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Although I understand Sansone’s defense, it hurts that he doesn’t want my protection. Haven’t I proved to him I have the skills necessary? He’s seen me fight.
“Your wife doesn’t seem to agree with you,” Sloane nods in my direction.
I clear my expression, but I’m too late.
“Zakiya?”
“Can I talk to you privately?”
Sansone nods and takes me to the other side of Valentino’s giant office. “What’s wrong?” he whispers while rubbing my arms up and down in a soothing motion.
I shrug him off. “I only have to look out for myself?” I shove my hand with the engagement ring under his nose. “I know the lifetime commitment doesn’t start yet, but you can’t shut me out when you’re headed into danger. What’s good for the goose is even better for the mother fucking gander, you get me?”
He smiles as he takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “You’re mad because you want to be by my side?”
I respond with an aggressive nod.
“Tough shit.” His smile disappears. “My brother and his wife are not us. The last time we dealt with a serious threat, he and Sloane nearly died. If you think all the love in the world will blind me to the very real possibility, you’re fucking out of your mind.”
My mind freezes. Did Sansone drop a casual love confession while calling me crazy?
“I take the risks, you can assist from a distance. A safe fucking distance.”
“Back the hell up and give me a minute.”
“You can take all the time you want, the facts won’t change. Your ass stays safe.”
“I’m not talking about that, asshole. Did you just imply you love me?”
Sansone pauses with his mouth open, then his expression softens. “Mia ragazzaccia, do you think I proposed marriage for shits and giggles?”
“Well, you said I could divorce you.”
“I’d only convince you to marry me again for however many times it takes until I get my forever.” He pulls me into his arms. “However, you already promised me an eternity, so I don’t have to go through with my initial plan.”
“But I could have disappeared without a trace. You wouldn’t have found me.”
“I have faith that I would, eventually. Or you wouldn’t be able to resist checking in on me, and I’d find you then. Ragazzaccia, I told you, I was made for you. That means me and my heart are meant for you and only you.”
I touch his chest over his heart. “If you belong to me the way you say you do, then you’re mine to protect.”
He stiffens under my touch. “Zakiya?—”
“You can’t have it both ways, Sansone.” I implore him with my eyes. “You demanded a place in my heart, then dug your way so deep there’s no escaping. Now you’re mine. If you think I would do less for you than I do for some stranger’s kid, you have no idea who you’re marrying.”
He leans over me to rest his head on mine and sighs. “I do know who I’m marrying. Can you blame me for wanting her to live a long life after the hard one she’s endured?”
“I don’t, but we’re at an impasse if you want to sideline me.”
Sansone shakes his head with a self-deprecating laugh. “Valentino warned me, but I didn’t believe him.”
“He warned you about me?” I ask, surprised as I thought Valentino didn’t have a problem with me.
“Not you specifically. He warned that when I found my woman, I’d be hard-pressed to deny her the most insane bullshit request.”
“What I’m asking for isn’t bullshit.”
“But you agree it’s insane.”
