Page 10 of Unresolved

Icouldn’t be morein love if I tried.My heart was full to overflowing when I glanced at Evander as he pulled out a seat for me at an Italian restaurant that was rumored to be mafia-owned.

Perhaps because some rivals had been shot and killed just outside it.

Did he know this place was likely owned by mobsters?I drew in a deep, steadying breath.I wouldn’t allow the possibility to spoil my mood or my appetite.Evander was perfect.He was everything I could ever want in man.

He took a seat opposite me at the table, his smile lighting up his face, his dark eyes crinkling at the sides.“You’re staring.”

“I am,” I conceded.“It’s hard not to.”

His smile widened into a grin.“Flattery will get you everywhere.”

“You always make me feel beautiful.I want you to feel the same way.”

“Youarebeautiful.It’s not even up for debate.”

I laughed, though passion thrummed through me.He reallywasperfect.“See?You’re a born charmer.”

“Only for you.Charm doesn’t come easily to me for anyone else.”

I glanced down our long table, arching a brow at the vacant chairs, the empty spaces beside us.“Are you expecting company?”

He reached for my closest hand, his face somber.“Yes.I wanted you to meet the rest of my family.”

I gaped, my heartbeat accelerating.“Really?”He’d already met my mother.It was nice to know he now wanted me to meet his family.Although unlike me, it was obvious by the many seats at the table he had a big family, and likely more than one involved parent.I guessed he had siblings, maybe aunts and uncles as well.My cheeks hurt from smiling so much when I said, “I’d love that!”

“You would?”he asked, the taut planes of his face softening.“I was worried it might be too soon.”

I giggled.Wehadonly been dating a few months.“Well you’ve already met my mother.”

“True,” he said huskily.“Your mom is an amazing woman.I can see who you take after.”

My mouth dried.Thankfully, he’d never asked about my father.That I looked so much like him in the few photos I’d seen terrified me no end.It’d be so easy for anyone who knew him to connect the dots.

Even coming here I was taking a risk, though the chances of a mobster being here and seeing me, then somehow recognizing me were slim to none.

I pushed away misgivings and managed a smile.“It’s my turn now to see who you take after.”

He grimaced.“As long as it’s not my father.I’d like to think I have none of his...attributes.”

Something within me softened.It was kind of nice and more than a little reassuring to know I wasn’t alone in not having the perfect role model for a father.“I’m sure you’ve inherited all his good parts.”

He snorted.“Believe me when I say he has no good parts, no redeeming qualities whatsoever.”

“Oh?”I wasn’t sure there was anything I could say to reassure him.

He shook his head.“I’m not saying I’m perfect either, not by a long shot.”He sighed heavily.“In fact, Iknow Ihave some of my dear old dad’s traits.”His eyes searched mine, as though delving into all my secrets by sharing his own.“Gemma, I’m not the man you think I am.”His smile turned crooked, self-damning.“It’s why I brought you here.You’re not just here to meet my family, you’re here to meet the real me.”

A shiver of unease prickled through me.I shook it off.“I know you’re not perfect, Evander.I’m not either.But nothing you tell me will scare me away.We might be moving fast, but it feels right.We belong together.”

He nodded, then conceded softly, “Wedobelong together.”He leaned forward and kissed me with a tenderness that made my heart ache with yearning.When he drew back, his eyes glowed.“My brother will join us soon.No doubt he’s distracted overseeing the chefs and making future plans for his restaurant.He often loses himself—“

“Hisrestaurant,” I interjected with a squeak.“The owner isyour brother?”I shook my head and added, “The one rumored to be a member of the mafia?”

Evander blinked, caution filling his stare.“Would it bother you if the rumors were true?”

My heart contracted, my throat tight as I countered, “Are you saying theyaretrue?”

He nodded.“The rumors aren’t rumors.My family is the Agostino mafia.”

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