Page 129 of Highball and Chain

I wasn’t going to ask, but he’d brought it up in conjunction with going into hiding. “What the hell is going on with you and Nico?”

For the first time since he’d come in, the grin left his face. “I don’t know.”

After the performance Nico had put on for my father, I had no idea what they’d cooked up. Hell, I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out. “What do you mean you don’t know? Are you planning to marry her or not?”

“We applied for a license.”

I ran both hands over my head. “Why?”

“Why do you think?” He sighed.

“Don’t do this for us. We’ll figure something out that doesn’t involve you marrying her.” Shanna crossed the room and stood in front of him. I don’t know what she saw in his expression, but it made her smile. “Unless you want to.”

Want to? He barely knows her. “He doesn’t.”

Marco glared at me. “I can speak for myself. I’m not doing anything against my will.”

“He loves her,” Shanna mouthed behind his back.

When did that happen?More than a little confused, I said, “If this is what you want, I’m happy for you. But I don’t have to tell you her father may not feel the same.”

“And you think Ma is going to throw you two a party?” He glanced at Shanna. “No offense.”

“None taken.” She dipped her chin.

I folded my arms. “Our relationship won’t be a problem. If necessary, I’m prepared to walk away from the business and the family.”

Her eyes widened. “Enzo, you can’t mean that. What about your restaurant? Your family is—”

“I’m a Michelin Star chef. I can work anywhere. As for my family, my brothers love you.” I hitched a shoulder. “Pops didn’t say anything negative about you on the phone this morning. I believe you impressed him.”

“Would he have called me out with everyone on the call?”

Marco and I nodded.

“As for my mother, she has enough to worry about besides meddling into our personal lives.” I had no doubt Gabe had given her an earful about her involvement with the Lazios.

Marco said, “Speaking of Gabe, I don’t think he’s going to be thrilled with you walking away.”

“He’s the one who suggested it.”

“Bullshit.” Marco gave me a dubious look. “When did he do that?”

While I didn’t appreciate being called a liar, I let it go for Shanna’s sake. “Before I left Sicily.”

Shanna’s cheeks flushed. “Did everyone in Sicily know about us?”

“Afraid so.” I winked.

“I’m stunned, but I guess I shouldn’t be. Gabe’s a stand-up kinda guy, and the two of you are good together.” He sucked in a breath. “About that cabin… Why isn’t it suitable for kids?”

She frowned at me before turning to him. “It’s deep in the bayou in Terrebonne Parish.”

“And?”

“And it’s only accessible by boat. The place sits up on stilts, which is probably a good thing considering all of the gators and snakes down there.”

Marco went pale. “But they can’t get inside, right?”

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