Page 37 of Her Overprotective Fiance

And that's exactly what ends up happening.

"Coincidence is not real. And so it wasnoaccident that Giancarlo was the man who saved you. It wasnoaccident that he broughtyou toLa Torre.And it'snoaccident still that he's the one who now leaves you breathless—-"

"Maybe...maybe I haveasthma!Ever thought about that?"

"Or maybe you're simply grasping strawsnow—-" Maryse fires back without missing a beat, "since you're too chicken to face the truth?"

Did I really just hear what she said?

Me?

A fucking chicken?

Me?

"I—-you—-"

"—-need to grow up and face the facts."

Oh, shit.

It's the Angel of Death talking now, and just like that, all I can do is listen—-

"Other women have had to spend the rest of their days trapped in their nightmares. Their lives are nothing but an endless cycle of pain and abuse. Butyou'redifferent. You'rehealed.So stop acting like an ungrateful wimp and start living."

Because everything she says is true like always.

"You'rehealed,Sarica. And that's why your heart has been able to figure out what your stubborn mind refuses to admit."

Which is what?

"Your heart wants someone who's the opposite of those who have tried to hurt you. And I'm not just talking about the Martinos. I'm also talking about your own father and everyone else who's failed you. Your heart wants someone who'snotand willneverbe like them. Someone who's honorable. Someone who's capable of feeling empathy and remorse. Someone who doesn't mind showing his faults and vulnerability—-"

I look at her blankly. "Are you saying my heart wants a man who'ssoft?"

Maryse looks like she's dying to be her old mercenary self again, just so she can squeeze the life out of me.

A budding amateur armchair therapist, she definitely isn't, but since I'm too proud to ask for counseling even though I know the Marchettis would be more than happy to pay for it—-

"I'm sorry, okay? I'm not trying to be a smartass or anything. I just don't really get—-"

"Your heart wants someone you can trust," Maryse spells out.

Oh.

"So tell me. Who do you think that is?"

Reward

I BITE BACK AN EXPLETIVEwhen I see good old Francisco waiting by the limo, with Cat already slipping into the backseat.

Great, just great.

Francisco is tough and lovely, which are the two best things for a bodyguard to be. But as a chauffeur though?

Cat and I automatically reach for the grab handles, and as soon as Francisco steps on the gas, the rollercoaster ride to the hotel commences.

Francisco checks on us through the rearview mirror with a jovial grin. "All good?"

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