Page 79 of Her Guardian
“Ah,” Boyd says. “Another Mafia fangirl.”
“Is that a problem?” I laugh.
“There’s one Mafia fangirl I’m growing fond of,” Boyd grins.
We continue making small talk while we wait on our food. I tell Boyd about my family, growing up in Pine Grove, and how much of a struggle it was after everything happened with my father. How the kids at school treated me, except for Lea. I overshare. Open up more than I usually do. But it seems easier with Boyd. He doesn’t judge. Doesn’t seem fazed by the things that usually make others blink.
Boyd opens up as well. As open as it gets with a guy in the Mafia. I know there are things he can’t share, and I’d never push for those details, unless he was giving me something I could use on my podcast. But I get to hear more about his childhood. Growing up in The Gutter. Hanging out with Massimo, his brothers, andRowan. I can see the pain in his eyes when he talks about his sister, so I just let him talk.
“Food is here,” Boyd announces, gesturing toward a server who is rolling a cart filled with our dinner options.
“Oh, my,” I say, my eyes getting wide. “So, what do we do? Just pick something?”
“Take everything you like, ma’am,” the server chimes in.
“Even if you just think you’ll have a bite,” Boyd insists.
The server leaves the cart beside our table, refills our drinks, and leaves us with our selection. The cart has lobster, steak, lamb, lots of different vegetables, and even a few salads. It’s like having our own personal buffet right next to our table, except everything is prepared by a gourmet chef.
“There’s way more than I could ever eat,” I say, moving a few things onto my plate. “Hope you’ve got a big appetite.”
“I do, but I’m more interested in dessert,” Boyd says as he prepares his plate.
“Are the desserts here good?” I ask, glancing over and picking at a couple of things.
“No idea. Never tried them,” he growls. “I was talking about you.”
“Boyd!” I blush and laugh under my breath before I regain my composure. “You really think I’m the kind of girl that is going to let you take advantage of me on the first date?”
“I sure as fuck hope so,” he says, a faint smile tugging the edges of his lips.
I try to suppress a giggle, but I’m not very successful.
We continue our conversation over dinner. The food is absolutely delicious. I find myself trying several new things and liking them all. It’s nice to talk to Boyd without him being so closed off. Makes him seem more human, instead of a mountain of a man who could intimidate most people with a glare or a throaty growl.
When we finally leave Otto Nero, I’ve got a nice buzz, and I feel a lot closer to Boyd. I hope it’s not just the alcohol making me feel that way.
“So, what’s next?” I ask, pulling my vape out of my purse and taking a puff that I exhale into the darkness.
“You’re not afraid of heights, are you?” Boyd asks, lighting a cigarette.
“No,” I say. “Well, I’ve flown a few times and never had any issues. Why? Are you taking me on a helicopter tour or something?”
“No,” he says, taking my hand. “Let’s walk. It’ll be nice to stretch our legs after that meal.”
I lean against Big Boyd as we walk.
Despite everything that is going on, I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy.
CHAPTER 30
Boyd
I’ve opened Pandora’s Box and left the lid cracked.
I’m letting her unpack me. Everything is spilling out. Normally, that’s a terrifying thing, but it doesn’t seem to scare Sarah away. A lot of it will go to the grave, but that’s just part of doing my job well. The important thing is that I can trust her. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt comfortable trusting someone.
“Can I ask you something, Boyd?” Sarah leans against me, looking up while we walk.
