He snorted. “Still a smart-ass.”
“I’ll always be one.” Gabriel kissed the corner of Ardan’s lips, his gut clamping. Ardan was okay. He was safe.
“What happened to the hitmen?”
“Dead. Very dead.” Gabriel’s jaw tensed.
“And the Giordanos?”
“I wanted to go after them as soon as you were better, but the boss said no. Apparently he and Folliero are going to discuss what they want to do. They’re taking the fight to them.Bastardi del cazzo.”
Ardan raised his eyebrows in amusement. “Did you call them bastards?”
“Yes, yes I did.” Gabriel shook his head. “I’d take off their heads myself, but Killough and Folliero want to make an example out of them. Show what their partnership is made of.” He grinned. “I also think Killough is pissed about them hurting you and wants his own revenge. I think the guy cares about you.”
“That’s a relief to know.” Ardan tilted his head up to stare at Gabriel. “What about you? Do you care about me, Gabe?”
“Is that even a real question?” Gabriel kissed him on the mouth gently. “You’re mine now, Ardan Murphy. I spent months playing cat and mouse with you. I’ve enjoyed every second with you, even when you were trying to kill me.”
“Aw, aren’t you sweet?” Ardan snorted in laughter. “And cheesy.”
“Hey, this is me being real.”
“Emotions are a weakness,” Ardan said. Gabriel’s heart slammed into his ribs. Maybe Ardan didn’t feel the same way. Ardan smiled, though. “But I kind of like having them. I can still have control with emotions. Just don’t tell George. He’s off doing some shady business deals around America. If he finds out I have a hitman partner, he’ll kick my ass and then lecture me.”
“I won’t let him,tesoro. That old geezer will have to go through me first.” Gabriel tapped him on the forehead. “Sei mio. You’re mine.”
“That’s something I’d like to see. Maybe we should convince Sloan to set up a fight ring of our own.” Ardan grinned. “Then we could fight like back in Pleasant Beach.”
“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” Gabriel laughed. He grasped Ardan’s chin gently, tilting his head up to lay another kiss on his lips. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“Me too.” Ardan closed his eyes again. “Gabe… are you ever going to tell your family you’re alive?”
“No.” Gabriel’s tone came out harsher than he’d meant it to, and Ardan’s eyes popped open again. “They can’t ever know. I’ve brought enough trouble with the Giordanos. I won’t bring the CIA down on us too.”
“But—”
“No, Ardan.” Another kiss, this one deeper, and Ardan moaned into Gabriel’s mouth. “I’m happy knowing they’re safe. That’s my burden.” His chest ached like it always did when he thought about his family.
“Our burden.” Ardan squinted at him sadly. “I’ve never had a family, not really. Not since my parents died. If you ever want to go see yours… I’ll come with you.”
“Thank you,tesoro.” Gabriel smiled. Fuck, this man was everything. For someone who’d been taught to have no emotions, he’d brought out the best of himself for Gabriel. “Now rest. I’ll be here when you wake.”
“Promise?” Ardan cringed. “That sounds pathetic for an assassin.”
“Even assassins are allowed to be human,” Gabriel whispered, stroking Ardan’s cheek. “You can be as emotional as you want in front of me,tesoro. I will always be here for you.”
Ardan smiled so gently that it didn’t look right on his face, but Gabriel enjoyed seeing this side of him anyway. “Thank you.”
“Now rest. Get better. When you wake again, I’m going to feed you some of my mama’s pasta and then we’re going to get you healed. We’ll help Folliero deal with the Giordanos when it’s time.”
Ardan laughed. “Yes, Mancini.”
Gabriel kissed him again. Everything was perfect right now. He’d deal with the outside world later.
Giordanos.
CIA.
His family.
They were all problems he could eventually fix, but right now, he had his assassin in his arms.
