“I hope you never have to go through that kind of pain again,” I add. “The kind that makes you have trouble sleeping, or sleepwalk to protect people because you’re afraid to sleep and not be around in case something bad happens to them.”
“Fuckin’ kills me that something could’ve happened to you the other night.”
“I’m fine – just glad you’re okay.”
His expression darkens as he rubs his thumb across my cheekbone, weaving his fingers into my hair. “I wouldn’t have been if my driver wasn’t armed. And they might’ve taken you and –” He grinds his teeth so hard I hear them squeak. “I fuckin’ hate that I can’t retaliate because someone else is already planning on that.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. We now know it was the fucker that’s causing all sorts of problems for the Ferranos, but at least they’ll deal with him.”
“Deal with him?”
“Damn straight. At least I know it’ll be dealt with. That’s something at least, though I’d much prefer to be part of doling out the retribution; this time that’s out of bounds for me.”
This makes me want to ask questions about the Ferrano family.
Just as I decide not to, he says, “Don’t ask. Let’s just say that’s not a family you mess with. Not without wishing you’d never heard of them by the time they’re done with you. Not without wishing you were dead before they’re done with you. They don’t usually make it quick. They make sure their enemies feel their retribution.”
“Yikes.”
Dario Ferrano and his brother look like male fitness models. Dario was such a doting groom with his beautiful bride. Does she know he’s mixed up in that?
Same with the other girls that were there – I wonder how those women reconcile themselves with living with men that live on the wrong side of the law.
I look at Killian and realize I still don’t know how much of his life is mixed up with things like that. He gives me a somber expression, I think, before tugging my hand and leading me back to the house.
“We grow from what we go through if we’re smart. It changes us. Some for the better, some not. All I can tell you is that I will do whatever is in my power to make sure you’re protected. That’s the kind of man you’re in love with Violet.”
I don’t know how to respond to that, so I don’t.
“Ready to pack up and go home?” he asks as we climb the front steps of the house.
“If we must,” I mutter.
“Like it here, do you?”
“Love it. But I need to work the next two days and then maybe we can come back.”
“Sure.”
“Mom said they’re having a family dinner next Sunday with Grampa. Can I say we’ll be there? If you’ve got something to do, I could just –”
“We’ll be there,” he leans over and kisses me. “Can you pack our stuff up in the bedroom without me? I wanna check on a couple things downstairs before we go.”
“Yeah, sure. Is your contractor coming back tomorrow?”
“Most likely. I just need to check a couple things and then I’ll meet you in the car?”
“Sure.” I head up the stairs and he heads deeper into the house.
64
Violet
Two Weeks Later
I’m at my desk, laughing with Cammy who is leaned over the half wall, when Killian’s name comes up on my cell.
“That’s Killian. Gotta grab it,” I tell her.
She wiggles her eyebrows. “Find out if he’s got a friend for me,” she says for the tenth time, then she disappears, sitting back down at her desk.
“Hi there,” I greet.
“Well, hello,” he returns playfully.
“How’s your day going?” I ask.
“I’m anxious for your day to be done. Anything on this weekend?”
“Not a thing.” He’s been super busy this week, so we haven’t made any plans and haven’t spent a whole lot of time together. “Is it a slow weekend for you or are you going to be busy with work?” I ask.
I’m hoping he’s not going to be busy. I’m hoping he’s going to claim me on his kitchen counters at the apartment like he’s been teasing about.
Our sex life is amazing. I have nothing to complain about. Except that I agreed I’m moved in and we still haven’t had sex on the kitchen counters.
“I’m all yours this weekend, except… there’s an out-of-town wedding I’d like us to attend. How do you feel about that?”
“Oh. Uh…”
“Quick trip. Leave tonight, back Sunday.”
“What about… uh…”
“You don’t even need to pack. We’ll get what we need while we’re there.”
He’s got an answer for everything, it seems.
“Where is this out-of-town wedding?”
“Vegas.”
“Oh! Um, okay.”
“Yeah? You sure?”
“Sure. I’m just surprised. Haven’t had any spontaneous weekend getaways in eons. Who’s wedding is it?” I ask.
“The couple are great people. It’s a long time coming, actually, and… shit. I gotta take a call. I’ll pick you up at five. Okay?”