“Yesterday—right outside of Pisa.” He smacks the table like we’ve won something. I’m not so excited.
“Well, at least it was just yesterday,” Alex adds.
“Yeah, but that means we’ll be two days behind him by the time we get there,” I point out, and that’s when Zeke’s normal demeanor makes its way to the forefront. He leans over the table and cocks his head, preparing to argue.
“Wait a minute. You want to go to Italy?” He pokes his finger into the wood.
“Yeah, I think I do,” I answer plainly.
“I thought we were going to try and let this shit go, D?”
“It’s not just for me.” I stare back at him. “Not only does he have information on the Society that could be useful, but he’s our last chance at linking anything to Avery. If we’re going to stop him, this might be our only chance—especially now that he’s lying low. This isn’t just about me, Zeke. These two will continue to hurt people if we do nothing.” He holds my glare, and I don’t miss how his jaw tightens. “Getting retribution is just the cherry on top,” I add, because let’s face it—Idowant to end that mother fucker.
He takes a deep breath and flattens his palm, then sits back in the chair.
“Well, I guess we’re going to fucking Italy.” Zeke shrugs again.
Alex adjusts his position in the chair, getting ready to speak, but I cut him off.
“Not you, asshole. Go home before Trina catches you here and gives me an earful.”
Chapter 32
Ashia
Ten Days Later
This whole ‘nesting’ thing has become a serious problem. I knew it was going to happen at some point, but I didn’t realize how big of an urge it would be at thirty-one weeks along. The bed is covered in folded baby clothes, blankets, swaddling wraps, hats, mittens, and pretty much anything else I could wash. Damien swears he’s almost done with the nursery. So, once all of the clothes are clean, I can put it all away and organize it how I want. There are so many boxes and other things to wipe and put together. I know we still have about two months to get everything ready, but it doesn’tfeellike we have that long.
Plus, my nerves are shot because of Damien’s trip to Italy tomorrow. Well, technically, he leaves tonight, but it’ll be late tomorrow when he arrives with the fifteen-hour flight and six-hour time difference. Carter is staying here to take care of the Attic, and obviously Alex isn’t going. I’m honestly not one hundred percent sure how this is going to work, but I know he’s been planning this for over a week.
I really should be packing his bag right now instead of going over our baby inventoryagain, but I’ll get to it soon—that’s what I keep telling myself, at least. Plus, I wanted to get this done while Daisy is with Zeke, so I can keep the dog hair to a minimum.
Damien walks out of the nursery with a bag of trash, and I can’t help but look at it, curious if any of the contents will give something away. He’s smart, though, and using the heavy-duty black ones. So, I can’t see a damn thing!
“Nosy girl,” he teases and smirks, clearly noticing my snooping.
“I can’t help it. I’m starting to get impatient.” I pout, then feel like shit for it. My husband is spending most of his free time making this dream nursery for us, and I’m sulking?
“I know, baby. I’m just waiting for one more thing, and it’ll be done. It should be here by the time we get back from Italy.” He sets the bag of trash by the door, looking entirely unphased while my face is stuck in a confused twist.
“We?”
His smirk grows into one of those cocky grins, and then he steps over to me in that slow, menacing, sexy-as-fuck stride.
“Yes,we. Do you really think I’d fly halfway across the world and leave you here?” He pitches a brow, but it’s cute and playful. My confusion doesn’t wear off completely, because as sweet as that is, I can’t really do anything to help. I lean back on one palm and point to my big belly dramatically with the other.
“I’m not sure how useful I’ll be.”
He chuckles, his eyes shining with pure adoration as he lays his hand on my large bump.
“That’s the best part. You don’t have to do a damn thing.” He kisses my forehead, then pulls away just enough for me to meet his eyes. “I booked a very comfortable, very accommodating, private plane.” His lips meet the tip of my nose. “And we’re staying in a very nice hotel suite.” Then my cheek. “With a gorgeous view.” His lips meet my other cheek, surely feeling the heat on them as I blush. “And the best rated hotel security in the country.” He pulls back to look at me again. “You are going to lounge around all day and pamper yourself while I do all of the dirty work.”
My curiosity blooms once again.
“Then why is Zeke going?”
“Because even with the best security, your husband is a paranoid prick.”
