Page 80 of Promise Maker

“Can I tell her about you?” she asks. “Jaz willwant to know about the man I’m marrying.”

That is true. “Keep the details vague. I’m sureyou don’t want to scare your friend.”

“No, I don’t want that.”

24

My god.

I’m still so unnerved by that head at the gates.

I can’t believe Domenico said that sort of thinghappens often. And where the hell is the body?

I wipe the fresh tears as Domenico steps out thepatio door, handing me the phone. “Remember, one minute or less.”

“I might need more time,” I say.

“Solari. Agents or enemies could trace it.” Hetouches my arm. “I’m sorry. It has to be this way.”

“Okay,” I mutter, shoulders drooping. “I’ll keepit short.”

Turning from him, I wander to a lemon tree andcall Jazmine.

“Hello?” she answers right away. “Sol, is thatyou?”

“Yeah, it’s me. It’s so good to hear your voice.”

Jazmine laughs in her delight, and that forces asmile out of me. “Youtoo. Sol, where are you? Pleasetell me.”

“I can’t, Jaz.”

“Fine.” She pauses a second. “I’m sorry to say thecops aren’t doing much. I’m practically going by the station daily to make surethey keep investigating. Sadly, they don’t seem to care.” Her voice dips. “Theysay because your dad was involved in….” She doesn’t finish.

“It’s all right. Someone will deal with Dad’skiller.”

“Why do you say that? Sol, what’s going on?”

“I’m getting married,” I blurt, feeling Domenico’spresence at my back. “In a day.”

“What? Towho?” Shesounds surprised. That’s understandable.

“You’ve never met him. But I want you to know thatI’m okay.”Am I truly?“He’s taking care of me. Don’t worry, Jaz.”

She sniffs as if crying. “Solari…I can’t believeyou’re getting married.”

Domenico’s gentle touch at my elbow soothes me andindicates to end the call.

“I wish you could be here, but that’s notpossible. Maybe one day, we’ll meet again.”

“Sol,don’t hang up. Talkto me.”

“I love you, Jazmine. I’ll call you again when Ican.” With that, I disconnect and hand the phone to Domenico.

Sympathy consumes his deep sepia gaze as heregards me. “I’m sorry about everything that’s happened.” He slips the phoneinto his pocket. “Sometimes I wish I was that nerd you joked you wanted.Soyou’d be with that version instead of a killer.”

He’s about to walk away, but I grasp his arm.

When he turns back to me, I chuck into his chestand kiss him passionately, easing the fear and all the tension.

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