“What changed?” Her voice is no more than a whisper.
I consider my answer carefully before saying, “You, little thief. You’ve changed everything.” Then I do what I told myself I wouldn’t do and pull her into the curve of my body the same way I held her when we were cuffed to the bed. I had hoped simply having her an arm’s length away would be enough. It wasn’t. Fortunately, she doesn’t object, and I fall asleep feeling like the fucking king of the world.
CHAPTER 18
DANIKA
Having grownup in a one-bedroom place housing three of us, I’m no stranger to sharing a bed. I often found myself sneaking into bed with Mom or Gran even after I got a twin bed of my own because I preferred to be snuggled up next to one of them. I’d forgotten how good it feels.
I woke up halfway through the night to find myself doing my best koala bear impersonation around a Tommy tree. I was embarrassed, so I untangled myself as best I could without disturbing him and went back to sleep. The next time I woke, he was up and gone.
I took a leisurely shower in the primary bathroom. His apartment is incredible. I felt like I was in a movie using his heated towel rack and multiple showerheads. By the time I got out, Tommy was back from his run and cooking breakfast. Scrambled eggs, the same as he’s made every morning. I get the sense he doesn’t stray from that dish very often. It’s strangely endearing.
We chatted a bit through breakfast like a normal couple. It’s so odd to think of how things have morphed over the past week. I’m not sure how to tell if my changing feelings are genuine or some shade of Stockholm syndrome. He’s been surprisinglysweet in a gruff way and unquestionably protective. I can’t avoid seeing him as more than his Mafia label. I have no idea what that means, especially considering he’s convinced we’re getting married. It seems crazy.
Even crazier? I don’t hate the idea.
It does worry me, though. And Biba worries me. A lot. I worry what he might do to Tommy. Biba is ruthless to a degree that probably qualifies as psychotic. As far as I can tell, he doesn’t have an ounce of empathy in his body.
It’s a good reminder that I should check on Mom and Gran. Now that breakfast is over and Tommy’s gone back to shower, it’s a perfect opportunity. I add Mom’s number to my contact list in the new phone, which already contains Tommy’s and Sante’s numbers. I add Sachi’s as well while I’m at it, then ring Mom.
“Hello?” she answers in a terse tone.
“Mama, it’s me.”
“Oh! Dani! How are you, sweet girl?”
Hearing the relief in her voice has me grinning ear to ear. “I’m good. Tommy’s taking good care of me.”
“Is that right? I’d like to hear more about thisfriendof yours. He seems to be awfully understanding of your situation.”
“It’s kind of a crazy story, but he’s actually part of the Moretti family.” I internally cringe as seconds tick by.
“You kidding me?”
I hear Gran in the background demanding Mom put the call on speakerphone.
“What did I miss? What’s happening?” Gran interjects.
“Tell her,” Mom demands.
“It’s a long story, but I’m sort of staying with an Italian—one of the Morettis.”
“And?” Gran asks.
“Ma!” Mom balks at her, making me smile.
“What? If he’s giving her a place to hide out, what’s wrong with that? He’s not hurting you, is he?” Gran’s voice takes on an edge.
“No, not at all. This number I’m calling from is a new phone he got for me. He’s been very thoughtful.”
I can almost hear Mom’s grimace. “I don’t like it. That’s how they lure you in. Trust me, I’ve been there.”
“Ignore her,” Gran says. “Everything else okay?”
“I’mfine. How have you two been? Biba hasn’t sent anyone else around to harass you, has he?”
“No, that really was no big deal, which is why I wasn’t even going to mention it until Sachi came by. No reason to worry you.” She’s trying to downplay the situation so I won’t bug her about hiding out.
