Page 52 of Defying the Relic Hunter

Xenia snickered.

The women paused at the corner and flashed their not so perky double E boobs at the passing motorists.

“I guess that’s one way to attract a john’s or a cop’s attention,” I scoffed.Gangster’s Paradisesuddenly blared from my bracelet. I sucked in a relieved breath. It was Uncle Aldo’s ringtone. I tapped my bracelet. “Uncle Aldo?”

“Why was I not invited to your wedding, Kizzy?”

“Are you somewhere safe Uncle Aldo? Not only is the Overlord searching for you, Luigi has sic’d his death squads on you too.”

“You did not answer my question.”

Xenia murmured, “Busted.”

“Because I didn’t have a wedding. When and if I do, I will invite you.”

There was a note of disappointment in Uncle Aldo’s voice. “Yet you are sharing a bed with this Coletti.”

I winced. How did he know that? “Ethan’s nothing like Ivan.”

“Do you wear the Coletti warrior’s mark?”

I fingered my ownership band. “Yes.”

“Then you will have a proper church wedding,” Uncle Aldo stated emphatically.

“Ah, that might not be possible. Coletti customs aren’t quite like ours.”

“You will be espoused by our priest.”

I rolled my eyes. “Father Jack died.”

“Father Benedict replaced him.”

“But Father Benedict’s always intoxicated, and he set the alter on fire during communion,” I protested.

“You will be married at San Lorenzo!”

“Ok. Ok.”

A laugh escaped Xenia.

“Do you love him?”

“I do.” Damned if I knew why. Ethan was an overbearing, bossy prick who kissed like an angel. He had made me part of his family and he always showed up when I really needed him. Plus, he had all those luscious muscles, clever, clever fingers and sexy dance moves. Hoo boy, I was getting hot just thinking about them.

“Does he love you?”

A good question. He said he did, but I wasn’t sure, so I hedged, “He cares for me.”

“It is good you are mated now. You need a strong man to control your impulsive behavior.”

“I’mnotimpulsive. I plan out my jobs meticulously. Why does everyone treat me like a fluff-brained idiot? I can take care of myself.”

“Kizzy your stunts are legendary,” Uncle Aldo scolded.

“I was a kid then. I’m a responsible adult now and I don’t do crazy anymore.”

Uncle Aldo let out a long sigh.

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