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At least not for a few more weeks, when I graduate. Does he even want me to follow him? Will my dad go ballistic and hire a hitman if I do?
Even dad wouldn't be that over-the-top protective, I don't think. But the ballistic part? That's a good possibility.
The past week has been the most amazing one of my life. Even better than Spring break because I get to spend the entire time with Rio. When he's not in meetings and I'm not in class, which is still a lot of time every day. And we spend every night, all night, together.
We don't go out much. Our trip to Central Park is the exception. Neither of us wants to share the other with strangers, or even with friends, in my case. Or business associates in his.
Watching first-run movies in his suite and eating takeout from Michelin star restaurants, we wallow in the intimacy of being the only two people in the room.
But tomorrow it all ends and I don't know how soon I'll see him again.
"Will you come to my graduation?" pops out of my mouth before I realize the words are even in my brain.
Rio goes still. Not like he was moving a lot to begin with, but the hand trailing lazy patterns along my arm stops. It feels like he's not even breathing.
"You don't have to," I rush to offer him an out.
What am I thinking? Yes, we love each other, but our relationship is still barely a minute old. Besides, I know how busy he is.
Which doesn't bode well for you seeing him a lot after graduation either, the voice of reason says.
Or you know, my brain channeling my mom.
I haven't even told my parents about Rio. And I’m not sure I’m ready to either. Not yet.
But here I am, inviting him to graduation which meansif he comesthat he will definitely meet them. And my brothers.
My dad's picture is in the dictionary next toover-protective. I don't want Miguel Menendez unleashing his people on Rio, doing a background check that makes the invasiveness of the paparazzi seem downright friendly in comparison.
I don't want to learn things about Rio from a dossier. I'm more determined than ever to get to know him the old-fashioned way, and so far that's working really great.
We know the important stuff about each other. We're in love. And when the time is right, we'll bring families into it.
That time being exactly three weeks and four days from now.
A pit forms in my stomach. "Yeah, you probably can't come, right? You said you only visit New York a few times a year. You won't have to be back that soon."
"Not for business, no." In a quick, powerful move, he shifts us so I'm lying on my back with him hovering above me. "I'll come back to share that milestone with you though."
"Are you sure?" I bite my lip, not sure if I want him to say yes or that he's just kidding.
"I am sure, Tanzi. But if I'm going to meet your parents, you have to meet mine."
"Why does that sound like a threat?" I ask.
He doesn't answer me. Just kisses me until I forget all about graduation and meeting his parents, much less him meeting mine.
CHAPTER 9: Rio
Back in New York
Going on less than five hours of sleep I managed to get on the jet, I walk swiftly away from the helicopter that landed on a business ally's roof in New York.
Never have I been so grateful for my diplomatic status as today when it streamlined customs, made even faster by the white glove treatment my position as a Prince of Isole dei Re affords me.
Tanzi graduates in less than an hour, which is cutting it too damn fine.
But I'm in the City and even if I have to walk to the graduation venue, I'll make it in time. If traffic is good and I can take the car waiting for me in the parking garage, I'll get there a little early.
