Page 129 of Ruthless Beast

“I wonder if it will ever stop hurting.”

“I don’t know the answer to that. But I do have an idea that may cheer you up.”

“You do?”

“Yup.”

“You’re not going to make me drag it out of you, are you?”

“I might.”

“Oh, come on. Spill it!”

“Shhh. You’ll wake our son.”

“Oh, please. He sleeps dead like his daddy. Come on. Out with it.”

“How about I see if I can arrange a VIP on the day?”

“Oh? Do I get a vote?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Tell you what. Let’s discuss it later tonight. I’ll let you tie me up so you can torture it out of me.”

“It’s a deal!” I laugh. “You’re such a bad boy.”

“Well, I guess you’d better punish me later.”

“You bet.”

* * *

Emily

“You look stunning, Ems!”

“Why, thank you, Dannie. How’s Davie holding up?”

“Ester says he’s just fine. Shoving anything and everything into his chubby little cheeks. He’s so adorable, Ems. I could just gobble him up.”

“I still can’t believe you’re here, Dannie.”

“Yup. Lucas did good. Oh, sorry, I meant to say Luka.”

“It’s so weird, Dannie. I keep forgetting. The other day, someone called my name about five times before I responded. The locals must just think I’m a bit of a snob.”

“Let them think what they like. You’re safe, and that’s all that matters. Lucas is amazing, Ems. You look so happy.”

“I am.”

“Do you miss home?”

“No, not really. It feels good to have new memories. A fresh start is good for the soul. Nothing here reminds me of the chaos and pain I left behind in LA. I do miss you, though. Very much.”

“Lucas looks different.”

“He’s happy. There’s a lot to be said for not living the life of a mafia boss. He’s more relaxed. And he adores Davie. He’s such a good dad. He even changes the little guy’s smelly diapers.”

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