Page 31 of Love Starves

"No more Vinny," Giovanni chimes in.

"I would say that deserves a toast," Nick says, holding up his flute filled with champagne.

From the money they managed to save working for Vinny, we went halfsies on a new gym where they can make an honest living for themselves. In the months after being released from Rockcliff, I found the perfect apartment near Nick with enough room to house our whole crew, even if I haven't told them that's why I took such a large space. My parents never found out about my near-death, stupid decision, but I did have a heart-to-heart with my father. Without dragging up him hiring someone to woo or babysit me, I politely explained my life is my own and I wouldn't be taking over his company. At first, he was pissed and threatened to find a way to cut off my trust fund, but after a few days, he cooled off and apologized. I believe that day was the first time I'd ever had a truly honest conversation with him. Now, since I'm not required to take all of his business classes, the world is my oyster, and I haven't decided where my pearl lies. Except for the men positioned around me at our little celebratory, makeshift picnic. They are the one thing I'm one hundred percent certain of. That and my friends in the book club. Speaking of which...

"Your fighting days may not be as far behind you as you'd like, Kenj," I tease him. "There's a certain jockhole giving my girl Jade a hard time. He might need a visit soon."

Kenji's eyebrows shoot up. "Hiring me as your enforcer is kind of sexy."

"I'm really glad you found them when you did," Giovanni says, taking my head and bringing it to his lips.

"Me, too. They're the best," I smile. Then back to Kenj, "Does that mean you'll accept the contract then?"

"You already know I'd do anything for you, B," he says, hopping to his knees and crawling over to me. "But first, I think I'll love on my woman."

"Well, the gym does need christening," Deklyn suggests.

"Then what are you waiting for?" I offer, grinning at their loving now lust-filled expressions.

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