Page 39 of Melody’s Little Secret

“It was more of a question in general,” I lamented with a sigh. “Sorry, Zio. I know there’s been a lot going on today. Is Laney okay?”

“Your friend is physically okay, but she seems to be overthinking things. I promise I’ll find a way to get her on my good side again, no matter what I have to do.” He stated it loudly, purposefully ensuring that Laney would hear his decree.

Nodding, I finally came to the conclusion that whatever was going on needed to be sorted out between the two of them. “Thanks for clarifying. I appreciate you and Laney getting the things we needed for the shop.”

“It was no problem,piccola.” Zio assured me. “I’m going to head home. Have a good night.” He clapped Boz on the shoulder. “There are some urgent things we need to discuss about the restaurant tomorrow morning. I’ll text you when I get up.”

“Sounds good,bello.” Boz clapped him back. “Have a good night.”

“You too, though it seems like your day was admittedly better than mine.” Zio winked before waving over his shoulder. I was too embarrassed to speak as he left, his footsteps echoing on the stairs.

“How does he know?”

“Twintuition,” Boz grinned but as he glanced downward, a huge rumble of laughter came out of his mouth. “Or the fact that my tee-shirt is inside out.”

“Oh!” Giggling, I agreed, “I guess it’s sorta obvious.” He didn’t bother righting the shirt. His smile made me giddy, and I kissed him. I didn’t want him to go, but he pulled back too soon for my liking.

“It’s getting late,dulcita.”

I let out a long breath. “I’m so sorry, Daddy. I blew right past bedtime.”

Boz hugged me, planting a kiss on the crown of my head. “Considering I gave you a reason to stay awake, you won’t get into trouble this time.”

“Do you have to leave? I miss you already.”

“If I don’t leave, neither of us will get any sleep and we both have work tomorrow. Get some rest, little girl. I’ll stop by the bakery around noon tomorrow to pick you up for lunch.”

“Okay, Daddy.” I kissed him once before he released me and followed in his brother’s footsteps.

“One more thing,dulcita.” He froze and turned back to me. The look on his face scared the hell out of me. It was so tender, almost remorseful. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it was a look he hadn’t given me before.

My stomach tightened. Had he changed his mind? I’d never felt more amazing in my entire life, and he was about to ruin it all.

“W-what is it?” My voice trembled as I forced the words past the lump in my throat.

He came back to me and took my hands in his. Pressure built behind my eyes and my vision was clouded with tears.

“Why are you crying?” he asked, using his thumb to swipe at the first tear to escape.

“I’m scared.”

“Of what,tesorina?”

“Everything is so good. Now something bad is going to happen.” I voiced my biggest fears.

“Everything is more than good, and I will make it my mission in life to see that nothing bad happens to you ever again. I love you,dulcita. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. You are mine and I don’t care how fast this relationship has come to fruition, in the very near future I will make you mine in front of God and everyone else. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?”

I couldn’t believe my ears. He had just laid it all out there and trampled every single insecurity I had been harboring in one short monologue.

“I-I think so.” I nodded.

“Good. Now tell me you love me back and give me a kiss before I decide you need further convincing via my hand against your backside.”

I smiled and giggled. “So, if I don’t tell you I love you, you’ll stay longer?”

“Ah, my little brat.” He chuckled and tapped the tip of my nose. “Life with you will certainly be interesting, won’t it?”

“I aim to please.”

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