Page 38 of Blood Lust

“Maybe,” I conceded. “But what if I waited and something happened? My mother’s death taught me that life is unpredictable. I could be gone tomorrow. He could be gone tomorrow. Isn’t taking each day and experiencing it to the fullest the best way to live?”

“Good Lord, your life is a romance novel,” she teased, and I swallowed hard. Little did she know, it was more like the ones I edited than I could tell her.

To cover up my guilt at keeping the truth from her, I laughed.

“I know it sounds crazy, but he’s not only handsome, he’s smart, witty, kind, and girl, that ass,” I groaned, then took a sip of my coffee as I stared out the windows at the fantastic view.

“Well, he’s obviously loaded, so he’s not trying to bum off you. That alone gets brownie points in my book.” We both giggled, then she grew serious. “Just don’t rush things.”

“Yes,Mom,” I replied.

“I’m serious, Lia. But I’ll quit nagging you. How’s your dad doing?”

I took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “He’s following through with what he promised me. He’s going to counseling, attending groups, and checking in with me regularly.”

Knowing it wasn’t something one talked about, I didn’t bother telling her that I’d found out my dad was a made man withLa Costa Nostra. Besides, that might’ve given her a damn heart attack.

“You have no idea how glad I am to hear that. Okay, I’m gonna let you go. I know you need to get started on your edits, and I have words to write. Love you!”

I returned the sentiment, and we ended the call. My conversation with Merin made me think of the one I had with Gabriel in the library last night.

“Do you think you could leave everything behind if they found life and inhabitable planets in another galaxy?” he had asked as he lifted his intense gaze from the scientific journal he was reading.

Breaking my focus on the book I’d been engrossed in, I glanced up at him.

“You mean, like,forever?” I clarified in an astonished tone.

He shrugged. “It would probably take years to get there, and then, what if you couldn’t go back? What if the fuel you needed to come home didn’t exist there? Or the ship broke down? You might not have a choice.”

“No way,” I replied, shaking my head.

“Why not?” He seemed genuinely curious.

“Because I wouldn’t want to take the chance that I’d never see my dad or my friends again,” I explained.

“What if I was with you?” he teased, trying not to smile.

My heart took off at the thought that he would consider giving up everything to be with me alone. Unsure of how to answer, I’d snorted a laugh and returned to my book.

As I shook my head at the memories, I smiled.

“I have a great ass?” His voice carried from the bookcase elevator, and I jumped, practically spilling my coffee.

“Oh my God, how are you so fucking quiet?” I demanded, glancing down to double-check I hadn’t dribbled on my boobs.

He chuckled darkly as he approached. “Comes in handy in my line of work.”

The closer he got, the faster my heart raced. By the time he stood in front of me, breathing in my air, I was afraid I was going into cardiac arrest.

Twirling a piece of my hair around his finger, he stared at it and stroked the strands. Then he released it and trailed his knuckles along my jaw. As always, he couldn’t be close to me without touching me.

“Handsome, smart, witty, and kind?” he murmured with the corner of his kissable mouth quirking up.

“I was trying to ease my friend’s mind about why I’m living in your home,” I dryly replied, then raised my mug to my lips.

“Mmm-hmm, whatever helps you sleep at night.” His gloating smile had me rolling my eyes despite the fact that, in a way, he was right. I was insanely attracted to him in ways thatwere likely unhealthy. Some psychiatrist would have a field day with me.

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be out mafia-ing or something?” I asked with a dismissive flutter of my hand, to which he burst out laughing.

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