“Cut it out.” I slip off the hood, gently pushing him back. “I’mfine, I’m totally fine.” Then I turn to stare at the Spider.
The tears in my eyes are half joy and half agony.
My foot really, really hurts.
But that’s my car. My baby. My pride.
Basically, my whole life.
“What do you think?” he asks softly, giving me a little space.
I clear my throat. I have a lot of thoughts, but I don’t trust myself to say them out loud. Slowly, I move around his exterior, running my fingers along his side. He’s so perfect it hurts my soul. But there’s so much work still to be done.
“I thought I wasn’t allowed outside.” I glance back at my husband. He strokes a thumb down his cheek.
“I’m making an exception.”
“Is this your way of apologizing for murdering my cousin?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not sorry about that.”
“You probably should be.”
“But I’m not. Anyone that gets in my way, threatens my wife, and hurts my business will suffer the same consequences.” He gestures lightly at the car. “This is just to make you happy.”
I have to turn my back on him as emotions war in my chest. When has anyone ever done something like this for me? I honestly can’t think of it. He must’ve spent all morning cleaning out this lot, setting up the perfect tent, bringing in the tools, towing the car, all for me.
Even though it’s not whathewants, but something he knew I’d love.
“This is really good,” I say at last, wiping my eyes. I’m not crying. Nope, not at all. I’m not the kind of girl that doestears of joyor whatever. “I was dying of boredom in there.”
He laughs gently and pats the tools on his left. “There are some rules. I have cameras set up all over, including a couple inside here. You aren’t allowed to disable them. I need to be able to check on you.”
“I don’t love the idea of you spying on me.”
“Consider it a security system. You’re also not allowed out here without telling me first. I have to be nearby, or at least I have to send someone to watch, just in case.”
I take a deep breath and blow it out. A lot of my stunned gratitude is beginning to fade. “This sounds complicated.”
“Call it a compromise instead. I’m trying to give you something you want. In exchange, I need you to follow some simple rules.” His voice softens, and the looks he gives me melt all my bones. “I need you to obey, Fiorella, so we can both get what we want.”
Well, shit. I’m not sure if he wants my safety—or my body naked, soaking wet, and ready to be ravaged.
Probably both.
“Okay, fine,” I say, forcing myself to look away. “I accept your terms.”
“I knew you would. You’re a good girl, Fiorella. Even though you pretend like you’re harder than iron.”
“Don’t push your luck, asshole.” I glare at him, cheeks burning. “Now, do I get to spend some time with my one true love?” I pat the roof lovingly.
He glares at the car. “Didn’t know I could feel jealous of a fucking inanimate object.”
“Oh, you should be jealous, alright. Something about the feel of this engine purring, the stick shift between my legs—” I wrap my arms around myself and shiver with fake delight.
His expression darkens. “Don’t fuck with me, princess. You push me, and I’ll do more than spank you.”
“Right in front of my car? You wouldn’t dare.”
