She begins to pace.
Sinking down onto the edge of my bed, I force myself to regain my composure, shutting my eyes for a moment so I can get control of myself.
“Don’t you daresisterme,” she seethes into the phone. “What the hell was August doing shopping for rings, Joseph?”
She stops moving and tosses her hand into the air. “Bullshit you have no idea. You and him have something up your sleeve—don’t think I’m too naïve to see it.”
Pausing, her eyes dart over to where I sit watching her. Her nipples are erect, her skin pebbled with goosebumps.
Despite the adrenaline coursing through her, she’s cold.
“You’re unbelievable. August wouldneverhold an interest in me unless it was for some greater reason. No! I absolutely donotbelieve that, Joseph.”
I stand and pull my top sheet from the bed, thenwrap it around her shoulders. Her eyes soften as they connect with mine, and she pulls it around her.
“You’re both clinically insane if you think I’m buying your act. You can both go to hell.”
She hangs up the phone and tosses on top of the pile of her things. When she looks at me, her eyes are full of tears. “I hate him.”
Wrapping my arms around her, I bring her to my chest and hug her tightly. “I would kill him if you ask me to.”
She tenses briefly, then relaxes against me again, likely assuming I don’t truly mean my words.
But I do.
I would kill Joseph Paladino—and August St. Jean—without hesitation or regret if she asked me to.
She wouldn’t evenneedto ask. A simple look from her would have me checking that I had enough rounds in the magazine of my Glock and I’d be on my way to them.
Instead of following that urge, I hold her tighter.
“What did he say?” I ask, kissing the top of her head.
“He claims August has a genuine interest in me. That he’d be a shoo-in with my father and a great choice for a husband.” Her eyes connect with mine. “He speaks about my life as though I’m not in control of it.”
Scooping her into a bridal carry, I take her to my bed and climb onto it on my knees before sitting back, settling her in my lap.
“He seems to think he has a hold over your choices,” I agree. “And your father? Have you spoken to him about your suspicions?”
“He’d never believe me.”
“If what you’ve told me is accurate, your brother holds so much anger toward you, it must be evident in your family, in which case, your fathershouldbelieve you. But I think your brother is counting on your doubt as well. It’s the only insurance they have that you won’t say anything. It’s what Joseph and August are hoping for.”
She lays her head against my chest, chuffing with defeat.
As much resentment as I hold for her brother, I know this is not a time for me to express it. Vincenza needs me for comfort. She needs me to be her safe space. Not to encourage the anger.
Kissing the top of her head again, I change the subject. “Tell me about your weekend plans, piccola ladra. And what you have going on next week. When can I see you again?”
She flinches a little, a scowl knitting her brows together before she gives me an apologetic look. “Tomorrow I’ve dedicated the day to Raina, and after Sunday brunch I promised Cecilia we’d catch up. Things have been so crazy with work, and I’ve wanted to spend every free moment with you…I need to spend some time with them.”
Tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear, I nod. “There is no need to explain. It is important tomaintain your friendships, especially with your two best friends. Don’t ever feel guilty for that.”
My mind trails to Enzo and Sully, and how I’ve been neglecting their friendship. It is hard not to become consumed by this woman, and I’ve let myself completely succumb to the spell she’s put me under.
Her hand lifts to catch mine as it brushes against her cheek and she holds it there. “Part of me would rather be here with you.”
“All the more reason to go. Whenever you have some time, I will be waiting. Next week?”
