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“What?”
“I can’t believe I’m actually considering this.” I stare at the dark-green velvet canopy overhead. “You will be one of us, Carina. Willingly. Once you do that, once you pledge yourself to me, you’re mine for life.”
She steps closer and I look at her. A smile lifts her lips and warms the brown of her eyes. Then, in a sweet tone laced with just a hint of sadness, she adds, “I thought I already was.”
22
LUCA
“Carina.”
“Mmm.” She sighs and rolls onto her back but keeps her eyes shut.
“Wake up.”
Her lids still closed, she reaches for me. “Better yet, why don’t you come back to bed.”
I let her pull me to her and bury my nose in the crook of her neck. She smells sweet and warm and sexy. And I’m tired enough that her demand that I go back to sleep is very tempting, especially when the feel of her curves against me lulls me.
“I have too much shit to do today,” I say and regretfully tear her arms from around me.
Now she does open her eyes. “You didn’t tell me about any business that needs tending to today.”
“Relax,” I tell her, pressing her back down onto the mattress when she tries to sit. “It’s not Sinacore business. Do you remember when you asked where I slept before?”
“You said you didn’t sleep.” She smirks. “Which I took to mean you slept on the couch.”
“I have a condo in Queens. It’s where I lived before Tony died. Most of my things are still there.” A frown mars the spot between her brows, and I reach over to smooth it out. “I’m going to bring the rest of it here.”
“Oh. I can come with you to help,” she offers. “I have clothes now, so I can go outside.”
“Smart-ass.” I run my palm down her chest, pleased that even though she’s got her clothes, she’s still wearing mine. “Gunn is going with me. I’ve got more than a small bag.”
“I could just go to see where you used to live. It will be nice to get out today.” She bites her lower lip in that way that makes me groan.
“You’re such a fucking distraction.” I stand and move away from the bed. “I can’t have you around me today, or I’ll never finish. But when I come back—”
“I’ll be wet for you.”
I glance at her over my shoulder. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
* * *
It takes Gunn and me a few hours to box and load the personal belongings I left at the condo into the rental truck. We dredge up old memories, the time we spent here as kids, when the place wasn’t yet habitable, but we still called it home. Of how we walked the streets, searching for trouble, because we knew trouble would pay us in cash. How we eventually bought the building with that money and restored it.
Gunn didn’t live here long. But I did. And not once did I bring a woman here. I should bring Carina. The last thought slips in unheeded when I glance at the kitchen counter I’d like to fuck her on.
A grin tugs at my lips. Just because I won’t be living here anymore doesn’t mean I can’t bring her on occasion. Make new memories.
All the while, Hansen and four of his men stand guard on the street like the fucking Secret Service. Though they aren’t visibly holding weapons, they’re fully armed and dangerous. And they look it. Anyone who were to walk by would cross the street to avoid any contact with them.
I peer down at them through the window and shake my head. Any anonymity that I enjoyed while living here is gone. Which I suppose won’t matter now that I’m fully moved out.
“Ready, boss?” Gunn asks.
“Don’t be an asshole,” I tell him as I lift the last box and pass him.
“Can’t help that. But you are my boss. Except I’m not sure if you’re paying me enough for this shit.” He turns to look at the large box he’s hefted onto his shoulder.
