I grabbed his arm, and he turned back. “I don’t want to get called to the scene of your murder.”
His expression softened. “I know. I’ll take care of myself as best I can. One thing before I go.”
“Yes?”
“You still think Murphy was involved with men who ran a trafficking ring?”
I frowned. “I do.”
“Look into Dennis Swain, but be very careful. He’s got a lot of resources, and he won’t hesitate to eliminate any threats.”
“How do you—”
Devil shook his head. “You know I can’t tell you that. Just promise you’ll be careful.”
“I promise.”
Devil called the next day as if our evening hadn’t ended as strangely as it had. We saw each other several times over the course of the week. One night, Devil let himself into my house after I’d already gone to bed, then stripped and slept under the covers with me. Another night he fucked me until I thought I would lose my mind, then slipped back out into the night.
He brought dinner again, and we went for a walk together, exploring the city after dark. Devil showed me some of his favorite places, and I prayed we wouldn’t run into someone I knew. He was likely thinking the same thing. Yet even with that fear, it felt so good when he pulled me down an alley and dropped to his knees, I forgot all about being responsible. If we’d been caught, it would have been worth it.
Not once did we discuss the crazy relationship developing between us or when it would end. We couldn’t possibly keep this going for long, could we? I tried to enjoy each moment with him, knowing either of us could decide to end things at any time.
24
Devil
The next week, I spent as much time with Joe as I could get away with. Angelo teased me about disappearing to be with my man, and he kept pressuring me to tell him more, but I refused.
At the start of the following week, my family gathered at Lucien’s restaurant, DiGiulio’s, to celebrate the opening of Cameron’s bakery. Sabrina was there along with Lucien and Peter, and of course Angelo and Cameron who were making eyes at each other and probably doing obscene things under the table. I was by myself because I couldn’t exactly bring Joe. I hated keeping secrets from my family. If I had to fall for someone like they had, why the hell couldn’t it have been someone who could be here with me?
At one point in the evening, I slipped away to answer a call. I was about to return to the table when Angelo stepped into the courtyard where I’d retreated. “You’ve been avoiding me for days.”
I started to protest, but he shook his head. “I just need to know you’re okay.”
I needed to know that too. “I’m in love with him, Angel.”
“The man you told me about.”
“No, the man in the fucking moon.”
“Asshole.”
“I don’t know what to do. We keep seeing each other even though we shouldn’t, and I just keep falling harder.”
“Tell him how you feel.”
I shook my head.
“Remember when I wasn’t sure Cameron felt the same way I did?”
I wanted to pretend I didn’t.
“You told me not to be afraid of what I felt, and if I really wanted him, I had to go after him and make sure he knew exactly what I wanted.”
“That was different.”
“Was it?”
“Yes. Cameron might have been skeptical about our family, but J—the man I’m seeing… It’s just not the same.”
“I get that you think that now, but if he means that much to you, he’s worth fighting for. Tell him.”
I sighed. Was Angelo right?
“You’ve never given up on something you believed in.”
That was true. “I’ll think about it.”
Angelo hugged me, and we headed back inside.
The dinner was as incredible as I expected it to be. Once we’d finished eating, Cameron thanked all of us for supporting the bakery, and he and Angelo took off. I knew where they were headed. Angelo had just bought our uncle’s beach house, and tonight he was planning to give it to Cameron as a gift. Those two were going to have a hell of a night.
I rose, ready to excuse myself, but Lucien scowled and pointed at my chair. “You’ve got a secret. Spill it.”
“What?” I tried my best to sound innocent.
“You haven’t been yourself for weeks. I want to know what’s going on. I also want to know where things stand with the investigation into Sergio’s death. “You’re being way too cagey about it.”
“Lucien,” Sabrina scolded. “We’re having a nice dinner. This isn’t the time for an interrogation.”
My cousin sighed. “Can you at least promise me you’ll ask for help if you need it.”
My heart pounded. Was I really going to get out of talking this easily? “I will, but I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. I haven’t seen you this off-balance in a long time. I’m worried about you.”