Page 120 of Vicious Vows

“I’m not surprised.”

“I wanted to get to you.”

“By putting yourself in danger?”

Fighting her impulses wasn’t working. A new approach was in order if I hoped to keep us both alive.

“I’m your ride or die, remember?” She caressed my cheek. “I don’t want to be without you.”

“It’s not a possibility for me to be without you.” My muscles relaxed for what seemed like the first time in days. I pressed my forehead to hers, taking her in my embrace. “We need to get away from this house before tragedy strikes.”

“You came here to settle this.” She bit her lip. “I stopped you.”

“You intervened, and maybe that was what we needed.” I brushed my lips along hers. “Maybe that’s how we’ll find our peace.”

With a slow kiss, I ended this line of questioning. I wasn’t sure how I was going to proceed when it came to Gian and my business, but it wasn’t something I wanted to discuss with her. I had plenty of soul-searching to do.

She sighed into my mouth, gripping my biceps and holding me tight. I kissed the top of her head and smiled at her. Whatever we were about to face, we would do it together.

“Let’s go home.” I opened the car door for her. “I’ve had a long night.”

“Oh.” She dug into her bag and took out the burner phone. “You left this behind.”

“Thank you.” I took it from her and put it in my pocket.

“You never told me your father spoke with an Italian accent.” She grinned. “It’s really sexy.”

“You didn’t.” I guided her into the car. “Tell me you didn’t.”

“Do you want me to lie?”

I slid in next to her and rested my head against the seat as we waited for Dom to take us back to the city.

“Don’t worry.” She cuddled against me. “Your father loves me already.”

“I’m sure he does.”

* * *

Thanksgiving looked different this year.We weren’t at the main house eating a huge turkey dinner that a personal chef had meticulously prepared. My father was still absent from our lives with no sign of returning. It was just me, Lissia, and Milo.

I preferred the low-key occasion. It gave me time to reflect. Chaos ruled my world right now, but I did have so much to be thankful for. The number one thing I was grateful for was currently licking cannoli cheesecake off her top lip.

“Would you like mine?” I pushed my plate along the coffee table, stopping when the edge touched hers.

“No.” She giggled. “I’m stuffed.”

“Come back up here with me.” I motioned for her to join me on the couch. She’d chosen to eat her dessert while stretched out on the floor.

“Is everything okay with Milo?” She crawled into my lap. “He’s been on the phone a while.”

“He’ll handle it.” I stroked her hair. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

“You know I love Franchi’s.” She nodded toward the plates. “Especially the cheesecake.”

“It’s not your typical Thanksgiving dinner.”

“We’re Italian.” She rested her head against my chest. “I can eat pasta every day.”

---