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And while I used the word love as a term of endearment in vulnerable moments, I wouldn’t allow myself to even consider it was a true feeling. It couldn’t be. Not with what I had planned and the painful way we would end.
When I got to Jeremiah’s apartment, he pulled open the door and practically tumbled into my arms with his face buried against my chest. He sniffled, and I could tell he had been crying, which was gut-wrenching and made me want to kill anyone who dared hurt a hair on his head.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I wrapped my arms around him, careful to hold the vase away from his back even as I kissed the top of his head. “Talk to me.”
Jeremiah sniffled again and wiped his eyes on his sleeves as he pulled away, giving me space to fully walk in and shut the door behind me. “I’ve just been feeling…homesick. I talked to my brother Andro, and he was telling me about how fast his son is growing and all the things he’s doing now. Then my other brother has a baby too and… I’m just missing everything. My nephews won’t even know me at all.” New tears welled up and dripped down his cheeks faster than I could wipe them away. “I want to be their favorite uncle, but right now, I’m just a stranger. They’re going to like Orsino better than me!”
“Oh, c’mere, love.” I pulled him into my arms again and kissed his temple, scolding myself for using the endearment I needed to be more stingy with. “You graduate in just a few weeks. Then you’ll be home permanently. Your nephews are gonna get to know you plenty. They just have to wait a little bit longer.”
Even as I said the words, my gut wrenched for Jeremiah. I had no idea what my brother had in mind for the whole family, but I knew at least Andro, the oldest brother, was on Vince’s kill list. It was the only way for Vince to claim the territory the Ferrinis currently possessed. Without taking down Andro, he had no chance of earning the respect and power he was so desperate for. “I don’t know if it helps, but I brought you something.”
Jeremiah pulled back and finally noticed the gift I was still holding.
“Flowers?” His grin got wide, and I could already see the tears slowing down. “For me?”
“Yeah, well, it’s a little cheesy, but two months ago today, we met in that coffee shop and… Well, I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am that you let me sit down and charge with you.”
Jeremiah coughed out a chuckle and wrapped his arms around my neck, pulling me close. “You’re such a softy. You look all tough and alpha-like, but you’re a big old teddy bear on the inside.”
A teddy bear from an evil family who was plotting against him. I plastered on a smile and leaned forward to kiss his forehead. “Yeah, well, don’t let my secret out.”
“So…” He looked up at me from under wet lashes. “I was thinking of maybe going home for the weekend and thought maybe you’d want to join me?”
Holy shit. I had no idea how to respond to him. That was my moment to fulfill my brother’s request and move on with my life, but it would also mean ending my relationship with Jeremiah sooner than anticipated. I thought I had another month with him, but it could all be over in just a few days. “This weekend? Um, I’m not sure I can get away on such short notice.”
He frowned. “Really? Do you have plans?”
Shit, shit, shit. “No, but are you sure you want to introduce me to your family already? That’s kind of a big step.”
“Oh.” He took another step back, and I could see the hurt in his eyes. “Yeah, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. It was just an idea, but no big deal. I’ll just be gone for a few days.”
His fake smile didn’t reach his eyes as he turned toward the kitchen. “The lasagna is done, so we can eat.”
I followed him into the kitchen and stopped beside the table, which was already set and just ready for the food to be added. “Can I help with anything?”
Jeremiah shook his head. “Nope. Have a seat. I’ve got it.”
It killed me to hear the sadness in his voice, and I couldn’t let him think I just didn’t want to meet his family. I mean, I didn’t, but for reasons completely different from what I’d implied. It wasn’t about our relationship being new. It was completely because I didn’t know how to deal with my brother. And if Andro saw his baby brother with a Mennetti, I wasn’t likely to walk out of there alive.
If Vince knew I was going to their home, he’d expect me to get him information he could use to harm them. The truth was, I really did want to meet my boyfriend’s family, because deep down, I hoped they could be my family someday.
Even though I knew that wasn’t a real possibility, it was a fantasy I let myself indulge in now and then.
Once Jeremiah sat down and we were both eating, I made a quick decision that would either save or destroy us both.
“I’m sorry for my hesitation earlier.” I looked at him and did my best to convey my sincerity. “Like I said at the beginning, this is new for me and I’m not quite sure what I’m doing, but if the offer still stands, I’d love to go home with you and meet your family.”
Jeremiah’s eyes lit up and the sadness instantly faded. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured to go. I guess it is kinda soon for such a big step, but I just don’t wanna be away from you for a whole weekend. And I really want you to meet my brothers.”
I reached across the table, and he immediately did the same, dropping his hand into mine. “I don’t wanna be away from you for a weekend either. I’d love to go with you.”
Best-case scenario would be that his brothers liked me, and I could either come up with a plan for my brother or bring the Ferrinis in on some kind of counter plan.
Worst-case scenario, they recognized my name, instantly distrusted me, and either turned Jeremiah against me or killed me.
There were so many possibilities, but I had to take the chance.
Everything was gonna come to a head sooner or later regardless. And if this was my last weekend with Jeremiah, I wouldn’t spend it full of regrets.
