Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“Talking to me,” I say quietly, holding up the cup to block a little told-you-so smile.
“Talking to you. Explaining how I felt. Hearing your side of everything. We could’ve done that so differently, but I let my emotions control me, and I’m sorry.”
He falls to his knees. This time, I don’t sink down with him. He stays there and takes my hand. It feels so warm and strong, and I release a soft whimper from my throat. He comes closer, pulling me against him, nuzzling his cheek against my chest and breasts and pulling me tight. I whimper again, and tears roll down my cheeks until I put the cup down on a side table and hug him tight.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, holding me, digging his fingers into my back. God, it feels good, his touch feels so damn good. “I’ll never let you down again, Jeanie. I swear it, if you let me, I’ll prove that I can be the man you deserve.”
“Gavino,” I whisper and he looks up. I nod once and he stands slowly and kisses me.
I kiss him back and feel all that emotion come rushing out. It’s an explosion in my core, a rush of warmth and excitement and joy, god, yes, joy. I linger in that kiss, wanting to stay in it forever, but slowly it breaks apart and he leans his forehead against mine.
“I love you,” he says and moves back to look into my eyes. “You don’t have to say it back. But I need you to know—”
“I love you too,” I say and kiss him again.
This kiss lasts longer. Those words swirl in the air between us and my body’s on fire. He loves me, he loves me, and maybe I’m not ready to forget everything that happened yesterday, but I’m ready to move forward. I’m ready to start forgiving him. I’m ready to let him prove himself.
“I’ll die before I let anyone hurt you again,” he says, staring into my eyes. “Do you believe me?”
“I believe you.”
“I’ll give you anything you want. I know it won’t make up for what happened, but it’ll be a start. Anything, Jeanie, you name it, and I will make it happen.”
I hesitate, mind whirling. What could I possibly want right now? I could have this man move mountains for me, but only one thing stands out. Only one thing shines like a beacon in my mind.
“I want to talk to my father.”
His lips quirk into a confused smile. “Malcolm?”
“That’s right. I want to talk to him. And I need some lawyers.”
He nods slowly, looking bewildered. “I can make that happen.”
“Good. I assume things are bad between you and him?”
“Well, I did kill two of his guards and his personal assistant. But he did kidnap you, so we’re sort of even there. He’s dealing with the fallout with his staff.”
“If you let me talk to him, and you promise you’ll trust me, then we can start moving forward.” I reach to and touch his cheek. “Just don’t you ever throw me away like that again. Talk to me first, Gavino.”
“I swear it.” He takes my hand in his and brushes my fingertips along his lips. “I swear to you, Jeanie.”
“All right then. Now get me some of that bacon. I need a little strength if I’m going to confront my piece of shit dad.”
Chapter 35
Jeanie
I’m trembling in the elevator up to Malcolm’s office with a thick file folder clutched under one arm. Gavino stands close to my hip, holding my hand, and he must feel the fear rolling off me in waves. Gavino’s a comforting presence, but I don’t think anything can make the horrible thoughts driving through my mind disappear right now.
Casso leans against the opposite wall, looking thoughtful. He’s been quiet since we left the villa, but now he watches Gavino carefully and speaks with a soft voice. “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about this whole episode, and I think maybe it’s not such a bad thing that we’re walking away from this deal.” Casso strokes his chin and glances at me with a sly smile. “I mean, imagine being in business with a guy with a murder basement at his house.”
Gavino gives his brother a sharp look but I laugh, covering my mouth with my other hand. “That was a murder basement, wasn’t it? What a freak.” Gavino sighs and shakes his head, and Casso grins at me. He’s got a dark sense of humor and I like it, but mostly any humor’s going to make me laugh right now. I’m so on edge I could puke and it’s like my body craves that bit of release laughter can provide.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Gavino asks in my ear as the elevator reaches the top floor and the doors slide open. Casso steps out, pretending like he’s not listening, and walks a few feet away, hands clasped behind his back.