Page 122 of Gin & Trouble

I loved the way she thought. Hell, I loved everything about her, including how she fit in with my ridiculous family. Taking her hand, I led her down the hall to the master bedroom. “After almost a week at Maria’s, I think we can make it work.”

Stripping out of the sweats, she said, “Your parents must have imported this from the States. Most Italians have never heard of a California king is…”

I was pretty sure she said more, but my brain had stopped functioning when I realized she’d gone commando under the clothes that Leo had brought.

Frankie bit back a grin. “Your brother forgot to pack a bra and panties for me.”

“That’s it. He’s replaced Marco as my favorite.” I tossed the dozen or so throw pillows on the floor and turned down the comforter.

“All of your brothers are great, and so are your parents. And the kids. Your entire family, really surprised me. I thought they’d have a problem with me being here.” She snuggled in beneath the blankets.

I’d thought the same thing, but I kept that little tidbit to myself. I slipped in beside her and pulled her back to my chest. “It probably has something to do with you saving my life.”

“Let’s hope they feel the same after we meet with theFratellanza.”

“Nothing will change. You have no control over mob politics.” I sighed and opened the can of worms otherwise known as her sisters. “Marco was an ass about it, but he was right about Mia and Arianna. We have to be careful until we know what they did, or did not, have to do with the bomb.”

“I know but I hate that they think I’m dead. And Sophia—” She snapped her mouth shut and went still.

“It’s okay. She may never be my favorite person, but she’s your sister. I’ll learn to tolerate her.”

“Thank you.” Frankie relaxed in my arms. “I wish I could let them know I’m alive, but I understand why I can’t.”

“Let’s not think about that tonight. It’s Christmas.” Between her warm, naked body and finally feeling safe in the walled-compound, I could barely keep my eyes open. “I’d like you to move in with me when we get back to the States.”

Frankie tensed. “You meanifI return to New Orleans.”

“There is no if.” I turned her to face me. “You’re coming back with me. We’re going to start our own cyber-security company and volunteer to build houses for the needy. We’ll get a dog or a cat or one of each, and build a life together.”

She stared for what felt like an eternity before she nodded. “I love everything about that, but—”

“No buts.” Brushing her hair back from her face, I whispered, “How do you feel about marriage?”

Her eyes widened. “Umm?”

Way to go, Dante.

“I mean one day in the future.” I should have known better than to get into yet another serious topic, but it was too late to pull the words back. “Is it something you might want, or are you more of a ‘who needs a piece of paper’ kind of woman?”

“I’m not opposed to marriage.” She ran her hand up my back. “What about kids? Do you want a houseful like Gabe and Maggie?”

I thought back to Gunnar at the hospital. How I’d imagined having a little girl with Frankie. “I’d like to have a daughter who looks like you.”

She yawned and nuzzled closer. “I’d like that, as long as she has your eyes.”

“We’re going to have a great future, babe. Just you wait and see.” I sent up a prayer that we’d have it all, and more.

“I love you, Dante.”

“I love you, too.” I held her until she fell asleep, kissed her cheek, and followed her into dreamland.

I had no idea what time it was, but the sun had risen and someone was knocking on the front door. Thinking it was one of the kids coming to tell us breakfast was ready, I ignored it.

The knocking grew louder.

“You should see who that is,” Frankie muttered without opening her eyes.

“I’d rather not.” I caressed her back before leaning in to kiss her neck.

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