Page 54 of Dangerous Kiss
Cosimo went to seek out Steve, the head of his security, and asked him to accompany Biba and Reg. “Just don’t let anything happen to them,” he asked, and Steve nodded.
“I won’t.”
“And call me every hour to give me an update…okay?”
“Done and done, boss.”
Before Biba left with Reggie, she and Cosimo took some private time. Pressing her lips to his, Biba kissed him, murmuring, “I love you so much, Cosimo DeLuca.”
“Marry me, Biba May.” Cosimo stroked her hair back from her face. “I know it’s crazy. I know we have so much to learn about each other, but I don’t want to wait any longer. When all this is over, when Stella is safely back with us, marry me.”
“Yes,” Biba said without hesitation, “yes, my darling Cosimo, I will marry you. You’re right. Let’s not wait any longer.”
Cosimo smiled, and it lit up his entire face. “I can’t wait to be your husband.”
“Nor I, your wife.” She hesitated a little. “Do you think Nicco would mind?”
“Let’s call him and ask.”
Facetiming with him, they could tell Nicco was overjoyed. “Nice work, Pa,” he said making Biba laugh. “I don’t have to call you Mom, do I?”
“Hell, no,” Biba made a face, “How about we just be besties?”
“I like that. So, when’s the big day?”
“Unclear yet. When all this nightmare is cleared up, Nic.” Cosimo smiled at his son.
“I’d like to get married in Venice,” Biba said suddenly, “In the summer, all four of us together. Or five if we include Reggie—I’ll need a bride’s… man.”
They all laughed, and Cosimo looked touched. “Then Venice it is…”
He kissed Biba and Nicco protested. “God, get a room.”
As Reggie brought his car around and chatted with Steve, Cosimo kissed Biba goodbye. “I’ll be happier knowing you’re out of the line of fire. I love you.”
On the journey to Reggie’s mom’s cabin in the Olympic mountains, they chatted about nothing in particular, aware of Steve’s presence in the car behind them.
“I just wish this was all over,” Biba said, “I keep thinking how scared Stella must be.”
“Don’t think about it,” Reggie said, “I’ll bet your imaginings are worse than the reality.”
Biba frowned. “Dude, did you read the crap he sent her? Guy’s a nutjob.”
“I know that, but what I’m saying is, maybe once he actually got her, he chickened out.”
“Chickened out? Reg…this man stabbed Rich seven times. He stabbed me twice. I doubtchickening outis in his wheelhouse.” She was mad now, staggered by her best friend’s lack of sensitivity.
“I don’t want to argue, bugs.”
They drove on in an uncomfortable silence for a while, Biba wondering if she had made the right decision. Now, driving away from Cosimo, she felt more vulnerable, not less.
As they entered the Olympics, Reg suddenly looked at his gauges. “Shit.”
Her attention was caught. “What is it?” She noticed the car slowing. Outside, the snow was coming down heavily as Reg put the blinkers on and moved to the side if the road.
“Car’s misbehaving. Hang on…”
He stopped the vehicle and got out, walking to the front and popping the hood. Biba looked around and saw Steve pull up behind them. He got out of the car and walked around their car. He knocked on her window, mouthing, “You okay?” Biba nodded and gave him the thumbs up, and Steve continued around to talk to Reggie.
