Page 99 of Sinful Sacrifice

“In the next six months, we’ll be at war with the Marchettis,” he says, stating a fact and grinding his teeth.

I slip the Zippo inside my pocket. “You know I have your back.” My loyalty will always lie with Antonio, even above his father.

Damn sure over Vinny’s, boss or not.

Growing up, I used to beat the shit out of Vinny. Our fathers would make us fight in the backyard and place bets on who’d win. I always did. I should’ve bashed his skull in on the concrete and watched him bleed out while I had the chance.

“How’s the Cernach-Pippa situation going?” he asks.

“I’d enjoy digging a hole for Cernach in these woods, if that answers your question.”

“She seemed down last night.”

Pippa teaches Amara dance at his house three times a week now. He had the basement renovated into a dance studio. Allowing Pippa inside his home shows the truth about her character. He trusts very few.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been tempted to drive to Boston and stab a knife through that ugly fucker’s heart.”

“I don’t want a war with the goddamn Irish, Damien.”

“No one said you have to fight it.”

“If you’re in a war, I’m in a war.” He blows out a long breath. “Have a sit-down with Cernach. Figure out a solution.”

“The only solution he wants is for me to marry Pippa and create a business relationship between the families.”

“Have you discussed the possibility with my father?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Pippa doesn’t want to marry me.”

He whistles. “Damn.” It doesn’t take him but a few seconds for the truth to dawn on him. “She won’t marry you because it’s what Cernach wants.”

“Pippa might love me, but her hate for Cernach is stronger.”

“That’s a you problem then. Fix it. Make her love for you greater than her disdain for her bastard uncle.”

The topic of a dance studio hasn’t come up again. The folder of the real estate options sits on the island, unopened, like a grave for her dreams.

Instead of celebrating that night, we ordered takeout and hardly spoke. She went to bed early while I stayed up late, working.

Miscommunication leads to the death of relationships. I won’t risk losing the best thing that’s ever happened to me over unsaid words.

Pippa is working behind the counter when I enter Brew Bliss. I stand in line, tapping my foot, and order a black coffee. She whips around at my voice, nearly overfilling the cup she’s holding.

Emilio was supposed to take her home today.

Change of plans, sweetheart.

After she makes my coffee, I take a seat at the corner table, where I always sit. I once had to pay a man two hundred dollars to switch tables with me. If I hadn’t been in Pippa’s workplace, I’d have knocked him the fuck out.

I drop my coffee in the trash when her shift ends and walk her to the car. The fresh air, combined with her perfume and smell of espresso, makes my cock jerk. It’s been days since I’ve been deep inside her tight pussy, and fuck, I miss it.

Pippa snaps her seat belt in when we’re inside the Range Rover. “I didn’t expect you today.”

Turning in the driver’s seat, I cup the back of her head, drawing her to me. She licks her lips right before I devour her sweet mouth.

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