Page 84 of Arranged

“None at all. You are just a guy. A hot guy, but nonetheless, just a guy.”

“So you’re admitting it.”

“I’m admitting nothing.” She swiped at my hand with no real resistance or fervor. When she finally took a sip of wine, I added a second finger.

Her cough brought a smile to my face. “I hope I can always startle and drive you insane with desire.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

I laughed softly and nuzzled against her neck. “You smell divine. I wonder how you taste tonight.” When I pulled my fingers free, she reared back, shaking her head.

“Are you always this incorrigible?”

“I am.” I rubbed the tips of the two fingers across my lips.

“What would your men say?”

“That I was taking what I wanted. What belonged to me.” I licked my fingers then pressed them against her lips. “Suck them for me, baby. Suck my fingers and lick them nice and clean.”

Her sigh was exaggerated, but she did as she was told. As I pumped them into her mouth, she wiggled back and forth. I could sit and watch her for hours.

She finally gripped my arm, doing exactly what she was told without paying attention to anyone around us.

Not that anyone was looking. They knew better.

I allowed her to take her time as her tongue worked magic. When I felt they were sufficiently clean, I pulled them free. “Such a good girl.”

“You almost make me shiver when you say that.” She smiled wryly and took another sip of her wine. “What else is on your mind, my new husband? More secrets?”

Sighing, I debating telling her what I’d been thinking. It was risky, but I knew she’d continue pushing me until she figured certain aspects out on her own.

“Of sorts, Carmella. Look, I have reason to believe at least one law enforcement agency, maybe more, is behind what’s going on.”

“What? Why would you say that?”

“A gut feeling and because the bomb used is popular in the military. It’s easy to detonate remotely, carries a large payload, and can do serious damage. If that’s the case, I want you and Gabriel protected. You’re not part of this life.”

“I am by an arranged marriage and by last name. Including your name. What are you going to do?”

“I’m not certain yet. What I don’t want to do is to jump to conclusions or discuss this at the condo. I’ve yet to make another sweep searching for listening devices, but I will. The new house will be swept on a regular basis. I’ll feel more comfortable there.”

“Wow. This is scaring me.”

“As it should. I need to ask you some questions. Do you have a secure bank account?”

“Yes, but if you’re asking if I have a bundle of money, I don’t. I put almost everything I had into opening the clinic.”

“Then give me your account number and I’m going to deposit additional funds. Just in case.”

Carmella placed her hand on my arm. “What are you saying?”

“Do you have anywhere to go, a friend you can stay with?”

She pulled back, blinking several times. “I have a friend in Virginia I maybe could stay with. Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I’m setting up an emergency plan in case things do go south. That way, you can have a life. You need to pack a go bag for you and Gabriel. I’ll make certain you have different passports and identification.”

“Wow. I don’t like this.”

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