Page 97 of Spark

“Yeah. I don’t know; I feel freer already. I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Mia’s smile grew. This was a good first step. She was happy he felt that way; she wanted to shout to the world about their love. She glanced at the time as she grabbed her glasses. A quarter to eight.

“Shit.” She remembered her appointment with Detective Daniels.

“What’s wrong?” Aurelio asked, moving to grab some clothes; he kept a few spare items in her room for when he stayed over.

“I have an appointment with Detective Daniels.” Aurelio’s face fell into a hard line. “About the break-in.”

“Okay,” he said calmly. “What about it?”

“Well, they found some fingerprints and need me to tell them who is in and out of my place so they can rule them out.”

“And mine will be in there.”

“Yeah,” she confirmed, fear of his reaction making her apprehensive.

Aurelio let out a sigh. The quiet conversation had intrigued Mikey and Matty, who were leaning on the island, listening in. Mia rolled her eyes at them, giving them a fuck off look. They both sat back, and Mikey started whistling.

“It’s fine. Tell him.”

“What?”

“Tell him. Tell him my name and that I am in and out all the time.” Aurelio was calm, and Mia was confused.

“But…”

Aurelio put his hands on her waist. “I told you; I’m done hiding you. I meet with the boss tonight, and I’m out, Mia.” He kissed her, all the pent-up anxiety being released between their lips.

She smiled into the kiss, tasting freedom. “Okay. Okay!” Mia let out an excited squeal, making her brothers peer over, confused.

“You didn’t propose over there, right?” Matty called, and Mikey smacked his shoulder.

“Oh no,” Aurelio assured. “It will be way more special than this when I do.”

“Oooohhhhh,” both boys called out, giving whoops with their fists in the air.

Mia rolled her eyes, but her mind was lost in those words. “When?” she inquired shyly.

Yes, beautiful.” Aurelio smiled, kissing her again. “Definitely when.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Melvin insisted on going with Mia to the station; he said he wanted to let the detective know about what happened with Oliver the day they first arrived. Aurelio said it was a good idea, giving her eldest brother a high five. She wasn’t sure she liked all the camaraderie. Mikey and Matty promised to keep Aurelio entertained, and Mia did not want to know what they had in mind. Giving her boyfriend a kiss goodbye, she headed out with Melvin. They opted to walk to the station; the day was sunny, and the walk was only about fifteen minutes. Melvin was quiet, prompting Mia to give him some sideways glances.

“So,” she started when they were halfway to the station. “You and Aurelio are getting along.”

“Yeah. He is a good guy, for a car thief.”

“What?” She stopped, her heart pounding.

“He told us everything.” He turned to look at her. “I just don’t know why you didn’t.”

“Melvin,” Mia said, face paling, “It’s not a story that was mine to tell.”

It was a half-truth, but her brother nodded, turning to keep walking. “Well, he explained most of it, I guess.” His paceslowed a little, eyes on the ground. “And I was pissed at first. But then I guess I was grateful that he told us; he is a good man, Mia.”

“He is. And we, of all people, know what it is like to owe someone a debt you can’t pay fast enough. To be trapped. Exiled.” The police station came into view. “He is almost out, you know. Tonight is it.”

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