Very quick,” I said, before I crushed his mouth to mine.

35

EPILOGUE

SEVEN MONTHS LATER

VITO

Ilooked down at everyone from the balcony of DiGiulio’s, Lucien’s restaurant. I’d been mingling, drinking, and eating for hours, and I needed a moment to catch my breath. Zeke and I had gotten married in a small ceremony several months ago, then waited until the end of the NHL season to have our big celebration.

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