Page 54 of Delivered in White

“You’re like all four seasons bottled up in an overflowing jar,” I say.

“Ooh, how poetic.”

“What’s it going to take to make you sit still and act normal?”

“You know.”

I huff. “I’m sorry, Capri, alright? I didn’t mean for you to feel dejected on stage.”

She pretends to faint, so I flick her in the leg.

“Ah!” She twitches, then starts slapping at my arm excitedly. “You apologized.”

“So then why are you hitting me?” I hold up one arm to block.

“Because I’m happy. The man who protects me isn’t the terminator. He has a heart somewhere deep down.”

“You really are bat-shit. You know that, right?” I put my arm down when she relaxes back into her seat.

“I have my moments, yes.”

The rest of the ride is lighter now that the air is cleared and the awful arranged wedding behind us. I’d still prefer if she’d quiet down, but less tension is good, I suppose.

When we get home, she hums like nothing’s wrong, which is a far cry away from this morning. But she still doesn’t understand the danger we’re in.

“So, what’s on the agenda today? Is celebration in order? You going to take me to dinner?”

I glare at her. “Have to play catch up thanks to your antics last night.”

“Mm. Thought we were past that. I see you hold onto grudges.” She snaps her tongue. “Not a good trait, mister. Not good at all.Ah!”

“What?”

“I just realized… I’m Mrs. DeMatteo now. Well, after a shit ton of paperwork, I will be.”

“We won’t be filing any more paperwork.” I point a finger threateningly at her. “Getting a marriage certificate was risky enough. My fucking father—” I growl.

“Be nice, Trino.” She frowns. “The man just wants what’s best for his kid. Wish my dad thought about that when he was doing what he loved.”

“My father taught me how to strangle someone properly when I was seven.” I stare at her deadpan. She can’t possibly be that dense.

“That’s all he knows!” she defends him, and I’m in shock.

“Fucking women. You see an old man on his last limb and become blind to what he really is.”

She shrugs. “He helped save my life. With his own handsandwith what he taught you.”

“Every day here on is going to be danger, Capri.” I take a strong step up to her near the staircase. “You better get that through your head.”

She tenses.

Being this close is intoxicating. How does she smell so floral without perfume? Her skin is smooth and hairless. And despite her wackiness, I’m drawn to her.

“I won’t—I won’t run again, Trino,” she says quietly. “And you won’t make me look like a fool.”

Her submissiveness is backed by dominance. It’s hot and confusing all at once.

I glance at her lips that are slightly parted like she’s waiting for a kiss. All of a sudden, I can’t think of anything but tearing up that white dress and spreading her legs. I get a stripper in the night and an angel in the morning.

---