She had no way of knowing he was terrified of most reptiles and all spiders, but her eyes lit with mischief. “I haven’t been there in years, but I don’t remember anything other than spiders coming inside. The gators and snakes won’t mess with you if you don’t mess with them.”
He swallowed hard. “Oh.”
“I doubt anyone will find you. It sounds very secluded.” I couldn’t help myself. Teasing him as an adult was payback for all the nonsense he’d pulled on me when we were kids.
“That’d work. I guess.” He nodded as if to convince himself.
“I’ll call Jack. I’m sure he won’t have a problem with you and Nico staying there.”
Marco turned and walked to the door without another word.
Giggling, Shanna pressed her hand to her mouth. “I think I scared him.”
“He’s always been afraid of snakes and insects, especially spiders.” I pulled her into my arms. “Promise me something?”
“Hmm?”
“Swear you won’t blame yourself for this rift between me and my mother. She did that when she started plotting with Pietro Lazio.”
“I’ll try, on one condition.” She turned her face up toward mine and smiled the sort of smile men would go into battle to defend.
“Anything.”
“Promise me you’ll make friends with Mr. Boogerre. He’s going to be your step-cat one day. It’s best if you two learn to love each other.”
“He’s pure unadulterated evil, but I’ll try.” I leaned in to kiss her, but my brain skidded to a halt. “Step-cat? Does that mean you’ll consider making an honest man out of me?”
“One day, in the not so distant future, I’ll happily stand under a chuppa with you.”
I rested my brow against hers. “I’ll agree to a Jewish ceremony as long as we agree to raise Mr. Boogerre in the Catholic tradition.”