Page 76 of Sapphire

“So, I’m guessing you tried something for him to act like a gentleman?” I know my sister, and I’m pretty sure she would have made a move.

“I got a kiss last night when we left the dinner table. Well, he went to kiss my cheek, and you know the Spanish thing about kissing twice? Well, I might have accidentally turned my head at the wrong time and landed a kiss on his lips.”

I laugh because she has no shame.

“And then I may have grabbed him and pushed him up against the wall, and you know ….”

My eyes widen. She is absolutely scandalous.

“And he kissed me back, and it was wonderful, but then he pushed me away.” I can see the disappointment on her face. “He told me that nothing can happen while he’s working on your case, that your safety and bringing those men to justice is his main focus.”

“So, he hasn’t ruled anything out in the future then?”

She gives me a smile. “He needs to hurry up and catch the bad guys. Mama needs to get laid.”

I just sit back and shake my head at her. For such a smart girl she can have a one-track mind.

* * *

I’ve been putting off this phone call to my parents. How the hell do I explain to them I was kidnapped and sold by the mafia?

“I’m coming to get you. We will be on the next flight to Spain,” Dad says.

“No, please don’t. You’re not safe here, not until Nikolai is found. You are much safer there in the middle of the ocean.”

“But …” Mum begins.

“No, Mum, I mean it. Please, I have enough people to worry about here. I don’t need you two as well.” I sound like a bitch, but it’s the truth. It’s for the best, even though I want nothing more than to wrap myself in their arms.

“That motherfucker,” Mum swears. “I want to cut his balls off and then shove them down his throat.”

Gracie and I look at each other, then burst out laughing. I’ve missed Mum so much.

“You need to get in line behind me, Mum,” Gracie says.

“I’m sorry I pushed you to get out and have fun. You have my permission to never listen to me ever again.”

“Quick, Zoe, hit record. You will never ever get her to say that again.” Gracie laughs.

“Oh, hush you. I mean it, Zoe—I feel so guilty about pushing you into Nikolai’s arms.” I can see the anguish on her face.

“He fooled us all, but it’s not your fault. It’s no one’s fault except his.”

She nods, but I’m not sure she is fully on board.

“Who are these young men you are living with?” Dad interjects.

“Zoe’s in love with them. They are so going to get married and populate the world with hot people.”

I punch my sister in the arm.

“Ouch, you bitch.”

I’m giving her the filthiest of looks. As if they haven’t had to absorb enough tonight, now I’m going to have to spring on them that I’m in a triad relationship with the two men who found me. This was not how I wanted to introduce Mateo and Tomas to my parents.

“Zoe?” Mum says.

“I know you’ve been told a lot of stuff in a short amount of time, and I know you probably won’t understand how this all works, but …” I take a deep breath. “I’m in love with the two men that found me and all three of us are together.” I scrunch my eyes up and wait for the objections to come flying.

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