“Yes.”
“Isn’t she married?”
“Yes.”
“Have you slept with her while we’ve been together?”
“No.”
Her eyes hardened. “How would you feel if I had sex with someone else behind your back?”
“Vera, don’t you dare,” I warned, heat spiking through my chest. A knot of jealousy and rage twisted in my gut.
She stroked over my clenched fists, prying my fingers open until the tension bled out. “Don’t worry,” she murmured, working her thumbs into my palms. “I haven’t been with anyone else. I needed you to understand it’s not okay to sleep with other people’s partners unless they have an open relationship.”
Her lips brushed my neck as I exhaled. “Bianca and her husband had an open arrangement,” I said. “For years, itworked. But now? Dominic spends more time with his mistress than with his wife or kids. It’s messy.”
“You care about Bianca,” she said quietly.
“She’s my friend.”
“Oh. Then I’m sorry for assuming otherwise.”
“You made an ass of you and me,” I whispered, my teeth grazing her ear before I held her tight. “I had a quiet word with your brother at the Christmas party last year.”
“What did you talk about?”
“He told me something about you I already knew.” I brushed my thumb along her jaw. “Some men see you as a challenge, others mistake you for reckless. But the truth? You want the opposite. A real relationship. Respect. Honesty. Consent. You hate the lies and sneaking around that come with cheaters.”
“Julian told you that?”
“Yes. You’re an angel.”
“No, I’m not.”
“You are.” I held her gaze, even as hers darkened in defiance. “Vera, move in with me.”
“Scotty, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Her brows pinched, hesitation flashing across her face.
“Why not?” I wasn’t about to take no without a reason.
“Because I’m a slob,” she muttered, dragging her fingers through her wild hair.
“That’s it?” I barked a laugh. “I can handle a slob. I’ve got a cleaner three days a week. Try harder, sweetheart.”
“I like to sleep in. You’re up before dawn.”
“Not an excuse,” I shot back. “We’ve been sleeping together long enough. You’re stuck with me.”
She crossed her arms. “I like my space. My privacy.”
“You’ll have it.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Then I’ll move in on one condition.”
“What’s that, sweetheart?”
“I want time with Damian, too. He’s a great kid. I feel like the goofy aunt when he’s around. He and I have a bond.”
