Page 80
“Well, aren’t I lucky?” she rolled her eyes playfully. “And seriously, Cass. I’m talking about what happened when you left. Have you done that often?”
“I’ve tied up loose ends when necessary,” he admitted.
“And it’s never come back to haunt you or blow up in your face?”
“Taking a life is something that would haunt anyone with a soul,” Cassius draped an arm over her hip. “But if it’s them or me, I’m choosing me every time. And I’m damn sure going to handle anything that affects you.”
“You aren’t worried?”
“Not really. I know what I’m doing.”
Aella snorted. “I don’t think I have to tell you how twisted that sounds.”
“It might be twisted, but it’s true. I don’t leave loose ends, and I make sure everyone involved has just as much to lose as I do as a safety net. And on the off chance that I do fuck up and it’s my turn to do my time, then I’ll do what I have to do.”
“I don’t even want to think about that.”
“Holding your husband down while he’s locked down is part of the mob wife lifestyle,” Cassius joked. “You sure you still want this life?”
“I’m sure that I still want you,” she admitted before she could catch herself.
“Oh, that was a given. Your chance to walk away has expired. It’s until death do us part, Princess.”
“I wonder if my father knows he paired me with a complete psycho.”
“Your Pops knew what he was doing,” Cassius yawned. “Seriously, though, Elle. I’m good. I’m sure I’ll get pulled in for questioning, and I told you beforehand that they might try to lean on you, but you don’t know shit, so you can’t say shit.”
“I wouldn’t say anything if I did know,” she assured him.
Cassius leaned in and kissed her forehead before removing the blankets from his body. “Aren’t you lucky to have a man who wouldn’t put you in that position in the first place?”
“The luckiest of them all.”
“Is that sarcasm?” he raised an eyebrow while looking over his shoulder.
“No, Jesus. Are you always so paranoid?”
“Only when dealing with a woman I can’t read.”
“So, in other words, just me?”
“Exactly.”
Aella’s laughter filled the room as she lay back on the bed.
“You know I trust you, right?” Cassius randomly asked, pulling a shirt from his drawer and putting it on. “I’m not leaving you in the dark because I think you can’t handle being in the loop. But since we aren’t legally married yet, keeping you blind is the best way to protect you.”
“I know,” she said softly. “And speaking of wedding things, I’m meeting up with my mom later to start finalizing plans.”
“Cool. Let me know if you need my help with anything.”
“I will.” Aella sat up, sheet draped open as she thoughtfully chewed on her lip. “Is it just me, or is the timeline of all this… jarring? Don’t get me wrong, I’m still ten toes down, but we went from practically strangers to being weeks from meeting at the altar.”
“Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. It’s a lot, but we’ll figure it out together. I’m gonna walk Nova, then grab breakfast so we can eat together before you link with your mom. Just text me what you want.”
“Will do,” she murmured, watching him walk out the door as the previous night’s events crossed her mind again.
Aella wasn’t worried about anyone questioning her about what Cassius may have done. No part of her felt she couldn’t handle whatever any detective might throw her way during an interrogation.
