I can see him calculating. He needs the help. But giving the Marinis more power goes against his instincts.
“Now that we are family, we should be closer in this. Whoever is after you, may be after Gemma.”
His eyes narrow slightly, and I suspect I may have taken it a bit far. Finally, after a beat, he nods.
"I'll think about it.”
"Take your time. But if the Morozovs hit again..." I let the implication hang.
He nods. “How is Gemma?” he asks.
“Adjusting.” It’s not a lie, per se.
He sighs. “I suppose that’s all we can hope for.”
He doesn’t say anything else, clearly dismissing me. I allow it. This time. But only because I have bigger plans.
So, I allow Luca, baby brother, to walk me out.
At the door, he stops me.
"You seem happy today."
"Do I?"
"Yeah. Which makes me wonder why."
I grin. "Maybe I'm just in a good mood, Luca. It happens."
"Not to you."
I leave before he can probe further.
In the car, I allow myself a real smile.
Adrian is rattled. He's going to increase security, which makes him look weak and paranoid. He's considering giving me more power just to feel safe.
And all it took was one dead guard and Gemma's intel.
She deserves a reward.
I pull out my phone, text her.
Be ready tonight. I'm taking you out. —S
A minute later, her response comes through.
Out? Where?
Somewhere fun. Wear something nice.
I pocket the phone, feeling better than I have in months.
Antonio's dying. The heir situation is still unresolved. But for the first time since this marriage started, I'm not just going through the motions.
I'm enjoying myself.
And it's all because of her.
