Being backat Milo’s house offered me solace. But there was also a dark and dangerous downside to being involved with him. Could I navigate those complications without becoming a casualty in his cruel world?
I wanted to be with him, but men like Medina and Bello would always come with the territory. Even if Milo took care of them—and I hated thinking about how he would do that—wouldn't there always be another threat waiting in the shadows?
And then there was my brother. How could I manage to keep both of them in my life without isolating one of them? Why did everything have to be so difficult?
“Hey.” Ricardo stood in the doorway of the sitting area that led to Milo’s bedroom, holding a tray of food and bottles of water. “I heard you were back with us.”
“Hi.” I smiled because I had missed him. “What are you doing on this side of the house?”
“I wanted to check on you.”
“That’s sweet of you.”
“Can I come in?” He nodded down at the tray. “I brought snacks. I made popcorn and brought some stuff to sprinkle in. Oh, and some ice for your lip. I’m sorry Bello did that to you.”
“No more ice.” I shook my head. “My lip is numb. But I’ll take the snacks and the company.”
He came into the room and placed the tray on the coffee table. There was something comforting about a large bodyguard with pretty eyes and deadly instincts taking the time to pop fresh corn and make an ice pack for an injured face.
This place really could be home if I let it.
“I’m going to have to insist on the ice.” He picked up the plastic bag wrapped in a towel. “Milo’s orders.” He maneuvered the ice around with his strong hand, probably making sure it would mold against my face. “And if you don’t want me to have to put ice on my face tonight, you’ll put the ice on your lip.”
“Milo would hit you?” I took the ice from him. “If I don’t listen?”
“I’m kidding.” He shrugged. “Now, Marchello would definitely hit me.”
“Oh.”
“It was only one time.” He sat down next to me. “And I deserved it.”
“What did you do?” I couldn’t imagine Ricardo doing anything worthy of him getting beaten up for. He was loyal and would do anything for this family. But the Accettis did have a low tolerance for mistakes.
“I let Lissia manipulate me and got her kidnapped in the process.”
“She was kidnapped by someone other than Marchello?” These were the dark and dangerous things I thought about when my head hit the pillow at night. “That’s terrifying.”
“It’s a long story, but it all worked out.”
“This is such a complicated family.” I leaned my head against the back of the couch and plopped the ice on my face. “How do you manage?”
“They are complicated, but they are my family. They’re loyal and will do anything to keep one another safe.” He offered me a bowl of popcorn. “I like mixing the chocolate and the nuts into mine.” He motioned to all the colored containers with various candies, nuts, and dried fruits. “Lissia likes all the gummy stuff.”
“You and Lissia are close.”
“She’s very special to me.” He sprinkled some candy into his bowl. “I can’t wait until she comes home.”
“I only met her once but I liked her.”
“She’s a little misunderstood, but she has a good heart and a generous nature.” He shook the popcorn around in the bowl. “Her father really did a number on her. Marchello has been a savior for her.”
“Fathers can be tough.” I nibbled on a piece of chocolate. “Luckily, there are men like Marchello and Milo.” I smiled. “And you.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.” He frowned when he stared at me. “Bello will pay for hurting you. Milo won’t let that go.”
“I’d be okay if he did.” I shrugged. “I don’t like all this violence and avenging things, you know?”
“Then you’re in the wrong place.”
