Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96170 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“It’s fine. I’m totally fine, okay?”
“You should see a doctor. We can make sure these aren’t broken.”
“So what if they are? They’re toes. Tape them together, and we’ll move on.”
“Not good enough. What if they don’t heal right? Let me get some ice and call my guy—”
“Cut it out.” I slip off the hood, gently pushing him back. “I’m fine, I’m totally fine.” Then I turn to stare at the Spider.
The tears in my eyes are half joy and half agony.
My foot really, really hurts.
But that’s my car. My baby. My pride.
Basically, my whole life.
“What do you think?” he asks softly, giving me a little space.
I clear my throat. I have a lot of thoughts, but I don’t trust myself to say them out loud. Slowly, I move around his exterior, running my fingers along his side. He’s so perfect it hurts my soul. But there’s so much work still to be done.
“I thought I wasn’t allowed outside.” I glance back at my husband. He strokes a thumb down his cheek.
“I’m making an exception.”
“Is this your way of apologizing for murdering my cousin?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not sorry about that.”
“You probably should be.”
“But I’m not. Anyone that gets in my way, threatens my wife, and hurts my business will suffer the same consequences.” He gestures lightly at the car. “This is just to make you happy.”
I have to turn my back on him as emotions war in my chest. When has anyone ever done something like this for me? I honestly can’t think of it. He must’ve spent all morning cleaning out this lot, setting up the perfect tent, bringing in the tools, towing the car, all for me.
Even though it’s not what he wants, but something he knew I’d love.
“This is really good,” I say at last, wiping my eyes. I’m not crying. Nope, not at all. I’m not the kind of girl that does tears of joy or whatever. “I was dying of boredom in there.”
He laughs gently and pats the tools on his left. “There are some rules. I have cameras set up all over, including a couple inside here. You aren’t allowed to disable them. I need to be able to check on you.”
“I don’t love the idea of you spying on me.”
“Consider it a security system. You’re also not allowed out here without telling me first. I have to be nearby, or at least I have to send someone to watch, just in case.”
I take a deep breath and blow it out. A lot of my stunned gratitude is beginning to fade. “This sounds complicated.”
“Call it a compromise instead. I’m trying to give you something you want. In exchange, I need you to follow some simple rules.” His voice softens, and the looks he gives me melt all my bones. “I need you to obey, Fiorella, so we can both get what we want.”
Well, shit. I’m not sure if he wants my safety—or my body naked, soaking wet, and ready to be ravaged.
Probably both.
“Okay, fine,” I say, forcing myself to look away. “I accept your terms.”
“I knew you would. You’re a good girl, Fiorella. Even though you pretend like you’re harder than iron.”
“Don’t push your luck, asshole.” I glare at him, cheeks burning. “Now, do I get to spend some time with my one true love?” I pat the roof lovingly.
He glares at the car. “Didn’t know I could feel jealous of a fucking inanimate object.”
“Oh, you should be jealous, alright. Something about the feel of this engine purring, the stick shift between my legs—” I wrap my arms around myself and shiver with fake delight.
His expression darkens. “Don’t fuck with me, princess. You push me, and I’ll do more than spank you.”
“Right in front of my car? You wouldn’t dare.”
“I’ll fill your pussy to breaking against the hood if you keep trying to make me jealous.”
My eyes go wide. Holy shit…
I have to turn away because the thought of him fucking me near this car just about makes my knees shake with desire.
“That dirty talk crap isn’t going to work on me,” I grumble, averting my gaze.
Because it’s absolutely working.
“Just so long as we’re clear. I’ll get you some ice for that foot, then I’ll leave you to it. But I’ll be nearby if you need me.”
He walks to the flap. I open my mouth and call out before I can stop myself. “Luca, hold on.” He looks back, frowning. “Thank you for this. I know you didn’t want to.”
He nods once. “Despite what you might think, I do want you to be happy.”
Then he’s gone. I’m left alone with my car, emotions deeply conflicted.
My husband killed my cousin. He’s controlling, possessive, overly jealous, and a mafia bastard.
And yet he did all this for me.
I feel another layer of armor strip away, and I’m starting to worry I might not escape before I’m left totally bare.