Page 119 of Mob Queen

“Then what’s the alternative?”

That’s something I’ve been grappling with since the moment I realized how much Frankie means to me. I run my hand across my lips as I think about my response. “As much as I love what I do, I love you more. And if it comes down to it, I’ll resign.”

Her brows draw in creating a set of soft wrinkles across her forehead. “You’d do that, for me?”

“For you, I’d do anything.”

Frankie worries her lip between her teeth and slowly nods. “Then I’d give you a job.”

A humorless chuckle vibrates through me. “I’m not cut out to do anything in your world.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” she teases. “I think you’d be a good bodyguard.”

I tilt my head back as a full belly laugh escapes. “A bodyguard?”

“My bodyguard,” she corrects.

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know,” she says. “Which is why I wouldn’t ever ask you to do anything else.”

“Anything else? Meaning kill people?”

“Among other jobs.”

The absurdity of this conversation morphs onto reality. “How the hell did I end up falling in love with you?”

“Ugh, you have to stop using the L word.”

“Does it make you uncomfortable?” She waves her hands and drops them beside her body. “One day you’ll tell me you love me too.”

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “The best I can do is not kill you.”

“You know, you’re one walking red flag. If I was smart, I’d be running.”

“Pffft.” She flicks her hand dismissively. “I’d track you down and find you.”

“Now you’re a stalker too,” I tease.

“This isn’t new information.” She playfully narrows her eyes. “You had to know I’ve kept an eye on you for a while.”

“You stalked me?”

“Obviously,” she shamelessly admits.

“I can honestly say, I’m not even surprised.”

She leans forward and places her soft lips on mine. “You can keep telling me you love me, but for me, I’ll fucking kill anyone who touches you. That’s how you know I care.” She arches a brow. “But one word you’ll never bring up is marriage.”

“You don’t want to get married?” The thought had crossed my mind.

“God no! What for?”

“So, if I propose your answer will be no?” She looks around the room as a deep V crevasses her forehead. “What are you looking for?”

“My gun.” She pushes up from the bed, but I reach out and grab her by her cute black silky bed thing she’s wearing. “Let me go,” she warns.

“Or what?” I push back.

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