Page 28 of Stranded with My Mafia Boss

Then Damien spoke, his voice rough. "I owe you an apology. I should have told you about the snowmobiles. I should have let you know there was an option to leave to help you with your worry about Max."

My breath caught. An apology? Were the four horsemen of the apocalypse riding on the horizon? Had we actually been in Hell this whole time, and this blizzard was Hell freezing over?

Then Damien looked up again. "But I won't apologize for the rest. I cherish every moment we spent together, and I want more. Don't run, Katie. Stay with me. I’ll offer you a different position, one that’s unpaid, but it’ll be permanent. Legally binding, even."

Trust Damien to come up with a way to ask a woman to marry him that mentioned a salary. Or lack of same.

But still, my heart clenched. I wanted to touch him, lose myself in his arms. My inner voice of reason warned me he was used to getting his way. He’d also taken care of me after I crashed and wasn’t implying I couldn’t leave now. Was I free?

One way to find out.

I steeled myself. "I need to go to Max, Damien. I have responsibilities to Max. He's all the family I have."

Damien's eyes darkened. For a moment I thought he would argue, demand that I stay whether I wanted to or not. Then he squeezed my hand and rose to his feet in a smooth motion.

"You're right, of course. Family should come first, always." His tone was matter-of-fact, but I glimpsed a flicker of something in his gaze I couldn’t identify. "If your brother’s presence is what you need, then I won't stand in your way. You need to know that my offer remains open and sincere if you change your mind."

My throat tightened at his quiet acceptance. How was it possible to be so torn about wanting to stay and wary about what he might be up to? I didn't know whether to be relieved or bereft, but I did know he had something up his sleeve.

Before I could sort through the tangle of emotions, the doorbell announced an arrival.

I glanced at Damien, who helped me to my feet and held the door for me.

Rico was stamping snow off his feet, a pile of shopping bags next to him, and a shorter slighter figure with auburn hair behind him. A gust of frozen air curled around me as the other person stepped into the cabin.

"Max," I hobbled forward and threw my arms around my brother. Alex, third in line, slammed the door behind them.

Max hugged me back just as fiercely, and the tension eased from my shoulders. He looked tired but fine.

"Surprise," Max grinned at me. "Your boss sent peeps to the apartment, and they offered me a ride up here for Christmas. In a private jet, Kay! Hope you don't mind."

"Mind?" I laughed, blinking back tears of joy. "This is the best gift ever."

From the corner of my eye, Damien watched us.

Despite everything, I felt a flood of warmth and, yes, love at the knowledge that he had arranged this reunion.

I pulled back to get a better look at my brother. "How are you feeling?"

Max waved away my concern. "I'm fine. A little tired, and some new meds, but nothing I can’t handle. The trip was super luxurious."

"I'm so glad you're here." I gave him another quick hug. "I was so worried."

"Nice place," Max glanced around the grand foyer. "Quite the place your boss has here, huh? You've been working all this time?"

Heat rose in my cheeks. "Yes, I’ve been working whenever the lights were on." Twisting the truth wasn’t quite a lie, was it?

"Why don't we take your bags up to your room, Max?" Rico said.

"Sounds good." Max grinned, clearly noticing my evasion but letting it slide for now.

As they headed up the stairs, I moved to Damien’s side. "Thank you," I said softly. "For bringing him here. It means a lot."

Damien touched my cheek. "I'm glad to do it. Family is important."

"I think, maybe, I’ll consider your offer. So long as you think my family is important too."

He kissed me gently. Warmth flooded through me, but Damien pulled back.

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