Page 79 of Coerced Queen

“Anya?”My attention sharpens.“What does my wife want?”

“She wants me to promise I’ll pump you full of anesthetic and stitch you up every time you’re unlucky enough to get nicked in a fight.”

That makes me laugh, not just a flat laugh that I have to force from my chest but a genuine guffaw that somehow makes me feel lighter.

Nicole points at me, can in the hand.“You don’t laugh like that.That’s not the Saverio De Luca I know.”

“Yeah, yeah.I know what you’re getting at.Anya makes me happy.”

That shrewd gaze intensifies as she takes another sip.“Does she?”

Not wanting to discuss our relationship with my doctor friend, I say, “Anya’s birthday is coming up.”

Nicole raises a brow.“That, right there, mister, scores you ten points.I’m glad you’re telling me.I don’t want to be the dumb bitch who didn’t get her a gift.”

“I need your help to organize a party.”

At party, her eyes grow large.“Ooh.”She swings her feet to the floor and sits ramrod straight in her chair.“What kind of party?”

“Something fancy with all the bells and whistles.”I hesitate.“I don’t think Anya’s ever had a birthday party.”

“So you want to make it special for her,” she says, making a puppy face.“What did you have a mind?”

“It’ll have to be here.It’s easier to control the security.After what happened, I’m not taking risks.”

“Mm.”She wipes foam from her mouth.“Makes sense.Go on.”

“I want to keep it a surprise, but we may need to put up a gazebo in the backyard.I can take Anya and Claire out for a day in the mountains while the preparations take place.That’s why I need you.”

“A gazebo, huh?How many people are you inviting?”

“The usual.You lot and the After Dark crowd.”

“I already like it.What else?”

“Good food, champagne, lots of pretty flowers, a band?—”

“A band?”she exclaims.

“Yes.You know.”I raise an eyebrow.“Music.”

“Music?”she parrots.“Why?”

I adjust the eyepatch, hiding my expression behind my hand.

“I’m just surprised,” she says when I don’t reply.“I didn’t take you for the band kind of type.”

“I want to dance with my wife, Cole,” I admit.“I never had a chance at our wedding.”

“Oh, Sav.”She tilts her head, giving me a compassionate look.“That’s the reason for the cane, isn’t it?That’s why you’re pushing yourself so hard.”

Relenting, I say, “Pretty much.”I take another swig of brandy.“I won’t be able to walk normally by April, but I want to hold Anya in my arms on the dance floor without a fucking cane between us.”

“Okay.”She shifts to the edge of her seat.“I’m going to go against my better medical judgment and tell you to work the hell out of that cane.I’m close to tears now, and you know I never cry.”

“Please, spare me.”

Suddenly all business, she asks, “What’s the date?”

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