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Valentina raised a brow at me and I kissed her cheek softly while whispering, ‘I’ll tell you all about it later. You’re not the only one who’s arrived in a blaze of bullets. Nor the only one who went a little stalkerish.’
‘I didn’t stalk you,’ Valentina said, giving me a pretty little pout.
‘You totally did. Not that I would have it any other way. I only wish I’d given in sooner.’
The bubble of my family around me warmed me as I held my girl in my arms. I’d still need to talk to Nicole after everything that had happened, and likely her father too, but they’d agreed to cancel the wedding with nothing more to be said about it.
‘Have you spoken to your mum yet?’ I asked Valentina.
‘I did. She’s pretty mad at me but understands that you and Nicole were never meant to be. She’s also pissed that she doesn’t get to wear her fancy frock to the wedding.’ Valentina smiled, making light of the situation, but I knew hurting her mother had hurt her too.
‘She can wear it to our wedding instead,’ I said.
‘You’re so sure I’d say yes, are you?’
‘I’d tie you down and edge you until you’ve got no other choice.’ Pleasure filtered through me at the blush that rose in her cheeks.
‘Logan! Behave. Your family is here.’
‘They’ll be your family too, baby girl.’ I pulled her lips onto mine and swallowed her light moan as she let me taste her.
‘Doctor’s orders. You can’t exert your leg for three more weeks. Don’t rile me up with a promise you can’t keep, Mr. McGowan.’
‘Takes no exertion at all from my leg to make you ride my face, sweet Cherry.’
Her face was crimson when Maeve called us through for dinner.
* * *
The following day was quieter in my home as my siblings ventured out together, catching up and entertaining the young ones. Valentina had gone back to her flat to spend some time with Lara, with two of my men in tow.
Nicole sat on the sofa opposite me, fidgeting with the hem of her dress and tears running down her cheeks.
‘Come here,’ I said, holding out an arm and waiting for her.
‘I’m okay. You don’t have too--‘
‘Get your ass over here and let me hug you.’
She sat awkwardly beside me as I wrapped an arm around her shoulder, letting her cry while I waited. Eventually, her tears dried and only a few sniffles remained.
‘I may not be your husband, but I can still be your friend.’
‘You don’t have to do that.’
‘I want to. All that shit, none of it was your fault. You were just a kid,’ I said as she pulled herself a little away from me and turned to look at my face.
‘I know he was wrong, and that he hurt me, but I feel horrible for shooting him.’
‘The first kill is always the hardest, even more so if it’s someone you loved. Feel the feelings, and when you’re ready, let them go. You’ll get past this. You’ll find someone who truly deserves you and can love you without an ulterior motive.’
‘Like you love Valentina?’
‘Yes. And I’m sorry for falling for her behind your back. She swept me off my feet.’
‘And you don’t care about the camming?’ Nicole dabbed at her face with a tissue that she pulled from her pocket.
‘I don’t. I want her to be happy, and she enjoys it. Plus, I find other men wanting her kind of hot.’
