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I nod. “I love her. I’ve always loved her—from the moment I saw her when I was a teenager. Loved her even when I thought I wasn’t good enough to have her,” I say in a rush, the words tumbling out of my mouth. “I’ve fucking given everything to this family, but I won’t give her up. If you’re going to kill me, I’ll still die the happiest man in the world because she was my wife, if only for a day.”
“Damn, Fabio. I didn’t know you had this kind of theatrics in you,” Sam says, laughing softly.
“Katerina and I started seeing each other when I moved to AC, before I learned about her dealing at Ace’s,” I explain. “Romeo, I didn’t tell you about my relationship with her because at best, I knew you would have assigned someone else to watch her; at worst, it would’ve looked like I fell for a honey trap, and I was worried you’d put a bullet in her head.” Romeo’s unreadable as I barrel on. “Wouldn’t you do anything for Nicky?”
He cocks his head, considering my words, but still doesn’t speak.
“My old man died for this family; I’ll die for this family if that’s what’s asked of me, but I expect Katerina to be taken care of. And that includes my wife not being used as bait in this game of yours with John Davis.”
“I take it back; not theatrics, but fucking balls.” Sam shakes his head.
Romeo finally breaks his silence. “Give me a moment alone with Fabio,” he tells Sam.
“Good luck.” Sam slaps my back before walking out and closing the door behind him.
The boss leans back in his chair watching me; my phone buzzes, but I don’t dare make a move. “You could have leveraged the hit I ordered on Nicky’s mom to your advantage; threatened to expose me to Nicky in exchange for what you want.”
“I could have, but we both know damn well I won’t—because I’m not a rat. I gave my word I’d take it to the grave, and I meant it. The question is will I be taking it to the grave today?”
He smiles, and I shift uncomfortably in my chair; Romeo Parisi rarely smiles, and when he does, it usually means someone’s about to die. “This woman has been good for you. Sam’s right; you’ve grown a pair. I’m proud of you, Fabio.”
“Thanks, boss,” I say, stunned.
He picks up his phone and calls Sam back into the room. “Fabio’s getting a beatdown for not coming clean with me to begin with,” Romeo announces, and I sigh a breath of relief. Getting my ass kicked won’t be fun, but it beats the alternative. “My guess is Darius doesn’t know any of this?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“As an extra punishment, your beatdown will be administered by Darius,” he announces, and Sam whistles.
Groaning, I grab my phone to text Darius, noticing the forwarded message from my wife. “Boss, we’ve got the address for Inferno’s party happening tonight.”
“Good. Even if this Inferno isn’t connected to John, the man needs a reminder of who owns AC. Sam, let the family know I’ll need a team of men from each crew. Fabio, get yours ready to roll.”
“You got it,” I tell him.
We stand, and Sam says, “Congrats, you sneaky fucker.” He hugs me with a back slap.
“Congratulations,” Romeo says, walking around his desk and hugging me with a back slap so hard it nearly knocks me on my ass. “You’re not getting your punishment today, but that’s only because I need you in tip-top shape for tonight. But soon,” he promises.
Kat
We arrive at the beach house, and Fabio scoops me up into his arms. “Carrying me over the threshold. A little late now for tradition, don’t you think?” I tease him.
“You’re right.” He tosses me over his shoulder, and I squeal in surprise. “There. Happy?”
“Only if you’re carrying me to bed,” I warn, and he hums his approval as he carries me down the hall. “For a nap! We’ve been awake; hell, I don’t know how long we’ve been awake. I’m not even sure what day it is at this point.”
“I know exactly what day it is: the best day of my life,” Fabio answers, and I swoon.
“As sweet as that is, you’re not getting in my pants right now,” I warn him firmly as he places me on my feet. “We both need sleep. You can wake me up however you want, but only if you nap too.” I fling the curtains closed before taking off my dress and bra, throwing on one of Fabio’s t-shirts.
He runs a hand down his face. “You expect me to sleep with you like that?”
“Like what?” I ask with a big yawn, crawling into bed.
He groans. “Like my wet fucking dream come to life.”
“I’m too exhausted to be turned on by anything you say right now. Get in bed; we’re napping,” I tell him, snuggling in close when he climbs in beside me.
