“It’s the thought that counts.” I shrug.
“No, it’s not.” My father shakes his head. “I have something lined up for you two.”
“Is it a country?” I chuckle.
“Why would I buy you a fucking country?”
“No idea. Why would you buy me a castle in Italy?”
“Because you liked it,” Dad deadpans.
“You two can stay here as long as you want. This is and always will be your home. I do expect to see you back in Mexico frequently too.”
“We’ll be there,” I tell him. Honestly, I have no idea where Frankie wants to live. Maybe we’ll figure out how to divide our time between Vegas and back home.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“Is it really done? You don’t have some maniac trying to kill you?” I ask Emilio.
“Not today, babe,” he says. “Also, your brothers are downstairs. They want to see you.”
I roll my eyes. “They won’t leave me alone.”
“They’re worried about you.”
“I know, but they don’t need to. I have you.” I smile.
I’ve been hiding out in Emilio’s bedroom—well, not really hiding. I just don’t need to be around everyone currently roaming the halls of this house. They’re all looking at me like I’m about to break or something.
“You’ve always had me,” Emilio says.
“Yeah, but now I get to have you naked. How about we ignore the fact my brothers are here and get naked again?” I suggest.
“Fuck me.” Emilio runs a hand over his face. “As much as I want to take you up on that offer, we’re going out. Get dressed, talk to your brothers, and then I’m taking you out.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” he says.
“I don’t like surprises.”
“Yes, you do. You’re the one who said you wanted to be wined and dined. I’m wining and dining you, Frankie. So get dressed. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Emilio leans forward, kisses me, and walks out of the room.
“Ugh.” I fall backwards onto the bed before slowly rolling off.
I know what my brothers are doing. Hovering to make sure I don’t fall apart after I took someone’s life. I have no doubt it’s because my dad told them to do it.
I take my time showering, wash and blow-dry my hair, and then apply a full face of makeup—thanks to my mom bringing me a toiletry bag full of everything I needed. Aunt Evie, or I guess she’s my mother-in-law now, brought me a bunch of clothes from one of her stores.
I dig through the closet and pick out a pale-pink blouse and matching mini skirt, pairing the outfit with nude Jimmy Choos, also thanks to Emilio’s mom.
I walk downstairs, feeling more like myself than I have in a while. I forgot what it was like to actually get dressed and make myself feel good about the way I look. I have no idea where Emilio is. I do find Ezekiel in the foyer, though.
“Hey, have you seen Emilio?”
Ezekiel looks up and does a double-take at me. “Whoa, uh. No, but I’ll help you find him.” He smirks.
“Thanks.”