I shot him an acerbic look. “I’m being serious.”
Chuckling, he brushed my hair from my temple. “I know. You’re right that I can’t control everything, but I’m not sure being with me is worth you putting yourself in that type of danger. I’m not a genius like you, sweetheart. I can’t promise you a life where we’re going to build some big tech company and change the world. I’m a mafia soldier, and that’s not going to change.”
“First of all, you’re smart as hell,” I said, slipping my hand over his thigh. “We never would’ve survived that fucking blizzard without you. Common sense and survival skills are just as important as the tech knowledge I have. In fact, I’d argue that combining our knowledge would make us unstoppable.”
“I love how smart you are,” he said, awe in his tone as he gazed at me. “I wish I understood half of what you say about hacking and AI and IT.”
“Well, if we decide to be together, I could teach you, if you want to learn. And if you don’t, all I ask is that you don’t hold me back.The tech world is something I understand; it’s where I feel safe and comfortable. I don’t have to work for Google or Meta to do something great. I could start something myself maybe. I don’t know. I’m still deciding.”
His thumb caressed my cheek as he contemplated. “I’d support you in that. Whatever you want to do, princess. I’ll always support you.”
Grinning, I looked around the room. “By the way, how, exactly, do you get paid? Does Michael give you a W2 every year?”
Nick laughed. “I’m technically the co-owner of Sofia Parking Garages, LLC. That’s where my paycheck comes from.”
“Wait, you and Michael own Sofia parking?” I asked, my mouth falling open. “That’s the biggest corporate parking lot chain in Queens and Brooklyn.”
“Yep. Sofia was Michael’s grandmother’s name. His dad set it up decades ago to create another legitimate business to mingle with all the other...” he cleared his throat, “non-legitimatebusinesses.”
“Wow. So, you get a paycheck from Sofia Parking every two weeks?”
He nodded. “Like clockwork. Katia set it up when I joined the organization. She does Michael’s books at the clubs and his other businesses that actuallyrequirebookkeeping.”
“The workings of the mafia are fascinating.”
He scrunched his features. “If you say so.”
“Okay, so you’d support me with yourlegitimateincome if I wanted to pursue something in tech,” I said. “And as far as a relationship with you making me a target, I get that. But I’m always going to be Victor Rossi’s daughter, and that’s always been quite dangerous. I’ve learned that I have to do my best to stay safe while trying to live a somewhat normallife.”
Nick stared at my hand as he tenderly caressed it. I could see the wheels turning in his mind, and reminded myself to let him speak. It was important we both respected each other’s viewpoints if we were going to find a way to make this work.
“I can’t leave the mafia for you,” he finally said, regret in his voice.
“I’m not asking you to.”
“I know.” Lifting his gaze to mine, he squeezed my hand. “But I know you want out of this world, and I feel like an ass being the one who convinces you to stay.”
“You’re so far from an ass,” I said, grinning. “Even when you drive me nuts.”
His eyebrows lifted. “You mean whenyoudrivemenuts?”
“Okay, we both know I’m the difficult one here. Just let me pretend for a minute.”
He huffed a laugh. “Okay.”
“Anywayyyyy,” I said, drawing out the word. “You’re not convincing me of anything. In case you’re not aware, I prefer to make decisions about my own life.”
“Oh, I’m aware.” He winked before his expression grew serious and he inhaled a deep breath. “In those smutty romance shows you watch, the guy would leave the mafia for his woman, but that’s fiction and this is reality.” His eyes darted between mine as he spoke. “I made a pledge to Michael, and it’s one I take very seriously. On the day I took that pledge, I sealed my fate. Michael is my family, and there’s no turning back. And I know that’s not the life you want, princess.”
“It wasn’t, for a long time,” I said softly as I rested my head against the headboard. “But things have changed recently, and I don’t know what the hell I want anymore.” Sighing, I shook my head. “Everything has been so confusing since Dad died. He wasa son of a bitch, but he wasn’t the worst father in the world. He was terrible to Mom, but he kept me in a relatively safe and comfy little bubble. Now, I’m out here on my own, just trying to figure it out, and it’s fucking exhausting. I just want to watch gay hockey romance and eat pizza all day. Is that so hard?”
Nick’s deep chuckle surrounded me. “Sounds like a good life. And you’re not alone, Alexis. Regardless of what happens between us, I’m always here for you. I hope you know that.”
Tears stung my eyes as I turned toward him and palmed his cheek. “I know,” I whispered. “You saved my life multiple times. I think I owe you way more than you’re getting with this relationship. Maybe I’m not worth it.”
He placed his thumb over my lips. “Don’t ever say that again,” he murmured, fire in his tone. “You’reeverything, Alexis. I’m honored to be with you. You’re the one who’d have to sacrifice your dreams to be with me. I don’t want you to give up your hopes and resent me one day.”
I nipped his thumb. “Not gonna happen. I kind of like you. Alot.”
