Which is news. “I thought we agreed on a reduced rate?”
“My future wife isn’t going to pay rent in her own apartment building.”
I let that sink in. I glance at Gem and her lips are pressed together, her head tilted, clearly studying Stellan and trying to get a feel for him.
I’m doing the same damn thing.
But he’s got a point. If we really are getting married, that means what’s his is mine. Assuming there’s no ironclad prenup.
“This is really happening then.” Gem rubs her hands together. “It’s really fast, you know?”
“Your sister is very convincing.”
I snort and nudge him with my elbow. “More like you begged me over and over.”
“I wouldn’t use the wordbeg, more like confidently persuaded.”
“Why the rush though?” Gem ignores our playful banter. “I mean, why not move in together for a while? Get to know each other?”
“This works better for us,” Stellan says, watching her carefully, and I’m nervous he’s about to tell Gem the truth—that he’s a criminal and I’m selling myself to him in order to buy Gem a future.
“Pretty vague answer. How is it better, exactly? Neither of you are claiming to be in love, so I’m guessing it’s some kind of arrangement?”
“Gemmy,” I say gently. “Do we need to do this right away?”
“She’s perceptive.” Stellan doesn’t seem to mind that she’s challenging him, which I was nervous about. For how smart she can be, Gem’s not the type to back down. “And you’re right. It’s an arrangement. One that works for everyone.”
She shifts in her seat. “How, exactly, does that work?”
“Your sister can tell you if she feels that you need to know. But I’ll say this, and believe me, I’m not talking lightly.” He watches Gem, his face tightening into an intense stare. “I promised Kira that I’d take care of both of you, and I will. No matter what. I can’t say my life is always simple and that I’ll always be around, but you two will never want for anything again. Not if I can provide it.”
They stare each other down. I swear, it’s like an old Western gunfight, except one side is a hardened mafia criminal, and the other side is a teenage girl.
Gem finally breaks out in a big grin. “Well, if Kira’s happy, then I’m happy.”
“And I’m happy,” I say quickly, relieved that the interrogation seems to be over. For now, anyway. “Should I serve the salad?”
“I’d be happy to help,” Stellan offers.
But Gem waves him away. “No, dinner’s on me tonight. I’ll pour the wine too.”
“None for you!” I call out as she walks away. I watch her back for a beat before turning back to Stellan.
He’s watching me intently. I can’t tell what he’s thinking. Finally, he reaches out and lightly touches my hand. “She really is smart, isn’t she?”
“Now you’re starting to get it.”
“That’s why you’re killing yourself.”
“Gem’s worth it.”
“Admirable,” he says softly. “But also stupid.”
I pull my hand away. “Stupid? Excuse me?”
“You’re no use to her if you’re a shell of a woman.” He leans back, arms crossed, a dark grin on his face. “Lucky for you, I’m in the picture now.”
“Yeah, I feel so lucky,” I mutter.
