Page 85 of Ties That Bind Us

“What do you mean?” The longer he stayed here and this conversation went on, the more uncomfortable I was getting.

“Nick is too green to run his family. He needs to hand over the reins to someone with more experience. And I’m confident he’ll realize that, with your influence,” my dad retorted, like it was the craziest question he had ever been asked.

“I think he’s perfectly capable of running the business,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. My dad was trying to back me into a corner, and I wasn’t going to let it happen.

“I don’t need your assessment, Ava. I’ve made up my mind, and you’ll help me.”

“I’m not a child anymore,” I spat, sticking up for myself for one of the first times in my life.

“No.” My dad grinned evilly. “You’re certainly not, so you should know by now that it’s in your best interest to follow my orders.”

I sucked in a sharp breath, absorbing his brazen threat. I was frozen, unsure of how to respond. I was an adult; I was married. He didn’t have any right to make me feel this way. It was easier said than done, though.

“With all due respect, Dad, you can’t have it both ways. I’m just as much a part of the Caponellis as I am a Moretti now, and I’m fully capable of making my own choices. I intend to stay out of whatever business dealings you have with Nick; after all, that’s how you usually prefer it. If you have something to say it, you’re welcome to take it up with him. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. Please tell Mom I said hi.”

“Come out of your glass house sometime and tell her yourself,” he hissed, standing up so fast he nearly knocked the chair over. He stomped out of my office faster than he came in.

We were both equally shocked that I had stood up to him. I had no idea what came over me, but it felt good. Really good.

The rest of the day went by quickly, at least it had that going for it.

“Hello?” I called, walking into our penthouse. I kicked my shoes off and turned my head in the direction of the kitchen, where I heard some noise.

“In here babe!” Nick called. I couldn’t help but notice the hint of smoke in the air. Oh no, was he trying to cook?

“Hi.” I chuckled as I stood in the doorway, watching him standing shirtless at the stove, stirring something unrecognizable in a pot, a cloud of smoke just above his head.

“Hey!” Nick smiled widely. He pressed a kiss to my cheek and then turned back to what he was doing. “How was your day?”

“Uh, it was interesting.” I bit my lip, not wanting to jump into all that had gone on right off the bat. I wanted to enjoy the sight of my husband cooking dinner for a few minutes. Husband. God, I loved how that sounded. He certainly was a sight to see; I was a lucky girl.

“Interesting bad or interesting good?” he asked, arching an eyebrow. Once he turned the burners down, he turned his full attention to me.

“Just . . . interesting.” I smirked. “What’s for dinner?”

“Uh.” Nick glanced back over his shoulder and then gave me a playful grin. “How do you feel about burned enchiladas?”

Just hearing the words made my stomach turn. Oh no, please not now. I had heard stories of the nausea that came with pregnancy—my sister-in-law Sophia was nearly bedridden with it when she had my niece. My cheeks flushed, and I did everything I could to fight it.

“It sounds like we might be ordering takeout.” I smirked and took a seat at the counter.

“Oh, we’re definitely ordering takeout.” He chuckled. “I’m sorry, I really wanted to make a romantic dinner for you.”

“That’s very sweet of you. I appreciate the thought.” I smiled, putting my hand to his cheek.

“Although—” He slid a wine glass at me and then poured a hefty amount into it. That was exactly what I needed after a day like today. “If you get drunk enough, you might not even notice the taste.”

“I like your thinking.” I smirked, and pressed the glass to my lips.

Wait a second, what the hell was I thinking? I couldn’t have wine. I couldn’t drink anything. I was pregnant.

“What’s wrong?” Nick looked at me strangely. I’m sure he had never seen me turn down a glass of wine.

“Uh, I think I would just like to start with water. It was a long day.” I pressed my lips together.

Thankfully, Nick didn’t press me and took the conversation in another direction.

“Tell me about this interesting day of yours, you’ve got me on the edge of my seat.” He took a seat next me, turning my stool so I was facing him.

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