Page 72 of Promise Maker

“No?” Domenico huffs, getting up as well.

“I-I can’t just marry you. I have to…I have tothink about it.”

“Because you’re not in love with me? You’ll growto love me in time. Wewillmarry.”

I stop pacing and hug myself. “I need to thinkabout it thoroughly. I’m only marrying once.”

“Of course, and it’ll only be to me.”

I suck my teeth. “You’re not the average guy. Ihave to know for sure if I can spend the rest of my life with...”

“A killer?” he finishes, then considers for amoment before rumbling, “All right. Take a day.”

“One day?” I yelp.

“We need to move quickly and let the news out thatyou’re my woman. Only then will enemies quell their plans of capturing Bishop’sdaughter and beneficiary.”

“So…marrying you will shield me from attacks andyour cousin?” I confirm.

“Luca is a tricky one. But for everyone else,yes.”

Safety is a huge need. Though Domenico is halfwayinside my heart, heisa killer.

My dad didn’t want that for me.

I have to decide whether to disappoint his memoryor survive by any means necessary and marry the man he’d denied.

“Fine,” Imutter.“Giveme a day.”

20

Father sets two glasses on the table and pourswhiskey. He drinks before sitting across from me.

I’ve been lounging on the patio, staring at thetrees and the light rain. The days have been hot, so the showers are welcomed.

“You’ve hardly said a word since the other night.”

I reach for the glass, throwing back the whiskeyin one swig. “I told you not to bring Solari, and you still did.”

He grumbles. “I wanted Mathew to give up Luca.Didn’t you swear to help me find Bishop’s killer?”

“Sì. But I knew Mathewwas lying. I’d cracked his scheme. He wanted to turn her against me. I had afeeling he liked her from that night outside her house. There was jealousy inhis manner.”

Father pauses with the glass at his mouth, browscurling. “You’d noticed that?”

“I notice everything. Isn’t that what you taughtme, Padre?”

He snorts and finishes the drink. “Midispiace, Nico. I know you care for Solari. I did not meanto frighten her away from you.”

“She’ll accept me,” I tell him. “Once we’remarried.”

Surprised, Father snaps his head to me. “Sheagreed tothis?Tisposerà?”

“I gave her a day to decide. Marrying Solari willensure her safety as a Martelli. Men with interests in Bishop’s assets willthink twice.”

“Except Luca,” he grates. “That bastard won’t giveup. We need to find him.”

“Any news fromSante?”

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