Page 17 of Risky Vows

"What? No."

I scratch my chin. "Your brother?"

She stares at me. "No."

"Then who?"

I see the pulse beat at the base of her throat. "No one."

"Amara."

She clears her throat. "Yes?"

"You may not believe it… but you're safe with me."

"I'd like to believe you."

"Then do." A part of me wants to pressure her for more information, but she's not ready to share. Maybe she wasn't physically hurt but knows someone who was. A friend or familymember. And as a way to make things right, she wants to do this business. "I'll look into your idea. When you have time, write a business plan or a rough outline of your ideas. We can talk, and I'll bring my investment consultant on board to let us know how to proceed."

"Really? I previously suggested this to my parents, but they thought it was a stupid idea."

"Your parents are stupid."

She gives me a small smile. "That's true."

My phone buzzes on the counter. It's probably my dad, wanting to know more about my trip. "I need to take this."

She stands and takes her glass with her. "Of course. I'll see you around."

Yes, you will,I say inwardly as I watch her sashay from the kitchen.

11

Amara

I flip from one side to the other like a tilapia on a frypan.

An hour ago, I came to our bedroom, took a cold shower, put on a buttoned sleep shirt, turned off the lights, and went to bed.

I thought I'd be asleep when he came, but he still hasn't. Unrest is taking over my body as I try to figure out if my tension exists because I want him to join me in bed or not.

Any sane person wouldn't.

I spent the entire day at my mom's. I talked to the doctor, visited with my brother, and watched as the nurses performed a couple of exams to test his cognitive skills.

Tomorrow, he's going to the hospital.

I won't join my mom in this adventure to avoid bringing unwanted attention to my brother. I saw him with eyes open for the first time in years. He made some sounds, and I wish I could understand him, but there was something in his eyes, a wish. He wants to recover, I can tell. And I'll be damned if I don't help him.

Then, of course…

My husband.

Seeing Massimo shirtless was enough to throw me off.

When he had sex with me before, I didn't touch him or explore his body. I didn't want to show I was attracted to him. But now my fingertips itch to caress his muscles, tug at his piercings, and give as good as I get.

A mistake.

---