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I dial Matteo again.
“He’s still in the shower.”
“I called for you this time. What can I do to make things right? Matteo asked me to give you time and I’ve been doing my best. But you’re a part of this family now, so tell me what to do, Skylar. I’m sorry. I truly am.”
She blows out a long breath. “Thanks. An apology is a start. I didn’t think I needed to hear that, but I did. Coffee later?”
It’s definitely a start. “Coffee sounds good, lovely lass.”
It’s fitting that my relationship with Skylar is strained. Matteo and I don’t always get along, either. But we both set aside our differences and work together because we believe in what we’re building here. When we realized none of us would ever be able to truly break free of our criminal families, we agreed Vegas would become something like neutral territory. A place where people could come together and settle differences without bloodshed. When I think about it clearly, I’m able to recognize that my killing Donovan didn’t do anything to further that mission. And in fact, probably set us back. But he’s not the first person we’ve killed. Violence is still in all of us and likely always will be. We’re just more careful than some of our relatives are.
The door to Zara’s bedroom opens, and I offer her a lopsided smile.
“Morning, gorgeous. Did you sleep alright?”
She nods, still looking sleepy as she tightens the belt on her silk robe.
“You?”
I shake my head. “Couldn’t, so I came out here to work. Didn’t want to disturb you. Were you having nightmares?”
Her cute lips turn down in a sleepy frown. “Why?”
“Don’t worry. You weren’t talking in your sleep or anything. Just very restless. As if something was chasing you.”
She grimaces and puts a hand on her hip, close to her scar.
“Maybe something was. I rarely remember my dreams. Sorry if I got too weird on you last night.”
“Not at all. Sorry if I unearthed something painful.”
My phone rings, and it’s Matteo, finally out of the shower.
“Excuse me, Flower. I need to take this. Order us breakfast if you like.”
“It sounds like the FBI is about to hit your house next. May want to head out there since Clara has the office covered.”
“I’ll go now.”
He clears his throat as if he has more to say.
“What?” I snap.
“Skylar says you’re going to have coffee later.”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t go getting all jealous on me. It’s just coffee, so we can mend fences.”
Matteo laughs. “It’s a good thing. That’s all I’m trying to say. Thank you for talking to her.”
“You’re the idiot who told me to leave her alone.”
“Fuck off, Luke. I’ve been trying to do the right thing by both of you.”
I chuckle at the way we always seem to butt heads even when we agree on something. “Sorry. Me too. I’m going to my house now.”
I stand and cross the room to where Zara is standing, looking at the room service menu.
She turns to face me, and I wrap my arms around her waist. “I’ll have to take a rain check on breakfast. I’ve got to make a trip out to my house to make sure they don’t bust down the door when they search the place. It would be best if you stayed here.”
