Page 33 of Crazed

"It's...it's not about if I want you there. Of course I want you there. I always want you with me," she proclaims.

"Good. Then it's settled. I'll move in until you're comfortable with my family, then we'll switch to my place," I firmly assert, but my insides quiver. It's another thing I'm not used to.

She stares at me, swallowing hard.

The notion of ignoring her nervous behavior pops into my mind, but I'm not a coward. "Katiya, what's wrong?"

"I didn't expect... I...are you serious?"

"Of course I am. Why would I ask you to live with me if I wasn't?"

She takes a deep breath then nods. "Okay."

"Okay, what? Okay, you want me to move in with you, or okay, you believe I want to live with you?" I ask.

She cocks an eyebrow, and a tiny smile plays on her lips. "Okay to both."

I grin like an idiot. "Yeah?"

"Yes."

I make a victory fist in the air. Happiness explodes in all my cells. I pick her up and twirl her around.

She laughs, crying out, "Massimo!"

I set her down and kiss her again. "Go to work. I'll see you when your shift is over."

She smiles and pecks me on the lips. "Sounds good."

I pat her ass and watch her walk through the door. When I can't see her blonde hair anymore, I jog down the steps and get in my Ferrari. I rev the engine, turn on some reggae, and pull out. Traffic is heavier than normal for Monday morning, but I weave through it. Horns blare at me, but I don't care. I'm on cloud nine, and nothing is bringing me down, including my family.

My phone rings through the car speaker. Tristano's photo appears. I hit the answer button and chirp, "Bro. What's up?"

"Why do you sound like a giddy schoolgirl?" he taunts.

"Shut up and tell me why you're interrupting my jam session," I order.

He groans. "Let me guess. Bob Marley and your piña colada fantasies are in prime mode."

I chuckle. "And you're calling because...?"

His voice turns serious. "Did you get Papà's message about the meeting this morning?"

My joy deflates a few notches. It's back to all the stresses that I sometimes wish weren't mine. Right now, all I want to do is pack up my shit and get it moved to Katiya's.

It should be a strange feeling. I never thought I'd live anywhere but my papà's, since I have my own wing, and it's the epitome of luxury. But if she's not comfortable, I'm not going to force the issue. I'll make a temporary sacrifice to wake up next to her every day. And everything about it feels right.

If only she were my only responsibility.

The messages from Papà did pique my curiosity, yet I have a feeling it's going to be about something that's a pain in my ass. I haven't seen nor spoken with him since he and Tully lectured us. I grumble, "Yeah, I got it. Any idea what it's about?"

Tristano's voice sounds as irritated as mine. "Not sure. Tully's going to be there."

All happiness disappears. The last conversation with Tully and Papà wasn't fun. I still don't know what Tully will make us do to repay him. And that doesn't sit well with me. It's guaranteed to be something none of us want to do. I snarl, "Tully can fuck himself."

Tristano huffs, "Wishful thinking. How far away are you?"

"Five minutes."

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