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“Do you need me for that? Because if so, that’s a problem. But you seem to thoroughly enjoy having him in your bed, so I don’t think that’s what you’re doing.”
Her expression turns exasperated. “Of course, that’s not what I’m doing. That’s not who I am, and I genuinely care for Tobias. I’m trying to make sure you don’t think that’s what I’m doing.”
A laugh escapes before she fixes me with a glare, and I try to turn serious. “Don’t get bent out of shape. Trust me when I say I’m fine. It’s an adjustment, seeing you with another man, but he’s as committed to this as I am, and I trust him. We both want you to be happy. And this makes you happy.”
“But are you happy?”
I have to ponder her question before I answer. Right now, happiness seems hard to gauge. We have a lot going on. But when I peel back all those layers and really examine how I’m doing, it becomes a little clearer. I pick up her hand and kiss her knuckles.
“Yes, love. I’m very happy. You said it yourself a few nights ago. Making you happy is what makes me happy. And getting to be friends with Tobias again is a bonus. Doesn’t mean I won’t knock him out if he ever hurts you.”
She giggles. “Something tells me he would say the same thing about you. All these years since our parents told us about the engagement, I’ve been sure he resented me or was at the very least ambivalent about the whole thing. Now it seems like he’s all in.”
Then she shakes her head. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t be talking about him on our first date alone together in so long.”
I squeeze her hand. “He’s bound to come up sometimes. But you’re right, he is all in. If I didn’t think he was, I wouldn’t have agreed to this so easily. And he feels the same way about me.”
She gives me a tender smile, and I shift the conversation away from Tobias. Partly because I just want to enjoy the night with Bellamy, and partly because I don’t want to worry about him while he’s doing something potentially dangerous.
“Is there anything specific you want to do at the club tonight?”
Her demeanor shifts, and she gives me a shy look. “I have no preferences, Sir. You can pick. I don’t want that aspect of our relationship to change because of our new arrangement.”
“It won’t, love.” I pick up her hand and twirl the jewelry on her wrist. “As long as you’re wearing my bracelet, you’ll follow my lead.”
She beams as the server approaches to take our order, and the mood lifts for the rest of the evening. While we’re finishing our meals, Matteo calls, and I cast her an apologetic smile as I answer it.
“What’s up?”
“Word is out that Lorenzo is dead. Danny was aware he came to Las Vegas, so he’s questioning me about it. Things might get a little dicey if I can’t give him some clear answers soon, but I’ve managed to put him off until we can talk about what we should and shouldn’t tell him. I also told him that Lorenzo didn’t come see me and made him aware that I’m annoyed at him for not warning me he would be in Las Vegas.”
We knew this was coming, but that doesn’t stop the knot in my stomach. “Sounds like you told him the truth. I’ll talk to Tobias tonight, and we can discuss it further. Anything else? I’m on a date with Bellamy.”
Her cheeks turn pink when I throw her a wink.
“No Tobias tonight?”
“Nope.”
Matteo snorts. “Your love life is entirely too complicated for me. Are you coming to the club tonight?”
“I’ll be there with Bellamy. Let’s plan to talk more when I get there.”
I end the call and turn my attention back to the beauty in front of me.
“Will Tobias be back tonight?” She asks after a beat of silence.
I pick up her hand and squeeze. “He should be, and if plans change, he’ll say something.”
“And you really can’t tell me what he’s doing?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. We’ll talk about it when he gets back if it comes to anything.”
That answer is going to make her uneasy, but it’s the best I can offer. He’s tracking down a lead, and it’s one I would rather her not hear about right now. Because if it turns out to be a false lead, she doesn’t need the details.
“I want you to make an appointment with Dr. Bearson, tomorrow,” I tell her, trying to ease us away from the subject of Tobias’s safety.
“Why? I haven’t needed to see her in a while.”
