Gianni arches an eyebrow at my brass but addresses Baz. “You said no one touches her. So, no one will touch her. That’s what they’re for. They do as I say.”
“Fine,” Baz gives in petulantly. “Go take care of business. I know you have way more important things to worry about than us.”
“Well, thank you for dismissing me in my own home.” Gianni stands haughtily.
Baz cracks a small smile. It’s clear their relationship is still on good terms despite all the drama.
We both watch as Gianni strides into the house. He’s all power and intimidation.
About a million questions pop off in my head like fireworks as soon as we’re alone.
“The boss, Baz?” I reiterate the question that never got answered in the study. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you killed half my uncle’s crew?”
Okay, match point, Baz.
“Because I was trying to avoid what happened this morning. I was protecting myself, and our child.”
“From me?”
“From everyone. From all this.” I spread my arms out, signaling our surroundings. “I have lived in the in-between for ten years, and you just forced me out of the shadows.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“If someone is trying to kill us, it is.”
“I can protect you. Both of you. All three of us.”
“Baz, I’m not one to run away from a fight. If we want it to stop, we have to face Regina.”
“I’m sure my uncle will come up with a plan.”
“If I hadn’t interfered the first time, maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation.” I regret ever going after Regina that night. I was only doing what I was programmed to do, but damn, the consequences have been severe.
“If you hadn’t interfered the first time, I never would have gotten you back.” He traps my chin between his thumb and index finger and tilts my face up. I get lost in those bewitching eyes, not regretting one single second or decision over the last three months.
“The boss, Baz?” I utter softly, question and worry weighing down the words.
“Not really. I just carry the title. Gianni is the mastermind. He pulls all the strings and makes all the decisions. I never wanted any of it. I was happy by myself in Colorado. Living the simple life.”
“Life sure isn’t simple anymore.”
“No, it’s not. But I have you, so the sacrifice is worth it.”
“I wish you didn’t have to sacrifice at all.” I grab his wrist.
“When I’m with you, it’s never a sacrifice.” Unabashedly, he kisses me under the watchful eyes of Bull and Gun.
BAZ AND Iare having a girl.
He nearly did a backflip when Dr. Miranda confirmed it on the ultrasound. My first checkup was a smashing success.
Dr. Miranda is a young, petite brunette who I’m convinced would be a stellar assassin. She poked, prodded, and stabbed me with no remorse the first time we met. While drawing what felt like ten liters of blood to test and digging around my lady bit’s like she was mining for gold, she scolded me for not seeing a doctor sooner. But I assured her the baby would probably come out wearing Birkenstocks and smelling like patchouli oil from all the organic food and grass-fed meats I’ve been feeding it. I was right, because all the tests came back perfect, and the baby’s heartbeat sounded strong.
The last two and a half months have been an adjustment. Baz and I have lived under Gianni’s roof like self-imposed prisoners as my due date looms near.
Gianni has been nothing but accommodating. Providing everything and anything we could need. He’s nothing like Benny described. A ruthless monster, yes. But also very much a family man. I see the wonderful relationship he has with Baz, his daughter, and his grandson—Romeo Junior. It took weeks before Gianna could even tolerate being in the same room with me. I don’t blame her. If I came face to face with the person who killed someone I loved, regardless if he was a cheating douche or not, I’d have done way more than just yell at them.
