Page 54 of King of the Bronx

“Do you love him?” Toby asked.

I rolled my eyes. “He forced me to marry him.”

“You didn’t answer the question.”

I looked down at the table. I had strong feelings for Enzo, I couldn’t deny that. “How can I love someone that hasn’t given me that chance to decide if I want to be with them?”

“Would you choose to be with him?”

I was silent.

He let out a sigh. “You have an opportunity here, Raven. You always wanted a family, and you just married into the most notorious and largest family in North America. Do you really want to work at the brothel for the rest of your life?”

“Yes,” I said immediately. The brothel is where I found my place. I was good at my job, and I want to continue to build the business. I’m not ready to give up on it yet.

“Then you need to figure out how that’s going to fit in with your new family. You’re so used to doing everything on your own. I get it. I think Enzo is just giving you a chance to walk away, but if you don’t want to walk away, then you need to tell him that. Tell him how important the business is to you—”

“He should already know how important it is to me.” Enzo has witnessed the lengths I’d go to protect the brothel.

“Then remind him.”

I swallowed the last of my martini in one big gulp. Toby smiled and stood from the table. He reached his hand out, and I grabbed it, using his hand to help me stand from the picnic table.

“Grab some barbecue before you go,” he said before wrapping me up in a hug. It was rare for me to show affection, but I hugged him back.

“Thank you, Toby.”

“Anytime, and who knows, I might need a favor from the king of the Bronx one day.”

I laughed and playfully slapped his arm before we headed back inside.

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