Page 88 of Devil's Thirst

“Did you mean it?”

“Not sure what part you’re referring to, but I suppose that doesn’t matter since I’ve meant every word I’ve spoken today.”

“You really do want to marry me?”

“I’d take you to the courthouse now if it was open.”

My grin widens, if possible.

“Fuck my girl’s cute when she’s engaged.”

I giggle then moan as he pulls out.

“Okay?” he asks with concern.

“Yeah,” I assure him softly.

“Good, stay put. I’m gonna clean up my bride-to-be then get her some food. My baby’s about to be a star.”

CHAPTER 41

SANTE

Perspective is such an odd beast.One minute you step in a mound of horse shit and think your day is ruined, then find out you won the lottery and decide horse shit is your new lucky charm.

I’m not happy about what happened with Umberto. It’s a tragedy any way I look at it, but it’s in the past. Nothing can be done to change what happened. And if things with my father hadn’t played out the way they did, would I still be here making lunch for my new fiancée feeling like the fucking king of the world? Maybe, but I’d hate to risk it. I’ve never been so goddamn happy in my life.

“Here you go. Turkey on white with the fixings and a dab of mayo, as the lady requested. Wish I was sending you off with something nicer, but this is all we have time for.” I set our plates on the table, then grab chips from the cupboard.

“I can’t eat much before a big night like this, anyway. I’ll throw a protein bar in my bag, though, just in case.” She takes a hearty bite of her sandwich.

I love seeing her eat. I don’t even know why I like it so much, but I have to make myself eat my own sandwich or all I’d do is watch her, and I’m on a time crunch, same as her.

“Once I drop you at the theater, I’m going to visit with Renzo. I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but we got some good stuff accomplished at the AG’s apartment.”

“You guys got in his place?” she asks in surprise.

I give her a smug smile. “Course we did.”

Her jaw stills, a bite sitting in her cheek unchewed. “You find anything?” Her hesitant question is bathed in a mixture of hope and apprehension.

“No videos of you or Lina, if that’s what you’re worried about. We got what we needed and also found an email from your mother that might relate to his connection with The Society. It’s vague, but it looks like they struck a deal. We can’t find any evidence he was a member. We think the deal he made with your mother was part of a bribe. Not that his motives matter. The important part is justice will be served,” I assure her.

Her entire body visibly softens. At this point, she’s conditioned to be on high alert for potential dangers. I hope that one day, a second set of conditioning will immediately respond with assurances that everything will be okay. It may take years, but I’ll prove she’s safe in my care.

I scarf down the last of my sandwich and get the kitchen cleaned up while she finishes. “I’m going to run upstairs and grab Freya while you get ready.”

“Thank you! I should be good to go by the time you get back.”

An hour later, Freya is back home, Amelie is safely at the theater, and I’m sitting down with Renzo to talk business and futures.

“Amelie ready for her big night?” he asks as we get comfortable in his living room.

“I think I may be more nervous than she is,” I mutter with a hint of humor.

He huffs. “You ought to try watching the woman you love take on a bear. I nearly shit myself.”

I have to laugh. “Hopefully, that’s a bridge we never have to cross.”

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