Page 191 of Forbidden Fate

His eyes stay on mine. “Robin.”

I hold up one hand. “Don’t.”

Inside the house, I hear muffled voices. Plates. Someone laughing too loudly in the kitchen, probably trying to pretend this family dinner isn’t one doorbell away from becoming another disaster.

Hawk won’t stay away long. Even if he hasn’t said anything, I know Vinnie is probably already suspicious. Falcon may be watching from a window.

My mother is probably wondering if the enchiladas are getting cold.

I draw in a breath. “I’ll give you one chance.”

Cruz nods.

“One,” I repeat.

“Robin—”

“I’m not finished.”

“All right.”

I speak slowly. “If you give me any indication whatsoever that you are still allied with Vega, I’ll kill you myself.”

His eyes flash.

Not with fear.

With something else.

Respect, maybe?

Good.

“And if I can’t do it,” I continue, “I will sic my brothers and my ex-mobster soon-to-be-brother-in-law on you.”

That does it.

Cruz erupts into a grin.

A real grin.

“Why are you smiling?” I demand.

“Because that is the most romantic threat I’ve ever heard.”

I cross my arms. “It wasn’t romantic.”

He lifts an eyebrow. “It sounded romantic.”

“It sounded homicidal.”

Then, before I can decide whether to slap him or laugh, he steps forward slowly enough to give me time to stop him.

I don’t.

He crosses the threshold of the door and takes me into his arms.

I melt into him. He’s warm. Solid. Alive.