"Then I'll take you to the park."
"What if you're busy working or something?"
"Then I'll have Silver or Alec take you. I'm sure they need zero convincing."
"What if they're not available?"
"Cora, I will hire you a bodyguard, someone better than Simon is for June, and they will escort you." He pauses for a second and adds, "Just promise me you won't fall in love with them, I don't think I can share you with anyone else."
I tilt my head toward him. "Wait what?"
"You know, how June and Simon fell in love after she and the guys already established their relationship."
"No, I get that. But hold on, back up a little bit. You're telling me you're okay with Silver and Alec?"
Miller runs his hand through his hair and crosses his arms. "I mean, no, not really, but what other option do I have? I'd ask you to choose but I'm too fucking afraid you won't pick me."
My heart breaks from seeing this vulnerable side of him despite being grateful he's showing it to me at all. There's no denying that Miller is a naturally reclusive man. He's made it known that he's not the best at expressing his feelings or emotions, yet here he is, doing that very thing. He's overcoming his fear of putting himself out there because if he didn't, this wouldn't work.
I could learn a thing or two about healing and growing from him.
And if time were on my side, I would get the chance to. Every step we take closer to being together I'm reminded that it's just out of reach. He might be willing to sacrifice everything to keep me safe, but there's no denying that come next week, my body belongs to Ricardo Gardella.
Even if Miller marched over there and put a bullet in his head, the fate of my parents would still be in limbo. Ricardo has my mother captive somewhere, and I wouldn't put it past him to have safeguards in place upon his untimely death, my dad no doubt being one of the people at the top of the list of who dies, my name not far behind.
If Ricardo dies, my parents die. And anyone I'm associated with. Miller. Alec. Silver. London. June...her men. Anyone who's crossed my path that Ricardo has been made aware of is not safe from his wrath if things don't go according to plan.
But right now, in this very moment, none of that matters, because for this terribly short time, Miller is standing in front of me saying what I've always wanted to hear: he chooses me.
And because I can't live without him, or Silver or Alec, I mutter, "I won't fall in love with anyone else, I promise." There is no one for me other than these three guys. I'd never put myself out there for it to even happen.
I never meant to fall in love with three different men in general, but I went into each relationship with the mindset that it wouldn't last, that it would be temporary and help me enjoy what little moments I had between then and when Ricardo took me. None of it was supposed to blossom into what it became, although it's what I've always wanted.
Connection. Devotion. Love.
Unconditionally and irrevocably.
I thought I'd never experience it with one man, let alone three.
I’m not even entirely sure if I’m in love with Silver, but the feelings I have for him definitely lean in that direction. I’ve known Miller and Alec longer, the connection between us solidified long before we ever made the first move.
Miller flits his gaze at the car we're in front of. "I was going to get you a pink one, but it was going to take too long to get it in. Then I figured I ought to ask you what color you wanted. I can still have this one painted pink."
"I don't need a pink car."
"No oneneedsa pink car, but do youwantone? It can be arranged. I can order it custom, and you could drive this one in the meantime or..."
Standing tall, I interrupt his words with my lips, kissing him until he stops talking and weaves his arms around my waist, making sure to be extra gentle against my ribs.
I shouldn't be moving like this, my ribs and shoulder both pissed off, but how can I not throw myself at the man who would give me the world if it were possible?
"It's perfect," I tell him, my mouth a breath away from his. "Entirely too much, but perfect. Thank you."
He releases me and strolls over to the passenger door, opening it up for me. "I can have it be pink, just say the word."
I climb into the seat and meet his gaze. "Pretty sure I'd stick out like a sore thumb. Aren't you all about flying under the radar?"
"True." He closes me in and walks around, my sights locked on him the entire time.
