Page 87 of Undone

My hand shakes; now that another wolf is circling—he comes out of his den.

Fuck that.

I take Roque’s outstretched hand. “Okay, I’ll admit—you’re not bad for a wedding date… but you’re still a killer and a criminal.”

“All true. Are we going to dance some more? You’re a good dancer.”

I roll my eyes. He pulls me close; swaying me in his arms as the ballad the band plays, floats down the hall. I lift my head meeting his eyes. “Why is it…that in the arms of the most dangerous man—I feel so safe?”

“Because, I can’t break your heart when someone else beat me to it,” he replies with a tinge of sadness and a shit-ton of longing as he gazes at me.

I nod, placing my hands high on his back, and turn my head to rest against his heart. It’s strong. He’s strong. I close my eyes letting him hold me. Both of us wishing we were in another time; another place.

“Thanks for the dance,” I whisper, pulling back. He cups the side of my face and kisses each side of my cheek. I hold my breath as his lips softly land on mine for the briefest of seconds before they lift.

“If things ever change… you know where and how to find me. Although, I suspect we’ll see each other at the baby shower.”

“She’s not—”

“Not yet. But it’s all my brother can talk about.”

“He’s good to her right? He’s not allmafioso…?”

“Mafioso? He protects what’s his, as do I. He treats her well, Luce. All of us treat our women like gold,tesoro.”

We walk back to the ballroom and I just know it’s the last chance we’ll have to be alone before I leave.

I grab his sleeve, “Roque? I-I wish my heart felt otherwise… maybe I’d break my rule about dating killers.” I try to joke, but don’t quite pull it off. I reach up, high on the tips of my heels, and brush my lips against his cheek, “Be safe. Try to be good. I see the good in you. Thank you for making this weekend more than bearable. You made it—just you.”

His hand touches his cheek where my lips touched as I brush past him into the ballroom.

The baseball cap I picked up in the hotel lobby sits low on my head as I wait, stirring my coffee. Dare’s jacket is folded over next to me. Inhaling deeply, I lift the hot mug to my lips as my eyes scan the familiar scene outside.

This was our spot, me and Dev’s. Over milkshakes and fries we solved every world problem, healed numerous broken hearts, and filled out college applications.

I’m happy for her.

I truly am.

But while her life is finally going in the direction she’s always wanted—I’m back; sitting at our old table, wondering how and where mine is going—just like I’ve done for the past twenty plus years.

“Lucille? Baby?”

“Hi, Mom.” My eyes cut to Dare’s over her shoulder. She sits across from me and I move to hand him his coat.

“A word, Lucille.” He grabs my arm, not leaving me much of a choice unless I want to cause a scene, when the last thing I want is to be recognized.

“What the fuck are you doing?” He hisses.

“Excuse me?”

“Roque Salvatore?”

“It’s no one’s business, but mine.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Who the hell are you?”

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