Page 48 of Lethal Vows

Hesitantly, Dominic adds, “This is the world you are asking her to come back to.”

“Then I’ll cut down every founding father in New York if I have to ensure she’s safe.” I release him, pocketing my knife and smoothing back my hair.

“Why are you going this far for her? This is…unlike you.”

“Because she is my soon-to-be wife. I will not show weakness, not even through her.”

Dominic considers his words carefully before he says, “I think you already have, brother.”

I stare him down. Wanting to tear out his jugular with my bare hands.

He raises his hands in the air again. “I will find out what I can,” he says quietly before walking away.

And I’m left alone in the dark, wanting to murder half of New York in payback for ruining Rya’s and my night.

CHAPTER25

Rya

My face curls up in a cringe at the piles of baby clothes and toys surrounding me. It’s not that I have anything against babies or children personally, but I’m not a person who has an interest in being in a store like this.

“What about this one?” Angel asks, raising a pink dress.

“I think they should cap your credit card at some point.” Because for a pregnant woman complaining about how sore her feet are, she should not be able to shop up a storm like this. Or at least I wish that were the case to put me out of my suffering.

“Ha. Ha. Very funny. But you’re right. Maybe I should go with the more vibrant one over there.” She puts it back and waddles across the room while I sigh, drowning in my own personal hell.

“So, remind me again why Dominic isn’t doing this with you.”

She rolls her eyes, though I can tell she enjoys the company. “They’re busy this week with work.”

This time, I roll my eyes at the term “work.” “And what little side business is experiencing their wrath this week?” I joke.

She puts down the dress and looks at me. “Rya, what happened the other night was pretty serious. I don’t know how you’re so chill about all of it.” She glances at her bodyguard as if he might report back our casual conversation.

I’m grateful enough that I sent only one message to Crue two nights ago, informing him that if he doesn’t remove the bodyguard, I’ll never have sex with him again. Not that I exactly intend to follow through on that threat, but it seemed pretty effective.

“I know that. But c’mon, we’ve seen our fair share of shit. And stuff like this happens in New York all the time. Granted, Crue is a larger target than most, for obvious reasons, but life goes on.”

Angel wearily side-eyes me. “I think he’s doing this for you.”

“For me?” I choke out. “The only thing Crue wants to do for me is throw a bun in the oven and lock me up in a castle to bake it so he can fulfill his contract. No, thank you.”

“I’m worried, Rya. He’s not going to take no for an answer.”

“It’s just sex. I made thatveryclear.”

Her eyes widen. “I knew it!” She smacks me on the arm.

“Ow.” I rub the sore spot. “It was only once. Well, actually, twice.”

“Rya!”

“What?” I laugh. “Am I half out of my mind for fucking Crue Monti? Yes. Is the sex fantastic? Unfortunately, that’s also yes.”

She laughs. “It’s strange you don’t ever really talk to me about this stuff,” she admits.

“Why would I? Men come and go like the seasons.”

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