Page 80 of Abandoned Oaths

His eyes closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Depends.” I crossed my arms, though the shopping bags made it more difficult than it should have been. “Are you also casually colliding lips?”

She gagged. “No. Alessio is blessed to have me as a sister.”

I chuckled, grateful we confirmed that without my having to ask in a more obvious manner. “In that case, I’ll give you brutal honesty. He’s never taken me out. He did interrupt my date once, and he stopped my boat and had me come up to his patio last week.”

Her eyes widened dramatically as she swung her head to her brother. “Excuse me? You’re assaulting this beautiful woman on the street, but you’ve never taken her on a proper date? You didn’t even invite her inside your house?”

“Could you be slightly less dramatic?” He stared down Ama. “Things are very new between us.”

Ama put her hand on her hip. “Yet you’re kissing her in public, where anyone could see.”

This had him lowering his head. If I didn’t know who he was and what he was into, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. She could be simply worried about her brother’s reputation. But I knew. Did he have other enemies watching? Did she know about the Velez? Was she worried he was putting a target on my back? Or was there something, or someone, else we didn’t know about?

What if he had a long-distance girlfriend? Or fiancé?

What if he had more enemies besides my Pack?

I put my hand behind my back and tapped my spine twice, Derek’s signal to get me out of here. It wasn’t that I thought we were in danger, but I wanted to keep up the mysterious, never-quite-in-reach relationship Alessio and I were creating.

Derek stepped forward. “Ma’am, you have an appointment.”

He extended his arms, and I slipped my bags into his hands before turning my attention back to the siblings.

“That’s right. It was nice meeting you, Ama.” I offered her a genuine smile before looking up at Alessio. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again soon.”

I turned, but Alessio stopped me. “Millie, I’d prefer if we didn’t leave that up to chance.”

Ama’s eyes flicked between us, not even bothering to pretend to give us privacy.

“Would you have dinner with me? Tonight?”

“Alessio, you can’t ask her with only a few hours’ notice. She has a life.”

“I’d love to,” I replied before he could listen to her. My life revolved around this man for now.

“Great,” he seemed surprised I agreed. “I’ll pick you up . . .”

He trailed off, likely realizing he knew nothing about me, like where I lived.

“I’m on Fisher Island. It’s easier if I just meet you––”

“No, no.” Ama interrupted. “He’ll pick you up like a gentleman.” She shot him a glare. “There’s a helipad––”

“I’ll be at the docks at seven,” he spoke over her.

Was she really about to suggest he use a helicopter to pick me up? As extravagant as that sounded, it wouldn’t be the worst idea. No ocean mist would be a nice change. A billionaire heiress wouldn’t be surprised by that, but a boat was easier.

Dammit.

“I’ll be ready.” I left them with a smile before heading to the waiting car and sliding in past the door Derek was holding open for me. As soon as it shut, I let out a sigh and sunk into the seat.

Mission for the day accomplished.

Now I had to get ready for what came next.

This wasn’t real.

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