“And now we’re at war with the Rossettis, and no one is safe.”
The queasiness spreads to my stomach and arms, and I roughly brush my palms against the sleeves of my jacket, willing the goose bumps forming underneath to go away. “What are you going to do?”
He finishes my slice and closes the box. “Try to defuse it before anyone gets killed.”
“How?”
“By taking out GTR and his dad.”
I stare at the man in front of me—the man I could never imagine pulling a trigger on anyone, unless it was to save his own life or the life of someone he loved.Will it come down to that?
“That sounds dangerous as hell.”
A smile flits over his lips, and for a moment, Cannon looks like a younger Dom Casso. “I may not be a mobster, but I know how to think like one.” Quickly, he stands and puts the leftover pizza in the refrigerator, and when he turns back to me, his eyes are squinted and his mouth puckered. “Who knows, maybe Danger is my middle name.”
The conversation should have been a deep, dark well of emotions and accusations. But it hasn’t been—not even close. And there he is, making a joke to ease the tension that I brought to the table.
I smile, and he winks at me.
“Why are you telling me this? You shouldn’t trust me with anything.”
The brightest part of his smile dies, and Cannon’s expression is freshly stamped with seriousness. “The other thing I know is how to trust my instincts. You’re in love with me, whether it’s as Drew Carson or Memphis Lockwood, and there’s not a single fucking chance that you’re going to betray me again.”
He stalks around the island, and my chest rises and falls faster the closer he gets.
“You’re my woman now, whether you like it or not.” One corner of his mouth quirks up. “And I promise I’m going to make damn sure you fucking love it.”
I stare at him in awe as he stops in front of me.
I excelled at hiding who I was from the world. Even more, I excelled at hiding my fears and my demons from myself. So, how in the hell did CannonDangerFreeman find my heart anyway?
11
Cannon
Imay not be a mobster, but I’m a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to take it.
Memphis is mine. For better or for worse. I’m claiming her and I’m not fucking giving her up, no matter what happens next. The decision is made, and the entire goddamned city could come at me and it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. I’m not afraid of a challenge or to watch life unfold with uncertainty. Hell, I’m ready.
Bring it.
I sweep her off the stool, loving the expression on her face. That softness paired with amazement unnecessarily confirms everything I already knew.It was all fucking real.There’s no doubt in my mind. She may try to hide behind her makeup and wigs, but I see through her now.
As I carry Memphis into the bedroom, the plan I have for our future is solidifying with each step. Whoever killed her father will face justice, and I’ll help her make that happen—without getting her fucking killed.
I don’t give a damn how she came into my life, only that she did, and I won’t lose her now.
Once I’ve lowered her to her feet beside the bed, I place my palms on her shoulders and close the gap so that our faces are only inches apart.
“I’m in love with you, Memphis. From now on, it’s just you and me. No more lies. No more hiding. Out in the world, you can be whoever you need to be and say whatever you need to say to keep yourself safe. But when it comes tous, there will be no more secrets.”
Her eyes turn shiny again, and relief smooths her features.
Even as I make the proclamation, I know what I’m doing. I’m opening up the entirety of my past to her, along with my present, and most importantly, my future.Our future.
“You belong with me, and you’re staying with me. We’re a team, and we handle everything together. Got it?”
I never thought I’d say those words. Never thought I’d ever find someone who would understand my life, who could survive it along with me. With her beside me, I feel stronger than ever.