Page 116 of Capri

Does she see me as someone strong enough to make her own decisions and be proud of who she isnow?

“I’m beginning to see that, honey. Is this your way of telling your father and me that you’re moving to Italy?”

“What?” I blurt out, chuckling my way through the shock of her question. “Who said anything about that?”

Mom shrugs. “Well, I just assumed if you and Jones were an item, you’d be moving with him. He’s the one with a successful company and all.”

I shake my head at her audacity. So hot and cold. “I have a job, too, Mom. I have a life here. Jones also has a mother who lives here. We haven’t made any decisions yet.”

“Honey, I’m only asking a question. I would just like a simple courtesy if it comes down to that. That’s all I’m asking.”

I smile at her, fake and full of annoyance, making no effort to mask it. “Sure thing. I’ll get right on that.”

I walk away, ready to forget our conversation and dance with my man.

37

JONES

“Be right back.”I kiss Capri, leaving her on the dance floor so I can use the restroom.

The night turned around for the better, Capri’s spirit brightening, and the best part—holding her as mine. God, just knowing she’s mine to hold and kiss whenever I damn well please is exhilarating.

I make my way to the men’s room, hoping there isn’t a line so I can grab us a drink before the bride and groom call for a toast.

“She’ll never be able to give you more than this. You know that, right?”

I stop, recognizing that voice instantly. There’s fucker, standing outside the bathroom with a smug look on his face.

“Excuse me?” I turn quickly, feeling a protective buzz run through me.

He stands straighter. “I said…Capri will never be able to give you more than this. You and her—that’ll be it.”

His smirk looks like he holds years of secrets. Little does he know, I know the root of his evil—him.

“That’s enough for me. Not that it concerns you anyway,” I respond.

Choosing to ignore him, I move to retreat before his sour words stop me. “You got dreams to start a family? Yeah…not with her.”

Fucker say what?“What the fuck did you just say?”

Here I am, trying to keep my cool and be mature about this, but he’s making it really fucking difficult not to bulldoze him through the wall.

“Kids.” He smirks with an evil grin. “She just can’t grow ’em, man. We all have our faults, but I mean, come on. Who wants to be with a woman who can’t give you that? Consider it a courtesy.” The venom in his tone sends a flair of rage through my body.

I have too much to lose, but not at the cost of Capri. I won’t allow anyone to make a mockery of her or Stevie.

He’s his father, for Christ’s sake.

I don’t think, just act. He turns to leave, but not before my hand is at his throat, pinning his worthless body against the wall. “You wanna retract that statement, motherfucker?”

Fury consumes me. Rage. It’s about to be a fucking slaughterhouse if this prick doesn’t take Capri’s name out of his sick mouth.

“Nope,” he says calmly, but I see the restraint in his eyes.

If I’m judging correctly, he’s got about twenty seconds before it lights out.

“My turn to give you a littlecourtesy. That’s the last time you’ll ever speak her name again. You see her, you walk away. You don’t talk to her, don’t ask about her, don’t even fucking think about her. And so help me God, if I hear you disrespect her worth one more goddamn time, I’ll fuck you up myself. We clear?”

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