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“I just want to. Maybe I’d like to know I have ability and value that isn’t tied to who my father is.”
“Value doesn’t come from working in a diner, Emilia.”
“I’m pretty sure it doesn’t come by doing nothing either, Niko.”
My lips twitch with the need to smile. I shake my head. She might actually keep a man on his toes.
“You are surprising.”
“Not really. You just don’t know me.”
“I will.”
“Why are you so certain?”
“Because I just told Antonio DeLuca’s nephew that you are my property. You’ve grown up in this family. Word is that Antonio’s own father proclaimed you blood. Surely, you recognize what it means if someone claims you as theirs.”
“I’m not property. I’m a person.”
“In some circles that’s the same thing, Emmie.”
“Emmie?” She curls her nose as she repeats the word. “I’d rather you not call me that. Besides, it makes me sound like a child.”
“You are a child,” I chastise, liking the way her eyes spark to life with defiance.
“I’m sixteen.”
She huffs out her age, not bothering to hide her annoyance. Her cheeks are flushed with it and it’s clear that I’m not her favorite person. Maybe that fact combined with the reality that I’m being forced into a situation that I wasn’t expecting spurs me. I’m truly not sure. I just find myself stepping through a door that should never have been opened in the first place.
“Sweet sixteen and never been kissed,” I murmur. “Is that you, little Emmie?”
“No one wants to touch Maxwell Korslova’s daughter. Although, to be fair, I go to an all-girl school and the only girl I can stand is Zoe.” A smile plays on her lips at the mention of her friend. “And she’s definitely not into kissing girls.”
“What does that mean?”
She looks up at me. Her face is soft, her eyes twinkling. It’s easy to see how much she cares for Zoe. I have Callan and Maxwell. There’s truly no one else in my life who I trust or consider a friend. It’s clear Emilia thinks of Zoe as family. She doesn’t realize it, but that shows me a lot about her character. I have files on Zoe. Truly, I have them anyone who I might have contact with. I’ve discovered it makes life simpler when you know everything possible about people you may deal with. Zoe’s father is a short order cook at best. He has aspirations to own his own restaurant, but that’s it. By all accounts, he’s a good man. He saved Maxwell’s life once and that’s how the friendship between Zoe and Emilia was born. Still, there’s nothing Emilia’s friend could give her, nothing at all could she gain from it. The fact that she not only cares for Zoe but also doesn’t look down on the girl, speaks volumes.
“Close your eyes, Emilia,” I order.
“Huh?” she asks, instantly confused.
“Close your eyes.”
She frowns but does as I ask. I lean down, letting my lips touch her cheek. She gasps. I can hear the breath shudder through her. I breathe in her scent. I won’t say I have a physical reaction. She’s just sixteen. There’s enough of a spark though, that I’m filled with trepidation. Emilia could be very dangerous. If I do this, I’m going to have to handle the situation very carefully. It’s a lot more complicated than I first thought. I place another kiss to her forehead and then pull back to watch as she slowly opens her eyes.
“Happy Birthday.”
She rubs her lips together, moistening them. “What was that?” she asks, sounding breathless. She might be too young, but she’s old enough to feel the gravity of the situation.
“I wanted to be your first kiss.”
Her eyes widen in shock and then she laughs. “I know I’m new to it, but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t qualify as a kiss.”
“It does. Although, I will make you a promise.”
“A promise?”
“Yes, one day I’ll give you a better one.”
