Page 55 of Ruthless Beast

“I own a chateau, so we’ll stay there.”

“I see. I take it Dominick will be on babysitting duties during the day.”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but he goes where you go.”

“My very own plus one.”

“Free protection,” I smirk.

“How long has he been with you?”

“Dominick has worked for me for about six years. He’s a good guy.”

“One who, on occasion, breaks a knee cap or two.”

“Only when it’s absolutely necessary. Think of him as a gentle giant who’s slow to anger.”

“I certainly wouldn't want to be on his enemies list.”

“With your sparkling, congenial personality, I can’t see that happening.”

“Don’t you have someone special you’d rather be taking than yourhouseguest?”

“If you’re asking me if I have a girlfriend, then no.”

“Never been married?”

“Successfully dodged that bullet. How about you? Any proposals?”

“No.”

Emily is feeling me out. Her questions aren’t mere small talk fodder. I wonder what she thinks of me. Apart from hating my guts over David’s death, of course. It’s hard to read her.

“So, your mom was a bad cook?” she asks, moving away from my subtle prodding and back to safer waters.

“Awful. Fortunately, she made up for it in other aspects.”

“Such as?”

“She loved me fiercely.”

“That’s sweet.”

I want to ask Emily about her parents, but I don’t want to pick at a scab, so I leave it alone. I’m sure she’ll talk about them when she’s good and ready.

“What's in the box?” she asks, pointing toward the kitchen counter.

“I brought dessert.”

“What is it?”

“I’ll show you once you finish your meal,” I tease.

“Funny.”

“I hope you’re a fan of Italian desserts.”

“You had me at sugar.”

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