Page 84 of His Property

That takes me by surprise, and my eyes narrow while the wind leaves my sails.

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do.” Emily puts up her hands and slowly plants her feet on the ground. “But I’m telling you he’s falling in love with you. And as infrequent as it is… When Victor loves, he loveshard. If you can’t handle that, just don’t answer when he calls you tomorrow. Because the people who love himalsolove hard. And if his heart breaks, we’re coming after you with pitchforks.”

“What happened to not threatening me?”

Emily bites her lip and shrugs. “I’m part of the familia. It’s what we do.”

I nod slowly and look through the kitchen window. Victor is at it, but he’s facing away. I stare at his back.

I don’t know Emily well, but I know instantly that she’s right. I can see the way Victor loves his sister, and I can feel the friendship he has with Emily. That love is a big part of what draws me to him.

Butwouldit be too much?

I don’t know.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Emily frowns. “Just think about it, okay?”

The back door opens, and Blade pokes his head out. “Hey, babe?”

Emily clears her throat and turns her head toward her husband. “Yeah?”

“Do you know if there’s a substitute for olive oil? Victor broke the bottle.”

Emily laughs and shakes her head. “Jesus Christ.” She gets up and gives me a glance before walking up to the back door. They both disappear, and I lean back in the chair and sigh. The back door opens again, and I don’t look to see who it is.

I close my eyes and listen to footsteps come toward me.

“That bad, huh?”

I smile, and Victor comes behind me and massages my shoulders. I let out another sigh.

“Whatever she said, just ignore it,” he says.

“I don’t think I can do that.”

Victor stops massaging, and I open my eyes as he drags a chair next to me and sits. “Why not?”

I bite my cheek and don’t answer.

He raises his brows, and I look down at my sweater.

“Do I need to talk to her?”

“No.” My eyes snap to his. “No, just let it go, okay? She’s looking out for you.”

Victor looks for a moment like he’s going to argue, but his face falls and he sighs. “You sure?”

I nod. “I’m sure.”

He relaxes into the chair and hands me a glass of wine he brought out with him.

“Oh, before I forget.” He leans forward and pulls a necklace from his back pocket.Mynecklace. He sets it on the table in front of me, and my head tilts while I stare at it.

“Thanks,” I say, picking it up and clasping it around my neck. “Did it fall off?”

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