Cesare caught the key and looked at Sabrina expectantly across the table.
Sabrina sighed before standing up with a muttered, “Fine.”
“Freckles will need feeding in an hour. I’ll be back before then.” Cesare said, nodding to Walter, who nodded back, continuing to silently scrutinize Cesare’s interactions.
Cesare couldn’t blame him. He’d do the same or worse if he were in the fisherman’s shoes. Cesare had already done worse over cousins back home. He looked back at Sabrina and had the sudden image of a little girl with Sabrina’s wild copper hair and Cesare’s bright blue eyes. Maybe she would have freckles too.
Worse.
If he were in Walter’s shoes, he’d do much, much worse.
Cesare and Sabrina both retreated to the office, and all of a sudden he couldn’t help feeling like he was sneaking into a high school girlfriend’s bedroom.
Sabrina bit her lip. “I’m sorry, Walter is just…”
Cesare cut her off by pulling her to him and pressing his lips against hers.
Sabrina returned the kiss, blinking when Cesare reluctantly pulled away. “Don’t apologize, tesoro. He is your uncle, yes?”
Sabrina nodded ruefully. “For all intents and purposes.”
Cesare nodded. “Then I expect nothing less. If the roles were reversed, I would be waiting for an excuse to break kneecaps.” He shrugged casually.
Sabrina narrowed her gaze. “What is it your family does for work, again?”
Cesare grinned. “We keep our women happy. It’s a full-time job. Now let’s get your things so I can take you home.”
They packed their respective belongings. When Sabrina picked up her brown leather overnight bag and made for the door, Cesare frowned and wordlessly held his hand out to her.
Sabrina looked from his brooding Italian features, to his outstretched hand, to her duffle bag, then back to his hand.
Biting her lip, she met his gaze and slowly handed him the duffle, watching the muscles of his hand and forearm flex as he easily slung it over his shoulder.
“For the record, I can carry the bag.” Sabrina raised a brow.
“You're more than capable of carrying the bag.” Cesare nodded. “But you're my woman. So when I am here, you don’t. Unless it's a pretty little purse, the only thing you hold is my hand.” He answered firmly.
“So many rules.” Sabrina tutted, even as she obeyed with a twinkle in her eye.
Chapter Twenty-One
(Cesare)
Walter gave Cesare the stink eye as they walked out the front door. Cesare guided Sabrina towards Dante’s old red Dodge and held the door for her to get in. The overnight bag and his briefcase were secured in the small storage space behind the seats.
Sabrina looked deep in thought as the engine roared to life.
“If you come back in the morning, I’ll take you out to eat.” Cesare offered as they pulled out onto the street.
“I’ll have work in the morning.” Sabrina replied. “I always work weekends.”
Cesare nodded, deep in thought as they drove the short drive to her home.
“When was the bed put into the office?” He asked.
“After the funeral, after my sister deployed the first time.” Sabrina answered, her eyes fixed on a far-off memory.
“How long ago was that?” Cesare asked.
