I sigh. “I don’t want to talk about him. Knowing what you know has only pissedmeoff more.
“He has swept so much under the rug. I guarantee you, when I start to dig, I’m not going to like what I find. I know he didn’t leave it all to go away on its own,” I say more harshly than I mean to.
“Maybe we should let it go,” she murmurs.
“Nah, not a chance. That beef has been between our families for generations. I need to know what happened so it doesn’t come back to blow up in my face.”
Releasing a heavy breath, she nods. “You’re right. I wouldn’t leave it either. I also know your uncle. He’s not going to give you the answers you want unless it’s something he wants you involved in.”
“Who says I’m going to him for answers?”
“Whatever you do, know I’m here when you need me.”
“That’s why we’re here,” I croon as I stop in front of my jeweler’s storefront.
Oni looks up at me. “You were serious?”
“When have I ever played about you?” I peck her lips. “Come on, I want you to pick it.”
“Rico. We … I … how long have we truly known each other?”
“My soul has known you from the moment we were created. I know what it’s like to lose you. Now I want to know the feeling of loving you for the rest of my life while you’re in my arms.”
“You don’t feel we need to date?”
“No, it will end the same way no matter what. Like you said, you will be my donna. No matter what I have to do to make that happen.”
She stands searching my gaze for a beat. Then a huge smile comes to her face. I love that smile.
“Okay, let’s do this.”
I kiss her forehead then lead her into the store. It finally feels like my life is moving in the right direction. Nothing can tear us apart.
CHAPTER 31
Not Your Enemy
Rico
Oni was right,I can’t ignore my uncle forever. I also should have known he would use her to get to me. If not for Oni, I wouldn’t be here at one of his restaurants, where he’s summoned us.
“Stop looking so pissed off,” Oni says as she cups my face after I help her from the car.
I look her over and smile. She’s wearing a navy-blue tailored pantsuit with a tie around her neck, but no shirt, just a bra under the jacket. She looks good.
Her bangs are blown out of her face and curled back into waves. I love how versatile her haircut is. I’ve seen it in a number of styles since she’s been home.
I chuckled when I first saw her tonight, as I’m wearing a similar suit in the same color. We look like a power couple together. In the last week, we’ve been just that.
“I can’t help if I look how I feel,” I mutter.
“Let me ask you something.”
I lean in and peck her lips. “Go on.”
“Are you happy?”
I wrap my arms around her and pull her in close. Having her in my arms makes everything in the world feel right. As long as she’s with me, I’m always happy.
