“Two lines mean it’s positive,” Liv put in a few minutes later.
“Yeah, we know,” Wren replied with an eye roll. “You’ve said so three times in the last two minutes.”
“I’m just nervous!” Liv exclaimed before shooting apologetic eyes at me, as though realizing her nerves had nothing on what I was feeling. “Sorry.”
I could only laugh. Truth be told, I was grateful for the distraction. Though I’d imagined this moment with Maddox, years down the line, I was grateful not to be alone.
A moment later I couldn’t think of anything aside from the small test strip that had changed my entire life in an instant.
I’d known love in my life. With my parents, my nonna, and with Maddox. But this—it was something entirely different. In an instant I loved someone I didn’t yet know and still would die to protect. It was incredible.
“It’s positive, isn’t it?” Emmie queried gently when I’d been staring at the bathroom countertop for far too long.
I had to clear my throat to speak. “Yeah,” I managed.
“Holy shit.” Liv squealed as Wren wrapped an arm around my shoulders, meeting my gaze in the mirror.
“It’s gonna be okay. Whatever’s happening with Mad and you right now—it’s gonna be okay.”
Despite myself, I believed her—maybe because she was right. Maybe because in that moment I just really needed to. “Okay.” I nodded.
It would be okay, I told myself. I wouldn’t accept otherwise.
Chapter 23
MADDOX
Asa Carpino was younger than I’d expected; not any older than I was. Cole and I sat across from him at one of his clubs on the strip. What the mafia boss lacked in years, he made up for in the confidence that emanated from every move he made. The man was lethal and knew it, that much was clear.
“The men you took out were low level,” he shared, his hands clasped on the table, his dark hair gleaming under the lights.
“We assumed as much,” Cole grunted.
“Still helpful though.” Asa shrugged. “The Rossi organization continues to dwindle. We need to force Angelo and Bruno out of hiding so we can finish this.”
I bristled. “They’re not getting anywhere near Francesca,” I ground out.
Asa cocked his head to the side as though studying me. “I understand. But we need them desperate. You’ve done well guarding your borders. If they come for her, it will be easier to take them out.”
He had a point. I longed for the opportunity to make them both bleed.
“My men have been doing their part here in Vegas. If you need more man power in Hawthorne, I can spare it.” He shrugged.
I knew what Cole would say before he spoke. “Thanks, but we’re good.” The alliance with the Carpino family didn’t mean we’d welcome them with open arms into our territory.
Asa’s easy smile said he understood exactly that without it needing to be said. His dark eyes turned to me. “How is Francesca?”
I fought the urge to growl. I didn’t like her name on any man’s lips. “She’s good,” I managed.
He chuckled. “Not to worry, I have no interest in your woman. But I do respect her spirit. Coming from the filth she does, I want to see her win.”
“She will,” I replied with a confidence I felt to my bones.
“She will,” he agreed. “Any other business in Vegas?” he asked.
“Gonna have a meet with one of the only cops not under Rossi’s thumb,” I shared. “Insurance is holding up Francesca’s claim based on the arson investigation being open. I aim to change that.”
“Cooper?” Asa guessed correctly the detective who’d been a long-standing friend of the club. At my nod, he continued. “A good man. Hopefully he can help you.”
