Page 43 of Reckless Vow

“Whose?”

“Mine, obviously.”

“You bought a car?”

“I didn’t buy it. I had it shipped from home.”

Yeah, instead of shipping my clothes and other things I might actually need, I shipped something I want.

At least with my car, I’m in control.

“Whatever for? It’s New York. You don’t need a car.”

“I need something enjoyable in my life. Especially since I’m stuck here for a year, sis.”

Why I’m being such an asshole to her is beyond me. Yes, I need to protect myself from her siren song—one she doesn’t even know she’s singing—but I’m going above and beyond.

Am I proud of the way I’ve been treating her? No. But what’s the alternative here?

I can think of one, but aside from her drunken proposition the night of our wedding, I don’t think she wants to venture down that road.

And I shouldn’t want that either, because there is no way we would survive it unscathed.

“Yeah, I can see how only an overpriced pile of metal would put up with your charming personality,bro.”

She pivots and marches away. I sign off on the car delivery, itching to take the car for a spin, but first things first. Let’s behave like an adult.

I find Brook in the kitchen. “Do you want to go for a ride?”

Do you want to go for a ride?A dick-controlled brain, for sure.

She arches her eyebrow. “It’s hard enough to share this large space with you. I’m not getting into the confines of your beloved car.”

She leans against the counter, hiding her face behind the coffee mug. “But out of curiosity, what caused this peace offering?”

“I find the barking less than productive. Especially if it’s going to last for a year.” I shrug.

She sighs. “A year is a long time.”

“And we’re stuck together.”Come on, Brook, meet me halfway. Or in my bed.

She lets out another sigh, loaded with resignation. Not my preferred way to charm a woman, but this relationship isn’t ordinary, so I’ll take her reluctant surrender.

“I’m busy this morning, but Saar and I are planning to go out tonight if you want to join us.”

Checking out the competition might not be the worst way to spend my night.

“I have a gala to attend… Actually, it would be a great opportunity to snap a few pics as proof for Rupert. Why don’t you and Saar join me, and we can go out after?”

Corm insisted we schmooze at this thing, to rub shoulders with local politicians and motivate speedy permit applications. And since he’s so keen on getting Saar involved, I might just kill two birds.

“That sounds like a date. Send me the details, bro.”

She saunters away and I regret ever calling her sis. What the fuck am I going to do with this woman?

* * *

“It’s so nice to see you, Baldo.” Gina, my oldest brother Massi’s wife, gives me a hug. “The last time I saw you, you were like ten. God, you make me feel old.”

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