Page 463 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

When I finally finish and settle back against the pillow, I look up at him. “There is one thing that comes to mind,” I say in what is almost a whisper. If I didn’t really hear it the first time, I don’t know if I want to hear it now.

Not if it isn’t true.

Dante kneels down next to me, leaning his elbows on the mattress. “Tell me.”

“Well,” I start, clearing my throat. “It was just a few words and I was barely awake but I could swear I heard your voice in my ear saying them.”

“What were the words?” he asks.

“That you were, um, that you were…” My already low voice trails off and I avert my eyes. I can feel a rush of heat splash into my cheeks. “Um…” I peek at him and let out a snort as the grin stretches across his face. “You’re a real jerk, you know that? Here I am, lying in a hospital bed, shot, and you know exactly what I’m trying to say but you want me to sweat through it. Not cool.”

“Sorry. I guess it was me getting you back for invading my family and pretending you weren’t a Russian mafia assassin who was trying to steal my niece.” He snickers. “You deserved to sweat.”

I roll my eyes and wince as I twist toward him. “Was it true?”

He holds my gaze for a few seconds, then nods. “Yes. One-hundred percent.”

I let out a shaky breath. “You told me it was over and I understood why. I rushed Conor because it was the only way I could make up for what I’d done to you all.”

“I know.”

“I want to be a good person, Dante,” I say, tears stinging my eyes. “I don’t want to live inside of this empty shell anymore. I don’t want to carry any more hate and I don’t want to cause any more torment for others. I don’t want to live by someone else’s rules. I want to make my own choices, create my own happiness because I finally believe I can have it. And for the past week, I’ve seen what that can be. I had such a strong connection with you and Heaven and Aisling from the first time we met.” I giggle. “Not so much with Matteo, but maybe that’ll change now.”

“Just to be clear…” he says, lacing his fingers with mine. “You’re saying you want a new career?”

“I’m saying I want a new life.” I smile, bringing his hand to my heart. “Here, with you, if that’s still an option.”

“I think it can be arranged.” He brushes his lips against my forehead.

“And just for the record,” I say. “I’m in love with you, too.”

“Glad to hear it because you were really leaving me hanging there.” He winks at me.

“You could have waited and told me when I was conscious.”

“You’re right. But I’m not exactly conventional.”

I nod. “Understatement of the year.”

“So what the hell are we gonna do now?” he murmurs, tracing a finger down the side of my cheek. “Two retired assassins? Are we gonna open a flower shop or something? Or maybe a day care?” he says with a chuckle.

“I love Aisling but I’m not ready for other kids. They’re too sticky and whiny.”

Dante nods. “I’m with ya there.”

“How’s Maura?” I ask.

“Good, she’s being checked out but everything seems fine. Guess Conor was storing up a few crumbs of humanity in the center of that black and toxic heart of his.”

I let out a breath. “I’m glad she’s okay.” Then I let out a gasp. “Oh my God! Uncle Boris! Dante, is he?—?”

Dante nods. “Also fine. We found Conor’s car and sure enough, he was stuffed in the trunk. They gave him a pretty good beating, but it’s just bumps and bruises. Nothing serious. Although, things would have turned out a lot differently if Conor hadn’t followed you in to the hotel. See, he knew you were a good person. That’s why he changed his plan.” He smiles at me. “If an evil bastard like that can see the good in you, then you know it’s really there.”

A soft knock on the door startles me and it creaks open. I crane my neck to see who it is, maybe this time a nurse who can get me some pain meds. That’s my hope, anyway.

But it’s not a nurse.

It’s Matteo. And he’s wearing a sheepish expression as he walks toward us.

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