Page 48 of Vito

Still not fully composed, I struggle to put my impassive mask back in place. I avoid the crowd lingering in front of the church and hurry down the far side of the wide stairs. I don't want to talk or see anyone, especially not the Chamber leaders.

Thankfully, no one tries to stop me, and I turn the corner to where I parked.

And stop short when I see Vito standing beside my car.

My heart feels like it stopped with my feet.

Vito. In his dark suit and black shirt. His blue-green eyes aren't hiding his pain.

I can't move. I can't look away. I can't school my face into an unreadable mask, and I know every emotion is laid bare.

Pain. Anguish. Guilt. Shame.

Need.

I want so much from this dangerous man. And it's not just the physical.

He frowns as he studies me—searching and trying to understand what I can't hide from him right now.

"Eden." My name sounds like a prayer.

I shake my head, trying to ward him off, unable to speak. My hands shake, and he glances at them before his eyes lift back to mine.

"Eden." His throat bobs as he swallows hard. He takes a step closer to me. "Come to the house. With me."

My chest squeezes. He sees my pain—it mirrors his own. Two people wanting to draw strength from the other.

But it's impossible.

"I can't, Vito." My voice breaks.

"Please."

His low, deep voice rumbles through my chest with that single word, as if he's pressed against me. Oh, how I want nothing but to feel his strength and lose myself in him.

But the line is drawn between us.

"You know I can't, Vito."

He stares at me, then finally nods. "Eden Fallen can't. But Ed, owner and operator of Gilly's, can."

I'm starting to feel back in control of my emotions, capable of stuffing my grief back down deep. I unclench my hands, and their shake diminishes. "You certainly are a boundary pusher."

"Just askMamma." He smiles, but it fades quickly. "We're doing the internment of my father's ashes on a different day; we're headed straight to the house now. Promise me you'll come."

"Vito…"

What he's asking feels like I'm one step closer to falling over the cliff. To feel heaven for a brief period, only to fall straight into hell afterward.

"Please." His expression is open and earnest. "My father would appreciate that someone in your position took the time to honor him and be with his family. He respected Gilly's, and it's leader always."

I sigh, closing my eyes.

"I know… I'm such a fucking cunt."

My eyes fly open, and I laugh despite myself. "You really are."

"So you'll come?"

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