Page 130 of Dark Alliance
Chapter 40
Caterina
Connor follows me into the Ricci estate—our home—as my official boyfriend.
At least, I think that’s the case. Truth be told, I’m not quite sure what to call him. Possibly my savior, except no, that would never work. Not unless I want to inflate his ego so much that only one of us can fit in my car.
He has saved my life in more ways than one, and he almost saved my father’s life too.
Privately, I can mourn my dad’s loss in my own time, but publicly, I have a family to run.
Starting tomorrow.
Inside, I remove my boots before climbing up the grand staircase with Connor by my side. Even though I don’t ask him to, he follows suit. I pray we don’t have any other obligations for the rest of the night because I’m exhausted.
Danny said he’s got us covered, and Frankie and Carlo will be heading over for a third shift. My own team of loyal enforcers is taking shape, one man at a time.
Connor finally unmuted Declan again on the way over here to break the news that he was staying in NYC with me, addingthat he’s found his passion in life and wouldn’t give “her” up for anything. My head’s been swimming ever since.
I walk past the mermaid and toss her a small smile before leading Connor to my suite.
Marlene beat us home. On my request, she came in and removed the pills and the suicide note. It appears she’s also changed my bedding and tidied up. She’s a godsend.
I whirl around and embrace Connor.
He releases a tiny “ouch.”
“Oh, no.” I step back and remove his shirt. “You’re covered in bruises, babe.”
“I’ll be fine.” He leans down for a kiss, his mouth molding to mine perfectly.
The kiss builds as our breathing picks up. He pulls me in, but I hold back.
I don’t want to hurt him.
“Cat, it’s okay.”
I frown. “Is it?”
Connor takes my hand, and we sit on the bed. “It’s going to be. I promise.”
I touch his bruises lightly. On his neck, his chest, his abdomen. They’re everywhere.
“Do you want to just ‘sleep’?” His lips curve up as he repeats my words from that first time he was here.
I huff. “No. Absolutely not. I love you.”
“I thought you were never going to say it.” The sweet little boy in him appears, vulnerable and honest.
I arch a brow. “Did I have you worried?”
Connor shrugs, that silly little smile lingering on his busted lip.
He’s so damn cute, I could squeeze him senseless. “Stand up, please.”
When he does, I remove his joggers. He has bruises on his thighs, and a few bulbous, swollen knots on his calves. “You need an Epson salt bath.” I kiss his chest as I hook my thumbs into his boxers and slip those off too. “I’ll start the water. Why don’t you sit on the bed?”
I know from years of hot baths after swimming competitions that it takes exactly thirteen minutes to fill up my jacuzzi tub. I run into the bathroom, pour in the salt, and start the water.
