Page 74 of Dirty Big Sins

“Ms. Mezzanotte?”

I whirled at my name to see Vincent’s nurse standing in the doorway of the waiting room. “Yes.” I jumped from my seat, a sense of panic washing over me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong. Other than Mr. Cabrini is severely agitated. He’s awake and less medicated now and really angry that you were not allowed in to see him. If you’re ready, I can take you back now.”

A wide grin spread across my face. A pissed off Vincent had to be a good sign. “Let me grab my things.” I rushed back to my chair, shoved my iPad and cellphone into my bag and rushed back to the nurse.

“Right this way.”

Two steps away from the waiting room and the nerves in my stomach fluttered frantically. It had only been a day and half since I’d seen him and it felt more like a month. So much had happened.

When we got to his room, the nurse pushed open the door and I rushed inside.

“About damn time,” Vincent grumbled, looking particularly devilish and handsome despite the scowl on his face.

The nurse simply gave him a look and wished me luck before escaping back to wherever nurses went to get away from unruly patients.

“Are you trying to scare her?” I laughed. “Because I think you’re succeeding.”

“They should have let you in. I hate the idea of you waiting around in some cramped waiting room instead of here with me where I need you.”

Oh man, had I heard him right? “You need me?”

“Hell yeah, I do. Now get over here and kiss me before I’m forced to do something drastic that will certainly cause a scandal in this hospital.”

I dropped my bag and did exactly as he demanded. Taking the kiss he offered and sinking into it as his tongue dove inside as demanding as his words and twice as delicious. By the time we broke apart, I had to stop and catch my breath.

“I can’t wait to get you home and in my bed. No more hotels with people everywhere, just you and me fucking every night and probably every morning too.”

“Wait. What?”

“I want you to move in with me. I miss being in my own space, but I’d like it a hell of a lot more if it was our space.”

My head spun from his suggestion. How could I leave The Sinclair now with everything going on?

“I know what you’re thinking. But you’ve seen where I live. It’s a short commute to the restaurant. But, babe, we’ve been through the wringer and it’s time we did something for us. You meant what you said on the plane, right? You love me?”

Fuck. This was not what I’d expected from him at all. I couldn’t seem to catch my balance quick enough.

“Yes.” I wasn’t going to lie or pretend I didn’t. “But we have so much to figure out first. I didn’t want to do this here. Not while you’re in the hospital. You’re supposed to rest and recover not fight with me.”

He squeezed my hand and brushed a lock of hair behind my ear. “If we need to fight, we’ll fight. Although I’d rather not. You tell me what you need and I’ll fix it. That’s kind of my thing.”

I pulled away, taking a small step back so I could breathe. “That’s the problem. You needing or wanting to fix everything. Not everything is yours to fix. Especially if I haven’t asked for your help.”

“Is this about the network?”

“Vincent, I really don’t want to do this right now.”

“We have to.”

“You realize this is probably the drugs talking. I’m sure they have you on painkillers. You’re not thinking straight.”

“I’ve been thinking about this for days. Drugs aren’t going to change my mind. I’m in love with you, Zia. It’s that simple. You’re the last person I want to see at the end of the night and the first person I want to see in the morning with everything else that entails.”

“You’re crazy, Vincent. You got shot at your father’s direction. AND missed your big fight because you were in surgery. Your priorities are a little off kilter.”

He shook his head. “You’re not listening. My priorities are exactly where they need to be. I was going to retire anyway. I don’t NEED that fight anymore. Callum Murphy can fight the number three contender for the belt. I’m ready to move on. Come here.”

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