He gave me a squeeze and opened the door to our hall. Whatever he was going to say was cut off when his phone chimed. He pulled it out as we walked to the door. When he stopped short with a soft curse, I peered up at him.
“What is it?”
He showed me the message. One word: Incoming.
“The night’s not over,” he muttered, voice tight.
“You can go. I’ll just—” I yawned. “Head to bed. Join me when you’re done.”
“Not this time.” He took a deep breath, pulling away from me, and raked a hand over his hair. “This involves you, too.Merda!I thought we had more time.”
I frowned. “What is it?”
Vincenzo studied me, black emotions swirling through his eyes. I stepped forward, wrapping my hands over his bare torso. His skin was hot, and I was done resisting. I bent down to kiss it. Smooth. Salty.Him.
“I can handle it, just tell me.” I gazed up at him.
He pursed his lips. “Your father’s debtor has come to collect.”
Those words were stronger than a spike of caffeine. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. This was it. Right when things were good, the curveball was threatening to mess it up.
Strong hands clamped on my shoulders. The pressure was fierce, radiating determination. “He will not take you away from me.”
“No, he won’t,” I gulped. “But…what happens now?”
“We kill him.”
I nodded. “Good.”
“The plan revolves around you being the bait,” he added in a hoarse tone. “We can try it without you, but—”
“I’ll do it!” I pulled myself straight, keeping my hold anchored on him. “Whatever you need.”
Vincenzo closed his eyes and took a long breath. “I hate involving you.”
“I know.” I gave him a small shake. “But I’m a mobster, too. If you need me, I’m there. Just tell me what to do.”
His voice softened. “You are without a doubt the strongest woman I know.”
The praise warmed me. Calmed me. Made me feel so damn good.
There was no reason to panic. My body was steady, ready to face the next few hours.
As we went inside, I felt lighter than I had in years. I didn’t have to face this fight alone. My champion was there, ready to destroy the threats. We would make it through this, and the future was ours.
***
“We’re right behind you.” Vincenzo ran his hands over my arms.
I nodded. My smile didn’t wobble, but I couldn’t say the same for my knees. I pulled the sweater tight and set my shoulders.
The gun at the small of my back was a backup plan. If everything went well, I wouldn’t have to use it.
Gabriella knocked on the sliding door. “We’re done for the night, signore.”
I moved to pull the partition back, but before I could step into the dim restaurant, hands gripped my waist and tugged me back into the private dining room. Vincenzo crushed his lips to mine. The kiss was fire and passion. Promise and determination.
He stole the air from my lungs.
