Page 69 of Made in Love and Blood

Salvatore noticed Nico’s expression at the mention of press. “You didn’t think you’d escape with just a few photos from us, did you? She’s the stepdaughter of a supermodel and the blood of a well known made man. That’s society fodder to half the people in the city. I bet you’ll be on society rags by tomorrow morning. Press always picks up around us when Carina stays in town for more than a few weeks.”

Nico hadn’t really considered any of that. “We’re not hard launching a relationship or something here.”

“They’ll make of it what they want. I suppose what matters right now is what you’re making of it.” Salvatore cleared his throat, waiting for Carina to be out of earshot as she shooed the cat away from the vehicles again before he turned his attention back to Nico. “I expect you’ll drive safe tonight.”

“Of course.”

“And be home before three.”

“Absolutely. I know the rules.”

“You know some of the rules,” Sal responded, seriousness clouding his features. “You didn’t ask this time; did you realize that?”

Nico’s brow dipped. “What do you mean?”

“The other day, you came into the house, found me in the kitchen, and told me you were going to take my daughter to her prom. You didn’t ask.”

“I asked her.”

Salvatore breathed deeply, his lips flattening into a line. “Yes, you did. That’s a fair point.”

“And to be clear, Carina called, so I just assumed.”

“What, that I already knew?”

“I mean, yeah.”

Salvatore’s chin bobbed once, but he didn’t look pleased about it. “I want to say that I’ve noticed things between you and her. Things that could be complicated, messy...interesting to others. A problem, even.”

Nico didn’t like where this was going, and his shifted stance said so without him needing to. “Why, because I am?”

The man continued as if Nico hadn’t said a thing, saying, “Like I said, I noticed things. Natural things, I suppose, given your ages and history. Someone told me to say something, do something, or let it be nothing.”

“I’m confused where this conversation is going, Sal.”

“Three things, Nico.”

Man, this guy loved handing things out in threes.

“What are they?”

“She always returns exactly the way she left. Happy. Safe. Whole. Always.”

“Why wouldn’t she?”

Salvatore didn’t look away. “You tell me. Two—if you ever want a real problem with me, then look no further than my daughter. If there was ever a reason for her to come to me regarding you, I will be the last thing you ever see.”

Nico respected that.

More than Sal knew.

“I’d hope so,” he replied quietly. “And three?”

“What does consent mean to you, Nico?”

He had not expected that question.

“I think my history speaks for itself there.”