Page 115 of Savage Vow (Mafia Marriages 3)

“It’s been quiet for a while,” he says.

“Good.”

Hopefully, they’re not concocting another scenario. At least we have close eyes on them. I wouldn’t put it past Alessandro to suggest installing a security camera in the room.

He hasn’t yet, though, or else I’m sure I’d know about it.

I don’t bother knocking. I yank the door open and trudge inside. I’m not quiet, but I don’t announce my presence either.

Ashton is asleep in bed.

I’m relieved the kid can sleep after what transpired today.

I pin Karina with my stare. “Come with me.” It’s not a question. It’s a command.

She sighs and stands, getting up from the edge of the bed. “Goodnight,” she says to Ivy, giving her a quick hug and kiss goodnight.

Ivy plops down onto the cot. It already has a blanket and pillow, but she clearly hasn’t used it yet.

I wait for Karina by the door and quietly shut it after we step out into the hallway. “Bedroom. Now!”

“You don’t have to order me around,” she huffs.

Karina heads across the hallway to our bedroom and opens the door.

“Don’t I? It doesn’t seem like you know what the hell you should be doing.” I follow her inside and shut the door rather abruptly behind me.

She jumps from the sound.

Karina is a bit on edge. I can see it in her reflection, her eyes wide, her breathing increasing.

Is she scared of me?

I don’t want to be a monster, not to her. But I can’t help who I am or what I am, for that matter.

She tugs her bottom lip between her teeth. Her gaze falters down my chest to my dark blue jeans and then back up again.

“See something you like?” I doubt she’s ogling me. It’s probably my imagination. But I’m hopeful.

What hot-blooded straight male isn’t hopeful that a pretty lady wants him?

Karina folds her arms across her chest. It’s a defensive move. You learn body language when interrogating suspects. Not that she’s a suspect to be interrogated, but it’s hard to separate some facets of life.

“No,” she whispers. A soft puff of air escapes her lips.

I step closer, invading her personal space. “I don’t believe you.”

Her top lip curls as she snarls at me, proving me wrong. “I want nothing to do with you or your stupid mafia.”

“Fine,” I say and hold my hands up. “Be that way. You can sleep on the couch.”

“What? No!”

I shrug and strip out of my jeans. I leave my boxers on tonight. I’ve already showered and changed. She missed the show.

She’s standing there awkwardly while I breeze past her and pull back the covers, making myself at home. It is, after all, my bed.

Karina purses her lips, staring at me.

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