After we made sure the women were safe that night, and went home, he'd held me as if some shadowed being would steal me away from him.
After I moved in, he seemed better most days. But sometimes his smile was tighter, not as bright as it used to be, as though Anthony's betrayal had darkened the way he saw the world.
There were a lot of reasons I wished I could bring that man back from the dead only to kill him myself, but with what he'd done to Marco? The way he'd dampened some of his joy? If there was an afterlife and I saw him in it, I'd rip him to shreds.
Marco kept himself busy, staving away the grief plaguing him, and over the last week, he'd been working especially hard, coming to bed late at night. But when I asked him if I could help somehow, he'd always tell me no and hold me tightly until we fell asleep.
Strong, tattooed arms wrapped around my middle, and I smiled.Speak of my devil.
He dropped a kiss on my neck. "Are we done?"
"Mhmm. The piece the art gallery picked up today is worth $1.9 million. There's a lot we can do with that money. And the closing is scheduled for the 24th."
"Have I told you how amazing you are?"
I shifted, turning back to meet his eyes. "How amazingweare. I couldn't have done any of this without you."
He smiled, and today it was brilliant, his dimples on full display. Then he kissed me. "Let's go get cleaned up, then. I have a surprise for you."
I sighed,melting back into my seat across from Marco in Le Jardin de Nuit. "That was amazing. The food is always incredible here.”
Marco's eyes warmed as he brought my hand to his lips. "Good. I'm glad you enjoyed your meal, because this place is now yours."
"What?"I shouted, my heartbeat thundering in my chest.
"Do you remember the first time we came here?"
"Of course I do… but Marco. This is too much. This place must have cost a fortune."
He chuckled. "You insulted my wealth then, too."
"Because you're always spending it on the wrong things!" I slapped his chest, but he grabbed my hand and kissed it once more.
"No, I spend it on things that will make you happy, and not only do you always enjoy the food here, this was the first time I ever heard you laugh. Did you know I thought you would stand me up that night?"
I smiled at the memory. "No, but I had a feeling when I saw you waiting outside for me."
"When you got out of your car, it felt like a dream come true. You, my vicious little queen, are all I've ever wanted. And all of this—" he waved around us "—is only a speck of what you deserve."
I couldn't fight him when he spoke like that, my heart just floated away, leaving me nothing more than a mess at his feet. I reached across the table with my other hand and held his. "Is this why you've been so busy?"
He hummed. "Only some of it."
"Some? Marco, what did you do?" I glared at him.
"You'll see."
When we left, Marco opened the passenger car door, then pulled out a slip of cloth.
I raised an eyebrow. "What is this for?"
He stepped closer, crowding me against the car. Then he bent down and whispered in my ear. "For a bad girl that won't stop asking questions. Now, are you going to behave, or do I need to punish you before giving you your surprise?"
A shiver raced down my spine, and if he hadn't piqued my curiosity, I would have kept being a brat to get my punishment. "Yes, Daddy," I whispered.
He growled, the warmth of his breath dancing over my skin. "Good girl." Then he tied the sash behind my head, picked me up bridal style, and gently placed me in the car.
I squealed at the sudden movement. But before I could say anything, he kissed me. A long, slow kiss, and with one of my senses taken away, it was even more intense.
