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“Why do I get the feeling you want to say something?”
He shrugs. “That meant a lot to my ma. Hard to believe you can be charming, Colt.”
I let out a laugh. “Yeah, you were like a different person too, Dante.”
“It’s better to keep the other side of life away from her.”
I grab my phone when it vibrates again.
What if I want you to say it again? Because maybe I’ll have a different reply this time…
This is part of how messed up it is, though. I want—need—her to tell me she wants a family, too. Yet I have to tell her the truth first, don’t I?
“Do you ever want a family, Dante?”
“Random question,” he says quietly.
“Maybe I’m just trying to pass the time.”
“The world is a cold, nasty place. I think bringing kids into it is one of the most reckless things a person can do.”
There was a time when I probably would have agreed with a harsh sentiment like that. I find it difficult now, considering this burning passion in me, but he’s right. I should know better. I should remember what happened.
“What about you?” he asks.
“Yes,” I tell him, almost snapping at him, honestly. It’s like some fierce fatherly instinct is taking over. “Not because you’re wrong, Dante. You’re right. The world is fucked in so many ways, but that’s what I’m for. That’s what their mother is for. We’re going to?—”
“Protect them?” Dante cuts in. “You won’t always be there, Colt.”
“Teach them,” I growl, “how to protect themselves.”
“What if you have a girl?”
“So what?”
“Teach a girl how to fight? That’s not very mafioso of you.”
“I’ve never been a mafioso,” I tell him. “I’m working with them because we have similar interests, but I’m my own man. Any Family that tries to get its hooks into me would regret it. Trust me.”
“I know that,” Dante says, swallowing. “Relax, Colt. The Marinos would never try anything that stupid with you.”
I nod. My reaction has nothing to do with the Marinos. It’s all about the other her, who my woman needs to know about soon.
Forty-five minutes later, we’re sitting at the end of the street in a bad neighborhood. The sun has set now, and we’re parked in the giant shadow of a large, abandoned building. So far, we’ve gone unnoticed, though people walk by on the street, not spotting us in the dark.
“When should we head in?” Dante asks quietly.
I watch the bar and the number of people. It’s getting busy. On our way here, we scouted the rear entrance. It’s boarded up, meaning we can see everybody leaving and entering.
“We’ll let the place quiet down. Could be a few hours.”
Dante groans. I glance at the younger man. “This is a lot of what the job involves. Waiting, being patient… I didn’t read you as a thrill seeker.”
“A thrill seeker?” Dante says in disgust. “I do what I have to do.”
I don’t reply. When my phone vibrates, my hand twitches. Dante laughs quietly. “You can check your damn phone.”
I can’t help but laugh, too, even if things were just awkward between us. “Who said I wanted to?”
“It’s obvious, old man.” Dante holds his hands up. “Just kidding.”
I take out my phone. It’s a text from my woman. Should I wear something… exciting tomorrow?
My body stirs as I imagine what that might be, but it doesn’t matter. Anything she wears will drive me wild. I don’t want to discourage her when she’s all flirty and excited. What did you have in mind?
Something to make you wild.
You make me wild every second I’m with you… and apart from you.
“I need to take a leak,” Dante says, pushing the door open.
He walks over to the building. Then I spot them, the glints in the dark, two guns.
“Dante!” I roar, leaping from the car and reaching for my gun.
CHAPTER 32
Lexi
“Sisters forever,” Scarlet sings, giggling. “Oh, the best, best friends.”
Mia giggles, nudging her cousin-in-law. “So cheesy, Scar.”
“I like it,” Ruby says, grinning at her. “You’ve got the voice of an angel.”
The sleepover has turned into a girls’ night since I mentioned it to Mia, and then Mia mentioned it to Scarlet. Luca and Elio have the task of caring for Lexy and Molly, so we’re free to sit around drinking cocktails and mocktails.
When my phone vibrates, my belly shimmers warmly. It’s like we’re smoothing over the arguments. I offered to wear lingerie without letting myself overthink it. I can figure something out.
After Ralph and everything, I just want to be happy for a little while, at least.
I can’t wait to see you.
After sending the text, I notice Scarlet watching me with a sly smile on her lips. Mia and Ruby—who both know but don’t know the other person knows—are biting down like they’re trying to stop word-puking about my relationship with Colt. But the mafia queen is too perceptive, anyway.
