Page 73 of Grand Love

Vinny looks at me and nods in encouragement. “We thought you might like to meet Nina.” I clench my teeth so hard I feel my teeth crack. “Get to know her.”

Jasmine frowns, looking between the two of us. “Absolutely not. I get enough judgement around here. Why would she even want to meet me? I’ve heard a lot from George, you know.”

“Nina wouldn’t judge you, and I won’t lie to her about who you are. When she’s ready, I would like to introduce you.”

“When she’s ready? Is this your way of getting her back, presenting me like a prize?” She snickers.

“No. We thought you might like some friends, but I can see you are happy to continue your social suicide mission. You can leave,” I say to dismiss her.

“Mason.” Vinny tries.

“No, Vin, let her be. Jasmine, the only way your children will come back to you is if you sort yourself out. Change the way you live your life, and start putting the kids first, instead of always thinking about the money.”

Her chest heaves as she stands. “You know what I think? I think I’m an inconvenience and you don’t like it. I don’t know why you brought me here, but I’m doing this for my kids. Not for you or the long-lost sister you’re trying to push at me.”

“That went well,” I vent as she storms out, slamming my office door behind her.

“What did you expect, really?” Vinny smiles, leaning back in his chair. “I see a lot of Nina in her you know.”

“She’s nothing like Nina.”

“Stubborn, flighty, can get under your skin,” he lists.

My head drops back against the leather of my chair, and I huff out a breath. “I’m using L&M tonight; I brought the Bentley and will drive home.”

“You think it’s a good idea to be using the gym still, now that Nina is working there?” he questions.

“No.” But I’m going to, anyway.

He sniggers, looking towards the windows for a moment before bringing his focus back to me. “I know you’ve always said you wouldn’t take Nina back…” His head dips as he rubs his hand over his mouth, trying to articulate his words. “If you think there could be something between you still and you want to pursue it, I will support you, always. You know I’ve always rooted for the two of you.” He pauses, lifting his head to look at me. His eyes hold a warning and it has me lifting my chin subconsciously. I’ve heard from Scott about Vinny’s past, and the way he can flip the switch and become something lethal. I have a feeling I’m seeing a little bit of that right now. “If you hurt her, mess her around, and play with her feelings—”

“Vinny—”

“I will personally come for you.”

“Fucking hell.” I rake my hand through my hair in disbelief.

He nods, stands and buttons his jacket, his face morphing back to normal again as if he didn’t just threaten me.

“Vin.” I laugh. “Are you serious right now?”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life. That girl’s been through more than you’ll ever know.”

My lip twitches up at the corner, but I try to keep a straight face. I stand and join him at the door. I hold out my hand.

He looks down at it, his jaw locking, but then something that looks a little bit like pride washes over his face.

“Loud and clear, old man.” I wink, grasping his hand tighter than I should when he takes mine.

I should be pissed that he’s just threatened my ass, but I’m not. Nina needs all the people she can get fighting in her corner. Vinny is one of the best men I know, and she deserves his protection.

* * *

I don’t expectNina to be in the gym when I arrive—it’s fucking late and she’s been here all day—but she is. She stands with Megan and Lucy, both of them in their gym wear. I roll my eyes, knowing that them coming here won’t last long.

“Ladies,” I greet smugly as I saunter past them.

They don’t say a word, all of them rendered speechless. I knew Nina would be shocked to see me here, but better she knows I use L&M now than later when she is settled and thinks it’s because of her. I move to the weights and pick up the barbell. Lucy and Megan quickly disappear into the back office. Probably to chew Logan’s ear off.

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