Page 214 of Vicious Temptation

She hesitates. “Did I wake you?” she asks, probably hearing the sleep still clinging to my voice.

“No, you didn't. I was already up.” I smile. “And even if I hadn’t been, I would've answered. Every time.”

“Shit. I should’ve waited a little longer. You said you’d be getting home late. I’m sorry, I⁠—”

“Remi,” I interrupt gently. “If it’s you calling, I’m answering. So stop apologizing.”

She laughs. “Okay, okay.”

The distant hum of traffic filters through the speaker, then the heavy thud of a car door closing.

“Are you downstairs?” I ask, suddenly wishing she was.

Fuck sleep.

“No, but I’m calling to invite you over. Zara’s at this summer dance intensive, and I just got a call that she needs to be picked up. Aunt Athena’s still a couple of hours away, and Matteo and Santino are tied up.” Her voice softens. “I know she’d love to see you.”

I haven’t seen that little girl since the day I pulled her out of that building, the same day she watched an integral part of her family die.

“I’d like that.”

“Good. She’s asked about you.” I can hear the smile in Remi’s voice. “She even asked whether I’d kissed you again.”

“Did she? That’s a dangerous question.”

“Indeed, it is.”

I head for the shower, already thinking about how quickly I can get out the door. “There’s an ice cream shop two blocks from your place,” I say. “It’s the one with the pink sign out front. Meet me there after you pick her up.”

“Oh, you’re bringing out the big guns, huh?”

“As long as you’re impressed.”

“Anyone who goes out of their way to put a smile on my Zara’s face is a keeper.”

“Good to know. I’ll see you then.”

I’m about to hang up when another question pops into my head. “Remi, wait.”

“Yeah?”

“What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”

“Coffee Oreo,” she says without hesitation.

I blink. “Coffee...Oreo? That’s a thing?”

“Yes, it’s a thing. Andretti’s downtown.”

“Then that’s where we’ll meet.”

There’s a brief pause on the other end.

“You’re cute, Braga.”

Before I can respond, she hangs up. I stare at my phone and shake my head.

Fuck, I’ve got it bad.