Page 25 of The Mobster’s Prize

“I don’t mind staying here.” He may be okay with me going, but I want him to know that I’m okay with him needing more time to trust what we have.

“No. I want to take my girl on a proper date.”

But to that, I won’t say no.

CHAPTER 10

Dag

“Wow, that was so good.” She turns, rising on her toes and kissing my cheek. “Thanks for taking me to dinner. And for buying me all those clothes. And for the books, and all the baking supplies. You spent too much on me today.”

I had to practically force the girl to let me buy her all the stuff. She kept insisting on paying me back, but that is never going to happen. She deserves to be spoiled.

“It makes me happy to do it, babe. But next time, you’re not allowed to put up a fight. I like taking care of my woman.”

“I love the sound of that.” She smiles up at me. “Your woman.”

Damn, I’m sunk deep for this girl. If things keep moving as fast as they are, I’ll be putting a ring on her finger by spring.

“Xandra? Alexandra Santone, is that you?”

The old woman’s voice has me freezing. Shit. Someone’s recognized her. I knew this wasn’t a good fucking idea. What if the old woman knows she’s being held captive? What if she’s close with her father?

“Mrs. Olsen.” Alexandra smiles, moving to give the old woman a hug. “It’s been so long. It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, sweetie. Did you come by yourself, or is your dad in town too?” She turns her attention in my direction. “I don’t think we’ve met.” She steps over to me, holding out her hand. “But haven’t I seen you around town before?”

She probably has, but I don’t stay long. Only long enough to get my groceries and go.

“Mrs. Olsen, this is my boyfriend, Dag.”

I can’t hide my smile. Hearing those words makes me really fucking happy.

“Well, it’s certainly nice to meet you.” She shakes my hand, giving my girl a smirk. “He sure is a handsome one.”

“He certainly is.”

Now, I’m fucking blushing.

“You take care of our girl here. She’s a good one, but that father of hers…” She shakes her head, not finishing that statement. I know what she was trying to convey. Santone has left his shit stain everywhere he goes. Doesn’t surprise me that the good people of this town feel it too.

“Not to worry, ma’am. I intend to take good care of her.”

She nods, then casts another smile in my girl’s direction. “Sure is a fine-looking young man.” She shakes her head, fanning herself.

I let out a chuckle. She reminds me of my ma. Never filtering her thoughts.

“We better get going,” Alexandra tells her. “It was good to see you, Mrs. Olsen.”

The two give each other another hug, then I’m leading her back to the truck, lifting her up into the seat.

“I had to get you out of there before she tried to steal you from me,” she teases, fastening her seat belt.

I lean over and kiss her. “Never happening.”

One thing I just learned is that I can trust her. She didn’t betray me. She had the chance to make a run for it, but she chose to stay. All the fears I had just got washed away.

We head back to the cabin and get all the bags unloaded. While she’s busy organizing her new bakeware and utensils, I’m unpacking the groceries. The second it’s all put away, I turn, stepping up to her back, pinning her against the counter. It’s been too long since I’ve been inside her.