Page 89 of Unwilling Vow (Mafia Marriages 4)

Luka instructed that I take Astrid and leave the country.

It wasn’t a suggestion.

But I can’t tell Jace about what happened, not at the apartment. What if the place is bugged like the last time?

“I want you to take me home,” I say.

His brow knits, confused. “Okay. Back to the compound?” He doesn’t put up the slightest bit of a fight.

“Yes,” I say. I’ll tell him everything when we’re inside and where I know it’s safe.

He grabs my hand and pulls me close. Astrid is nestled between us, tucked snuggly against his chest. His lips capture mine in a searing hot kiss.

“I love you,” he whispers, pulling back, staring deep into my gaze.

My heart pitter-patters in my chest. I’m not going back to the compound to be with him. I’m going back to protect him and Astrid.

And I’ll tell him, but not here, not where Luka could be listening in or watching us. I have to tread carefully.

His thumb grazes over the injury to my lips. His eyes flicker with something unfamiliar that I’ve never seen before.

Is it rage?

“Let’s get your things, and you’ll come home with me,” Jace says.

* * *

The car ride to the compound is met with silence.

Astrid is buckled into the backseat and sound asleep in her car seat.

I honestly don’t know what to say. While I doubt Luka is eavesdropping in the car, I don’t have the strength to tell Jace everything, like I thought I would.

Silence is easier. I can’t disappoint him if I don’t speak.

I stare out the passenger window, and my eyes lazily shut after a few minutes. I’m tired. The day is dreary, which matches my mood.

Jace gently caresses my cheek with his warm fingers. “Hey, sleepyhead. We’re here.”

“Thanks,” I mumble and open my eyes to wake up further. I unclasp my seatbelt and climb out of the car.

Jace grabs the car seat carrier and brings Astrid inside with us. She’s still sound asleep. I step inside the foyer, the compound entirely too familiar. I spent weeks under the roof, mostly in my room, while pregnant. Not that it wasn’t a nice room, furnished and quite comfortable. But I didn’t ever think I’d be back here. Let alone asking Jace to bring me here.

“Home sweet home?” he asks with a warm smile. He puts the car seat carrier down and removes his coat and shoes.

I unzip my jacket. I don’t intend on staying for long, but I need a few minutes of his time and the strength not to falter.

He tosses his car keys to Vincent. “Grab Olivia’s duffel bag out of the trunk, will you?”

Vincent hurries outside into the cold without a coat or gloves.

“Can we talk?” I ask.

Jace nods, and his eyes crinkle with a hint of a smile. Like he thinks he knows what this conversation is about.

Except he doesn’t know. He couldn’t know that Luka had come by and threatened my family.

They are my family, even if we’re not together. I’m still connected to Jace and Astrid. They’ll always hold a place inside my heart.

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