But it’s a mistake that might give Gem a better life.
“I like simple.”
“Promise me you’ll take care of my sister, no matter what happens.”
“I swear.”
“Seriously, Stellan. I’ve been busting my ass for years to make sure she gets the chance I never had. No matter what happens with us, she’s a good kid. She deserves better than I can give.”
“I promise, Kira. No matter what happens with us, Gem will always have a safety net. I’ll make sure of it.”
Something in me finally unclenches. I like that phrase, a safety net. It makes me think Gem can make some mistakes, but they won’t crush her. She can be a regular kid for a while.
“I’ll marry you.”
He nods, as if he expected this, and reaches into his jacket pocket. He places a diamond ring on the table between us. “This is for you.”
I stare, mouth dropping open. Holy crap, that thing is enormous. The diamond has to be worth thousands of dollars on its own. “Have you been carrying that around?”
“Ever since we first met.”
“But… that’s insane.”
“I make decisions and I don’t back away from them. When I commit, I commit with my soul.” He leans in close. “I keep my word. No matter what.”
I nod in a haze. I reach out and take the ring. It feels shockingly heavy in my palm.
He takes a long drink and slips from the booth. I watch him numbly, squeezing the ring into my palm until it hurts. This didn’t feel real until right now. It’s this physical reminder of what I just got myself into.
“What happens now?” I ask.
“You put that on. I have work tonight. I’ll speak to you again tomorrow.”
“I can’t wear that thing.” His gaze sharpens. I can tell I just insulted him. “It’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just… it’s too much.”
“This is your life now. You’d better start getting used to it.” He turns and leaves without another word, forcing an end to our first argument as an engaged couple.
One of what I’m thinking will be many more to come.
STELLAN
Matteo slurps his coffee with ugly, pinched lips. He looks like a fucking fish when he does that. I have to struggle to keep the revulsion from my expression as he digs at his eggs with his fork. “I hear the lots have been busy,” he comments as a waitress walks past balancing a dozen plates on her big tray. It’s right in the middle of the breakfast rush and the place is mobbed. “The council’s been pleased with the income.”
“I’ve been pushing for development nearby. There’s a new movie theater and a few restaurants. They’re bringing in extra traffic.”
“See, that’s exactly what we need from a new Don.” Matteo sighs, shaking his head. “But the council’s too damn stubborn to get it.”
“The council doesn’t matter,” I say, which is borderline seditious, but Matteo just waves me away.
“You’re reckless, you know that? You’d better hope I’m not reporting every word you say back to them.”
I give him a flat look and he hunches down over his food again.
“What do you know about a man named Isak Vural?” I ask, changing the subject.
Matteo’s brow furrows. “The Turk? He runs a solid outfit up north. He does business with some families around here but nothing unusual. Why, what’d he do?”
I tell him about Hector and Yusuf. When I’m done, Matteo leans back with a stunned expression.
