Page 24 of The Holy Ghost
“How do youeven know anything about anyof this?” I blurted out. “Cedar Creek isn’t exactly running rampantwith…the unsavory.” I didn’t want to say the words Mafia or Mobover the phone because…well, because I’ve apparently watched toomany Mafia movies.
Robbiesnorted. “Puhlease,” shedrawled. “There is plenty of unsavory shit going on in Cedar Creek.And even if there wasn’t, the entire state has heard of theBenettis, Frankie.”
She had a goodpoint.
“Look, I haveto go, but I promise I’ll call you later,” I told her.“We’re still friends,Robbie.”
She let out asoft sigh. “Yes,” she replied. “Yes, we are.” I didn’t realize howmuch her words meant to me untilshe had spoken them. “Call me if you need anything,Frankie.”
“Same for you,” Isaid. “I gotta go.”
“Okay.Talkto you later.”
We hung up andI knew we’d have to talk some more before things settled betweenus. Or maybe that was just my guilt talking. Andthen my conscience reared its ugly head and toldme that if I expected Robbie to forgive me for leaving her in thedark, I probably owed Luca, Ciro, and Phoenix the samecourtesy.
Guilt fuckingsucked.
Chapter 13
Phoenix~
Iheard her before I sawher.
Iwas sitting in the livingroom, going over some financial documents, when I heard her barefeet walk onto the carpet from the hardwood floors that led fromthe bedroom into the hallway into the living room. I stood up andturned around, and while I was dressed for work, Frankie wasdressed in a t-shirt and pajama pants.
I had to willmy dick to go down once I saw the next day’s damage. Her necklooked like she’d beenattacked by a monster. I also had to remind my dick that he wasnine inches of swollen, sore muscle. Women weren’t the only oneswho could get sore after too much sex. I fucked her last nightuntil the motherfucker had nothing left to defile herwith.
“I seeyoufound your overnight bag,”I said, greeting her.
“I did. Thankyou.”
“Are youhungry? Wouldyou like somebreakfast?”
“It’s almost noon,”she pointed out.
I shrugged ashoulder. “I know breakfast is your favorite,” I replied. “I canmake you whatever youwant.”
Frankie lifteda brow. “In that suit?” she asked. “You look like you’re going offto work.”
“Iam,” I told her. “Or, I willbe soon, after you get settled.”
“Murder isn’tjust a nighttime activity,” she sneered, and I had to hold backfrom grabbing her and spankingher ass like a spoiled child.
“Watchyourself, Francesca,” I warned. “Don’t act like you detest this lifestyle. You wouldn’t be asclose to Luca as you are if you did.”
“I’m not close toLuca,” she threw back. “Not anymore.”
“That’s where you’rewrong,” I argued. “But that’s between you and him.”
She walkedfather into the living room,and it literally took everything I had in me not to snatch her upand hold her close. The sooner she married me, the sooner I couldget my sanity back.
Frankieglanced at the documents on the table then looked back at me. “So,what exactly is it thatyoudo?”
“Legally, I’m anaccountant,” I answered honestly. “I got a degree claimingso.”
She rolled her eyes.“I’m sure you do.”
“I keep thebusiness books, Frankie. Idon’t have a legitimate degree, but I’m good with numbers and Ikeep Luca’s finances when I’m not…taking care of otherobligations.”
