Page 94 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

“I’m sorry, sweet girl,” Angelo murmured, and he truly meant it. Apologizing wasn’t something he did often, and when he did, it was usually out of obligation rather than sincerity. But withAllison, things were different. He was beginning to think he’d do anything for her.

As he held her hand, he brought it up to his lips, his gaze locked on her jade-green eyes. The moment felt surreal, his usual sense of restraint slipping away. He pressed a soft, barely-there kiss to the back of her hand. It was a subtle gesture, but its impact was undeniable. Allison shivered almost instantly, her eyes fixed on his as she clutched his hand tightly, as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded.

In that moment, Angelo wished he could be her everything.

Reluctantly, he lowered their hands and tore his gaze away from her, looking at her older brothers. Instantly, he was met with a pair of intense glares; Leopold and Frederick were staring at him as if they could incinerate him on the spot.

If looks could kill, he’d… still be alive. Because despite their menacing expressions, he recognized the truth behind them. They were just like him—overprotective brothers trying to shield their sister from the world.

“Leopold,” Angelo began, his mind made up. “I don’t know your father well, but from what little I do know, it seems safer for Allison not to face him alone.” He chose his words carefully, aware that despite Leopold’s… unique lifestyle, he was still a businessman who could read between the lines. “I think if we all go to his office, he might be more inclined to listen.”

Translation: If we go to his turf, he’ll feel more powerful, like he has the upper hand.

Both brothers seemed to consider his words. Angelo understood their protective instincts, but there was no way—on earth, in heaven, or in hell—that he would let Allison face her father’s wrath alone.

He’d stand by her side, no matter what.

“I’ll think about it. Let me talk to Johnny, and I’ll get back to you both in a few days,” Leopold finally said, effectively endingthe conversation. Angelo felt a brief surge of triumph, but it quickly evaporated when Allison spoke.

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Ali, please—” Leopold began, but Allison cut him off.

“No, Leo!” she snapped, her face flushing red with anger. It would have been almost cute if Angelo weren’t worried about her blood pressure.

“What Angelo said is exactly what I just told you a minute ago. And yet you agreed with him? How? Why?” She was practically shouting, her breaths coming in heavy gasps as her chest heaved with fury. Angelo understood her frustration all too well.

He knew he had exploited her brothers’ overprotectiveness. It was clear to him that the only reason they had dismissed Allison’s proposal was because it had come from her. They still saw her as a young, naive girl who couldn’t handle herself. Angelo had made that mistake too, once upon a time. But that had been the day Allison had proven him wrong, standing her ground at the boardroom and fiercely defending herself and their unborn daughter.

He felt a sudden surge of anger on her behalf, but he bit his tongue. As much as he wanted to tear into her brothers—or anyone who hurt her—he knew she’d never forgive him if he fought her battles for her. So, he clenched his fists so tightly his short nails dug into his palms, mentally reminding himself that killing his future brothers-in-law wouldnotmake his life with Allison easier.

“You’re being ridiculous, Allison,” Frederick scoffed, and Angelo mentally filed that comment away. Just in case he ever got the chance to punch the guy, he wanted plenty of reasons.

“Am I, Freddie? Or are you being a sexist, egotistical pig?”

Crickets. Literal fucking crickets in broad daylight. It was as if the air had been sucked out of the room.

“Allison—” Leopold started, but she cut him off again.

“No, Leopold.” Angelo winced at her use of her brother’s full name. She’d been using their nicknames until now, but it was clear she was genuinely pissed. “You’ve said enough.” Her voice was cold, almost detached, but Angelo knew that came from how deeply she cared. If she hadn’t been hurt, she wouldn’t be so angry.

Angelo admired her even more in that moment—her resolve, her strength, her bravery. She was magnificent, and he was determined to make her his, if she’d have him.

It had taken him an embarrassingly long time to realize his feelings for Allison went beyond mere physical attraction. And even longer to separate those feelings from the fact that she was carrying their daughter.

Mamá would be ashamed of how long it took, he thought ruefully.

But now, he was finally ready to admit his feelings—to himself, at least. Saying them out loud was another matter, one that required more time.

For a long moment, both of Allison’s brothers stood frozen, blinking at her as if they couldn’t believe what just happened. Angelo inched closer to her, unsure if he was doing it to comfort her or to make a point to her brothers. But before he could decide, Allison snapped him out of his stupor.

“Oh my God!” Allison gasped, clutching her belly with wide eyes.

Panic surged through Angelo as he saw the shock on her face. He immediately moved closer, his heart racing. “What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is it the baby?”

Leopold and Frederick, who had been busy staring at the floor, looked up with alarm etched on their faces. “Allison? What happened?” Leopold asked, his voice laced with concern.

For a moment, Allison didn’t respond, her breath caught in her throat as she stared down at her stomach. But then, a slow,radiant smile spread across her face, tears of joy brimming in her eyes. “She moved,” Allison whispered, almost in disbelief. “I felt her move for the first time.”

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