Page 53 of Forbidden Vows

“And Rockland?” I ask.

Liam’s heavy gaze finds mine. “He wants to hit them. Hard. Before they can hit back.”

“Absolutely. I don’t see that we have another choice,” Haze agrees.

I sit, unsure of whom to agree with. I support force, but not when the risk to our men exceeds the threat. Right now, they’re testing us. Why escalate without knowing their intentions? I lean toward Bronson’s idea: at least sit down with them. However, I realize I don’t know everything, so I stay silent.

Emilia’s face pops into the doorway. “Gentleman?”

“Meeting adjourned.” Liam stands from his seat, greeting her with a kiss.

She offers her cheek, saying tightly, “I thought we agreed, no work talk tonight.”

“No more. Promise.” Liam addresses us. “Dinner, gentlemen?”

“Dinner sounds amazing,” I offer to Emilia, and I’m rewarded with her smile.

We take the three open seats, but Cleopatra’s is far from mine. Though I try to enjoy the meal, too many questions focus on me. I wanted to hang out and let everyone meet Cleo, but instead, dinner becomes an evening of deflecting Mom and Emilia push me toward a blind date with a woman named Gianna.

When we leave, I realize Cleo’s had too much wine at dinner. Bachmans can be intimidating if you’re not from this world.

And she’s a lightweight.

To keep her safe and sound, I gently scoop her up, savoring the warmth as she snuggles against me. It feels as if everything that matters right now is here in my arms.

“Whee!” She wraps her arms around my neck, enjoying the ride. “Gawd, you are sooo strong, Bro! You make me feel like I weigh a feather.”

I smile down at her. “Weigh a feather?”

“Too much wine,” she laughs.

“Why did you have that third glass?” I ask. “I thought you’d only had two.”

“Had to,” she says. “Have two.”

“No,” I reply calmly. “You did not have to. I thought I was watching you well, but I need to pay more attention. Was it too much, meeting everyone at once?”

“Nope.” She says in a sing-song voice, “Everyone was very nice. Very nice.”

“Then why did you feel you had to?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She stares up at me, tapping her finger on the tip of my nose as she hiccups.

“I would. Now tell me before you find yourself over my lap,” I threaten.

“I had to drink more so I could keep pretending,Bro. Gotta push all that down.Waydown.”

I nod to the doorknob. “Can you get the door, please?”

“Sure thing, daddio!” Her upper body flops over my arm as she reaches for the brass knob, opening the door before settling back in my arms.

I would much rather her call me Daddy. “Pretend what?”

“Seraphina kept having it refilled. She’s afruuuetrend. A trendy trend. A true friend! Aren’t her clothes great!”

“I guess?” Her ass is under my hand, and I squeeze it. “Pretend what?”

“Seraphina is like you. A winner of the DNA dice roll. A solid 12.” She holds shiny pink fingernails over her mouth, attempting to hide her giggles.

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