Page 61 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“You didn’t know the woman they were sending was Domenico Russo’s daughter.”

“No, I didn’t.”

He faced me.

The green around his irises was darker in the morning light.

“What happens tomorrow?” he asked.

“Daddy’s driver is scheduled to collect me at the celebration.”

Jonah’s gaze held mine.

“You knew before you arrived that a car would be waiting tomorrow.”

“I did.”

“And when I asked what changed after the Fourth, you didn’t answer.”

“I’m answering now.”

“Because I asked again.”

“Because I realized I couldn’t wait any longer.”

He gave a short breath that held no amusement.

“You had a working phone five days ago. You chose not to call anyone even though you knew someone was already coming.”

“I did.”

The red dress hung in full view behind me.

“You bought that for a celebration where your ride home was already waiting.”

“I bought it because I wanted to go with you.”

“And then leave with him?”

“I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

“You told me to ask again after the Fourth.”

“Because I wanted to make the choice when the car was there.”

“Why?”

“Because refusing to leave when leaving was still theoretical wouldn’t prove anything.”

“To your father?”

“To me.”

Jonah crossed his arms.

I could hear the strain in my own breathing.

“I didn’t want to promise you I was staying and then discover tomorrow that I’d only said it because I was angry with Daddy.”