Page 71 of Mafia and Gold Digger

“Serial? Killer?”

Not a single woof or bark comes in response.

“Serial, Killer! Where are you?” He drags a hand through his hair. “That’s weird,” he mutters. “They’re well-trained and always come when I call them.”

Giulietta giggles. “You’re calling out wrong. That’s why they’re not coming.”

A frown creases his brow. “What do you mean?”

Giulietta and Jaspar stand next to him and call out to the dogs. “Pumpkin! Poochie! Time for snuggle wuggles!”

We hear the pounding of paws, and within seconds, they come dashing in from the backyard, their tongues lolling and blue eyes shining with excitement. Laughter bubbles out of the children as the animals nearly knock them over in their eagerness, tails wagging at a furious speed and woofing away with enthusiasm at the prospect of snuggle time.

“Pumpkin?Poochie?Snuggle wuggles? What the hell, Emerald?” Saint grits out.

“You’re such aliar, Valentino,” I say. “They aren’t guard dogs. These two are just two big furbabies, and they wouldn’t harm a fly. Isn’t that right, my fluffy boys?” I ask as I crouch down to their level and speak to them in that special cooing voice I use just for them.

Their fur is cool from the crisp air outside, and they nuzzle against me, pushing their heads into my hands. I rub behind their ears, feeling the velvety softness of their luxurious thick coats. They let out cute, happy sounds, leaning into me with their full weight as if they can't get close enough. Pumpkin flops onto his back, paws curled, begging for belly rubs, while Poochie nuzzles my cheek with his soft snout, demanding attention of his own.

“Furbabies?Your fluffy boys?” Saint croaks.

I arch an eyebrow at him. “You sound jealous.”

“How the hell have you managed to charm them in just a few days?” he demands in an irritated tone.

I tilt my head to one side, and my brow puckers. “I’m a pretty likeable person in case you haven’t noticed.”

“But why do they seem to like you more now than they like me?” he wails.

“Obviously, it’s because I’m utterly awesome, and they’re amazing judges of character,” I say with a beaming smile at Saint.

“I’m a fucking hitman, Emerald. I can’t have dogs called goddamn Pumpkin and Poochie!”

A frown tugs at my brow. “Look, I couldn’t bring myself to tell the kids that they were called Serial and Killer, could I? The kids would have been utterly terrified of them. Plus, it only took a couple of days and a few treats to realize that these two are just complete softies.”

Giulietta runs up to us. “Do you like the names we gave your puppies, Mr. Saint?” Her big eyes look up at him with childish innocence.

“They’re, uh, the…best names I’ve ever heard,” he croaks.

And I can’t help throwing my arms around his neck and giving him a kiss which surprises the hell out of him. “What was that for, Emerald?”

“For being so kind to the kids,” I whisper with a grin. “I really appreciate it.”

And although he huffs, I can see he’s a little bit pleased at my words, and they’re even enough to wipe the grumpy expression off his face for once. And I can’t help but smile to myself. Because although I won’t say it out loud, I’m actually really happy that he’s back home with us.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

EMERALD

It’s late when Milena tells me she has run out of tampons, and I check my bathroom but I’m out of them too. Saint is still out working, so I get one of his men, Dario, to drive me to the drugstore.

He pulls into the parking lot at the side of the huge store. “I’ll just be a few minutes,” I tell him. “No need to come in with me.”

He hesitates for a moment but nods. “I’ll keep watch out here. Just buzz me on my cell if you need me.”

There’s still the threat from Carmine, but it’s lessened considerably now that I’m engaged to another Imperiosi man.

Climbing out of the black SUV, I look up at the sign overhead flickering slightly, buzzing like it’s tired of staying on. I pull my coat tightly around me. The night air is sharper than I expected, biting at my cheeks. My boots click against the asphalt as I make my way toward the automatic doors.

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