Page 44 of Vicious Vows

“Oh?” I peeked under the covers and saw I was wearing one of Marchello’s T-shirts. There was a white bandage on my hip. “Do you think it will scar?”

“Probably.” Marchello leaned against the doorframe, freshly showered and shaved. He wore his black Armani suit and that sexy, brooding scowl of his.

My gangster.

“I guess no more bikinis for you,” he said.

“What?” I tugged at the bandage. “I need to see it.”

“Leave it.” Marchello came to stand by the foot of the bed. “We don’t need it getting infected.”

When he glanced at Ricardo, my friend quickly hopped off the bed. Marchello’s scary glower didn’t have the same effect for Ricardo as it did for me.

“I’ll go get you something to eat.” Ricardo scrambled to leave. “You’re probably hungry.”

“Don’t leave,” I said. “Come back here.”

“Oh, well, I…” Ricardo looked to Marchello for permission.

“You heard my girl.” Marchello sat next to me. “Whatever she wants.”

I held out my hand for Marchello to take. “I want you to do something for me.”

“Anything.” He brushed my knuckles along his lips. “What is it?”

“Apologize to Ricardo.” Now would probably be the best time to ask for anything I wanted with being shot and all.

“That’s not necessary.” Ricardo waved his hand.

I looked at Marchello.

“Ricardo put you in danger. But so did I.” Marchello sighed, then nodded at Ricardo. “I’m sorry that I got a little extreme with you.”

“A little?” I shook my head. “More like a lot.”

“It’s okay,” Ricardo said. “Apology accepted.”

“Thank you.” Marchello got up from the bed and extended his hand. “There won’t be another chance.”

“I understand.” Ricardo shook Marchello’s hand.

“Ricardo can be my guard again?” I asked.

“No.” Marchello walked back over to the bed and stood by my side.

Ricardo looked at the floor, trying to shield his disappointment.

“But he can be your companion.” Marchello glanced at me before looking at Ricardo. “This is your second shot. You’re only getting that because my father is fond of you.”

“I won’t screw up,” Ricardo said. “I promise.”

“Wait.” I held up my hand. “Don’t promise that.”

“Why?” Ricardo asked.

“Because I’m unpredictable.” I smiled. “We all know it.”

“Dear God.” Marchello pointed to the hallway. “Go get her something to eat.”

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