Page 95 of Wrapped in Silver

She hits my arm, and the mood is somehow light again. I know what she’s doing… trying to give me a good time in hopesshe’ll convince me out of my path. Little does she know, once I’m committed… it’s as good as done.

But I’ll give her this night. She deserves it.

“So, my mysterious silver fox, when are you going to take me to my nextChilling Desiresdate? Maybe we can even christen another set.” She places her elbows on the table and rests her chin in her palms, pretending to be bashful.

“I’m still mad at you for ogling that actor, Reggie Race or whatever?”

“Ronny Ranchester,” she snorts. “Big jealous man.Hi-larious.Oh, and don’t give me any more bullshit. Youlovethe show now.”

“That’s a strong word,” I groan.

“Don’t think I didn’t catch your previously played history on the TV.” She smiles, showing all of her teeth.

“Was seeing what all the fuss was about. I watched all of five minutes—”

“Liar!” She points at me. “Liar, liar.You watched two whole episodes.”

I scratch the back of my head. “Had to see what became of Mistress Stella.”

“Iknewit.” She laughs heartily like a big trucker.

“Will youshut up? This is a nice, family-owned restaurant,” I joke with her. “You’re going to ruin the place.”

She laughs louder. “Iknewyou would love it if you just gave it a chance. How good was Billy Altman? I wouldn’t have suspected him in a hundred years.”

“Mph. I knew,” I lie. It’s not like I ever paid attention on set.

“Yeah,okay. I’ve been watching soaps for my whole life and I didn’t see that one coming.”

“He was pretty good,” I give in.

Not sure what this feeling is. It’s warm and relaxing and something I haven’t felt… maybe ever. The closest thing was spending time with my family, but those moments were so few and far between because of the Valentino life. Am I actually… settling with the idea of my death?

Having no hits on my back, I can just experience this young woman’s aura. She’s like a loud-mouthed angel sent to give me peace.

Our dishes come with the overly pleasant waiter presenting them. It smells incredible. Not a hint of fish—only the lemon zest and garlic mix invites our taste buds to salivate.

We both take our first bite at the same time.

Not a bad way to spend my last meal. Even though my body is screaming that I still have a whole second half of life to live, my mind is resolved. This beautiful woman opposite me deserves to be free, and that’s the last thing I can provide.

Donny will keep the family running without a hitch. Never meant to drag him into this.

It was my decision, and mine alone.

“C’mere, give me a kiss, you big idiot.” She leans over the table.

“Your dress.” I put my hand on her shoulder to prevent her from dipping it in fish sauce.

“Woops.” She shoves the plate out of the way and leans in again.

“Were you raised by cavemen, woman?”

“Aw, you finally addressed me as an adult.Progress.” She puckers her lips.

It doesn’t take much for me to oblige.

God, they taste like the tingling notes of white wine, and it’s intoxicating. That warm feeling coats my chest, relaxing me into a dreamlike state I rarely surrender to. When she pullsaway, all I see is a hazy picture of her perfect lips, fiery eyes, pale skin.

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