“It’s been a brutal winter.” Sable went to the window. “Cold, icy, and snowy.”
“More than usual even for New York.” Ax joined her, standing close to her. If he were anyone else, I’d be pissed, but protecting her had become instinctual for him. I had faith that if I couldn’t be with her, he would do everything in his power to keep her safe.
“When are you going to find a nice girl to spend Valentine’s Day with?” Sable asked him.
“I already have a nice girl to spend Valentine's Day with.” He scanned the street, preparing for us to go outside.
“Don’t tell Milo.” Sable giggled.
“I could kill you both and make it look like an accident,” I said. “You do realize that.”
“Then you’d be lonely." Sable came back to stand with me, taking my hand in hers. “You know my heart belongs to you.”
“Sable.” I leaned into her ear. "Everything about you belongs to me.”
“I’m very lucky.”
“One of the guys came into the foyer, bringing in the frigid wind from the street. “Milo, there was a water main break at the corner, and fire trucks and cops are on the scene, so Josh couldn't bring the car in front. He’s at the other corner.”
“Does he expect Sable to walk in those heels?” I snapped. “Tell him to find a way.”
“Milo,” Sable said. “How is he supposed to get in front? I can walk.”
I shook my head. “It’s slippery.”
“I’m pretty certain between you and Ax, I won’t fall.” She held out her other hand for Ax. “Right?”
“It’s my job to make sure you don’t fall.” He hooked his arm in hers. “No worries.”
“Thank you.” She gazed at me. “I know you would never let me fall.”
“I’ll carry you if it’s too slippery.” I wrapped my arm around her waist and kept her close to me. “Go slow.”
My guard held the door open as Ax and I carefully maneuvered Sable onto the wet sidewalk. The restaurant had salted the pavement, so it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated.
Ax directed two men to walk in front of us, and two behind us. Standard operating procedure when an Accetti walks along a public street at night.
The flickering streetlight at the corner where Josh waited caught my attention just as three men came out of the side street and stood in front of us.
When my guys placed their hands on their concealed weapons, Medina stepped into sight.
“Fuck.” I glared at Ax, warning him that Sable was his priority. I could take care of myself. He gave me a quick nod as she inched closer to me. “It’s fine.” I gripped her hand. “I’ll handle it.”
“Milo,” Medina said. “Call your men off.”
“They’re protective of me.” I memorized the faces of the men who accompanied him. “Whatever you have to say, make it quick.”
“I just wanted to wish Sable a Happy Valentine’s Day.” He smirked. “I hope you enjoyed your dinner.”
“Don’t talk to her.” I spoke through gritted teeth. “Ever.”
“She could tell me that herself.” He tried to move closer, but my men backed him off. “Do you enjoy being around such barbaric men, Sable?”
“The only barbarian I see on this street tonight is the one who traffics women,” Sable said. “So no, I don’t like being around men like you.”
Josh got out of the SUV and made his way to stand next to me.
“You’re outnumbered,” I said as Sable trembled against my side. “You didn’t come here to take me out, because you know none of you would make it out of here alive.”
