Page 38 of Possessive Mafia Vows

“The gallery.” I don’t look up from the flowers. “Art. Life.”

“Very philosophical.”

I sense rather than see his smile as I stand back to admire my arrangement. “Shit. I didn’t offer you a drink. Sorry. It’s been a long day.” I take another glass from the cupboard and fill it with bubbly liquid for Nick, then I refill my own glass.

“Anything I can help with?”

I lean back against the counter, sip my drink, and shake my head. We could go into the living room, but I feel exhausted suddenly with the weight of the landlord’s notice hanging over me, and I want to go to bed.

Alone.

I don’t want Nick to get too comfy or get the wrong idea that he can stay.

“It’s fine.” That word again:fine. Anyone in their right mind can see straight through it; it’s the word we all use when life is a million miles away from fine. “I’ll manage.”

Nick’s eyes flicker across my face as though he can access my thoughts through my pores. “Sienna, you don’t have to do everything alone, you know.” Pause. “I want to help.”

I smile. “Thank you, but I don’t think you can.”

“Try me.” His eyes hold mine, but he doesn’t move any closer.

“I need to find somewhere to live.” I shrug. “My landlord has given me notice to get out of my apartment.”

“Okay.” His expression is bland. “Do you have somewhere in mind?”

“Nope.” I sip my prosecco. The bubbles are not helping to blur the edges. Yet.

“Look, I already know what you’re going to say, but there’s a spare room in my apartment if you want it. Even if it’s just temporary. Until something more permanent comes along.”

“I can’t.” I shake my head, my thoughts drifting with the movement like bees following pollen in the breeze. “It’s generous of you, but you’ve already done enough.”

Too much.

“Well, it’s not entirely selfless.” He watches me coolly. “I have a vested interest in you, Sienna. I enjoy your company.”

Here’s the part where I’m supposed to reciprocate the compliment and say that I enjoy his company too, but I can’t bring myself to put the words out there.

Unfazed by my gap-mouthed silence, Nick adds, “I hope that we can spend more time together. No pressure though. The offer is on the table if you want it.”

He downs his drink and leans over me to place his empty glass next to the sink. He’s close enough to kiss me, and I press my lips together, willing him to back off. I don’t want to kiss him. It’s the first time I’ve admitted it to myself, but now that I have, I need to figure out what this revulsion has to do with Kyle.

He does back off, and I release a shaky breath.

“Think about it, Sienna. That’s all I’m asking.”

My dad’s words pop into my head unbidden.Just, please, give me a chance.That’s all I’m asking.

“I will.” I feel numb.

“I’ll see myself out.”

I don’t move. I’m rooted to the floor, those four words flashing like a neon sign inside my head. That’s all I’m asking. That’s all I’m asking.That’s all I’m asking.

Maybe it’s time to leave the city.

But I don’t want to leave. I’ve lived in New York all my life, and I shouldn’t be forced to move away because of Nick. Or my father. Or Kyle.

Perhaps I could sleep in the studio behind the gallery until I find a place that I can afford to rent. It isn’t designed to be lived in, and my stuff would have to go into storage, and what if it took six months to find another apartment?

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