Page 48 of Make You Mine

“It’s not that I think you’re fragile. Fuck, Ash, you’re one of the strongest people I know. I just—I should have realized.” He sucks in a breath and pauses before shaking his head. “Ashley…he was hurting you and…and I had no fucking clue.” His voice is full of emotion as he glances my way, and it makes my chest ache. “I didn’t know, and if I had, he’d have been a fucking dead man. I’m sorry it took me so long to say anything to you, but I was processing exactly what Trent had told me.”

I’ve been waiting for this conversation since the day he gave me the burner phone, knowing he had spoken to Trent already. It's nothing he could have prevented, even if he tried. I’m married to the head of the Santini crime family, and there’s no such thing as divorce in the world we live in. My only escape is his death.

I share a sad smile. “I know. That’s why I didn’t tell anyone. I knew you’d come to my rescue, but I couldn’t with the thought of the fallout that would have caused.”

“I’m so mad at Dad for letting you down and putting you in that situation.” His voice is small, regret evident in his tone.

My hand reaches for his clenched fist resting on his thigh, squeezing it for a gentle reassurance.

“I felt that way, too, for a long time. But I’ve forgiven him. Mom, as well. They didn’t realize what kind of man Junior was. He played us all.”

“He played us alright…” .

I quirk my eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Dragging his hands down his face, his eyes lock with mine. I brace myself for what comes next if the solemn expression he’s sporting is any indicator.

“Ash, Junior murdered Dad.”

I swallow thickly, finally receiving the confirmation I always suspected.

“I had a feeling he was behind it, in one way or another.” I’m void of emotion, but hearing the truth from Micah is more fuel for my hatred for Junior. He should be the one six feet under…and soon enough, he will be.

“I feel like I’ve failed our family,” Micah confesses.

I grab his hands off his face and hold on tightly. “Please don’t say that.”

“As your brother, I'm supposed to take care of you, protect you…protect our family. I let you down. And I'm so fucking sorry.”

“Please don’t blame yourself.” Tears threaten to stream from my eyes as I stare at my brother. I can't live with one more person blaming themselves for my current situation. For things that were beyond his control.

“Love you, Ash, so much. We will get you out of this… You deserve to be happy, above all else.”

“I love you too, now please can we get off this. We’re about tohave a week away from all the shit of New York, and I want to leave that baggage at the gate.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Taking a deep breath, he smiles.

“What’s the plan?” Luca asks, sleepiness still coating his voice.

“To let loose and enjoy our time away.” I beam as I wave my hand for the stewardess’s attention. I mock a taking-a-shot action, then hold up three fingers, and she nods in understanding.

Once our shots are delivered, I raise my glass, and theirs join mine in a circle.

“To a time-out,” Luca says, and we all chuckle, then down the clear liquid.

The burning sensation coats my throat.Fucking tequila.

A look of pure disgust is splayed across Micah’s face. He rarely drinks, and when he does, it certainly does not involve shots.

Luca swats at his arm. “We got to toughen you up. You’re my drinking buddy this week.”

“You’re barking up the wrong tree. My brother is not the guy for the job. I'm sure we can find you a more suitable buddy in Nori Beach.” I laugh and take a sip of my soda.

“So what’s the lady situation looking like there?” Luca asks, and I'm not going to lie, I’m enjoying the more relaxed version of my bodyguard. I guess that just proves how seriously he takes his job.

“Well, considering everyone I know down there is either married or in a serious relationship…I don’t think I’ll be much help setting you up. But I bet if you two go out in town, you’ll be able to find some company.”

“I'm sure we will be just fine,” Micah says dryly. Weird, he shows little interest in finding a lady for the week, where most men in his position would be jumping at the opportunity. Maybe it’s because I'm his sister, and he’d rather not discuss things like this in front of me, but come on, we’re grown-ass adults.

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