Page 28 of The Mobster’s Prize

“He did?”

“Yep. He also told me to ask you which of your father’s cars you want.”

“None of them. I want none of that drug money.”

I think she should reconsider, but we’ll discuss the issue further at a later date. Right now, my only concern is finishing what we started.

“So, I don’t have to go back?”

“No.”

She smiles up at me, and it all locks into place. Everything I ever wanted is staring up at me.

“I love you,” I utter the words I wish I’d spoken first. “Thank you for having my back.”

“I love you too, Pooky. And I’ll always have your back.”

I lean in, growling, before kissing the breath out of her lungs. I lift her off the ground and take her over to the fireplace, laying her out on the ground. It’s time to play a little game. And the winner gets to decide how many kids we’re going to have.

No matter what, I intend on losing.

CHAPTER 11

Xandra

There he goes banging around the bathroom again. He’s been doing it all morning.

“Did you take my razor?” He comes stomping out, his hair looking disheveled despite him spending so much time drying it perfectly. All of him looks disheveled.

“It’s in the shower, remember?”

He turns around and stomps back into the bathroom.

More banging.

More cussing.

He’s in rare form today.

“Did you use all my shaving cream on your legs?” He stomps out again, holding the empty can.

“You finished the canister two days ago. I have two more tucked under the sink for you.”

Because my fine Italian man grows hair like a Chia Pet.

Back into the bathroom he goes, banging every door and drawer.

The next time he comes out, he has little pieces of toilet paper stuck to his face where he must’ve nicked himself. I bite back my laugh, returning my attention to the cupcakes.

“Why are you snickering?”

I tried. I really did. I look up and burst into a fit of giggles. He looks ridiculous.

“Did you cut yourself?” I fight to hold back the laughter as I see his jaw clenching tighter, but his irritation only makes it funnier.

“My blade was dull from you using it on your legs.”

I’ve never used his razor. For the exact reason that’s papered to his face. I’d be afraid it would nick me.