The Woman at the Docks (Grassi Framily)

"Angelo and Lucky think it is worth it to look into each of the containers from South America. Just in case."

"And Matteo?" I asked, trying not to sound too surly when I mentioned his name, even if I was absolutely fostering a bit of resentment toward him. Which only made me feel guilty because he was Luca's family.

"Matteo mostly follows orders."

"But thinks you're crazy for believing the word of a woman he thinks is screwing all of you over."

"He doesn't know you, Romy," he told me, tone apologetic.

"Is it pathetic that I want to be right not only to save my sister, but to prove Lucky and Matteo wrong?"

"No that's not pathetic. Anyone accused of something they aren't guilty of wants to clear their name. And they should. You should. On the plus side, when you are proven right, you can make them eat so much shit for being assholes to you."

"Well now, that does sound like it was worth one night on the run from them."

"They're good men, sweetheart. They just think I'm not using my head when it comes to you. And they want to protect me."

"I don't plan on hurting you," I told him, meaning it, willing him to believe me.

"I know, sweetheart," he told me, dropping the three-cheese ravioli into a pot of boiling water. "And they will know that too. Eventually."

"So what else are we making? We can't just have ravioli for dinner."

"Why not?"

"We need something green, don't we?" I asked.

"I think there's spinach in with the cheese," he said, shrugging. "It counts."

"I like your thinking," I decided, smiling.

"Besides, carbs are a pre-workout," he added, giving me a suggestive little smile.

"Right. We really will need to carb up."

"That's what I'm saying," he agreed.

When I would look back, it was this moment in particular when I was sure I had started to fall a little bit in love with him.

But in the moment, all I would admit to myself was a giant amount of like.

And an even bigger dose of lust.

Chapter Twelve

Luca

I'd always been content with my life.

I made my decisions.

I enjoyed my work.

I made good money.

I lived in a nice home.

I had freedom should I want it.