Page 94 of Damaged Beast
“No.”
“You said yourself, the delays are pressure, but not enough. Stellan can tip things.”
“No, Deanna.”
“You have to. It’s the only choice.”
He curses and pulls away. I reach for him, but he slips from my fingers. I watch him pace across the living room, beautiful, a pissed-off caged tiger in the flesh. “I’ve given everything to the Corsetti. The Famiglia is my life, at least it was, until I married you.”
“They’ll understand.”
“You don’t know gangsters.”
“But I know you, and Stellan does too. Tell him the truth. Swear you’ll make amends and really do it. But if we want to find a way to tip the scales against Fontana, we’re going to need Stellan. You can’t do everything alone.”
“It’s always been that way. I’m nothing but trouble. Look at what I’ve done to you.”
“Stop it.” I get up and go to him. He doesn’t resist when I touch his chest and get on my toes to kiss his neck. “Talk to Stellan.You’re a good man, Prime, you have to stop thinking you’re toxic.”
“If you’re wrong? If all I do is kill people I care about?” The pain in his expression hurts. I kiss him hard, tugging at his hair.
“Don’t say that again. I love you, Prime, and we’re going to make it together, do you hear me?”
He nods once, his face filled with pain. We stand like that, bodies tangled, hearts beating, until he lets out a weary groan.
“Well, if I’m going to get killed today by my closest friend, I might as well shower and look decent when it happens.”
“I’ll join you.”
“That’s only going to be a distraction.”
“Live for today, remember?”
“Now that’s why I married you.”
“No, you married me for revenge. You fell in love with my ass and my wonderful personality.”
CHAPTER 34
PRIME
Kira answers the door. Stellan’s wife puts a hand on her hips. “Well, well, look at this. You don’t appear on our front step often.”
“Is he home?”
“He might be. Must be pretty important.”
“I need to talk to him.”
She considers me and steps aside. “You’re always welcome.”
I slip past her. “Maybe not after this.”
“You in trouble again, Prime?”
“More like bringing it. Sorry in advance.”
She laughs and touches my arm. “After what you did for us? Stellan comes off like a hard ass, but I’m pretty sure he’ll do anything for you.”
