Page 38 of His Broken Queen

“I still think it's a mistake.” He leaned against the desk. “But, you’re determined, so what can I do?”

“I have to do this.”

“I don’t like to be challenged,” he said. “Especially not in front of my brothers.”

“Your…wait? Rocco is your brother?” I had a suspicion that would be the case, but I wasn’t sure Romero was going to accept it. “You know for sure?”

“The results were confirmed this morning.” He winced when he maneuvered his shoulder inside the sling. “That’s why he’s here. Luckily, for you, he was or you wouldn’t be going to the funeral.”

“You’re upset.”

“You think?” He pushed off the desk and paced the room. “I’m losing control and I don’t fucking like it,” he yelled. “A family friend was murdered in my home, someone took a shot at me and my men, my wife is defiant, and oh, yeah, I have a long lost brother from a rival family. I’d say I’m upset.”

I jumped when he slammed his fist against the wall.

“I’m sorry.” I came behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

“For being defiant?”

“No.” I kissed the side of his neck. “But for all the other stuff.”

“Lu.” He turned in my arms. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“You heard Rocco.” I rested my head on his uninjured shoulder. “No one is going to come after me at the funeral. I’m not even supposed to be there.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to protect you from.” He took my upper arm in his hand. “You’ve been through enough this week. You don’t need any more stress.”

“I’m stronger than you think.” I kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t think we’re not going to address this stunt you pulled this morning.” He tightened his jaw. “You’re lucky I didn’t lock you in a room.”

“Would you have locked yourself in there with me?”

“If that was what it took.”

“You know I still want to run away with you. We could leave everything behind and go on an adventure.”

I dreamed that the two of us could leave everything behind and start over. No violence, no guards, no guns.

“We still haven’t gone on a honeymoon.” I bit my lip. “Maybe you need a vacation.”

“I need you.” He cupped my chin between his fingers. “Nothing else matters.”

Gio tapped on the door.

“What?” Romero growled.

“The car is downstairs,” Gio said. “Joey will drive. Sam and Rocco will ride with Lu.”

“Rocco’s men?”

“They’ll be in the car behind them. Lu will go in through the back, pay her respects, and leave.” Gio widened the door. “You should go now before the visitation gets too crowded.”

“Send Jag in the car with Rocco’s men,” Romero said. “Have Rocco accompany Lu into the funeral home. We can’t make a display of all these guards walking in, but make sure Sam is right outside the funeral home.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Gio said. “Come on, Lu.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

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