Page 81 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“I will.”

“You answer when I call.”

“I’ll answer when I’m able.”

He frowned. “That isn’t the same promise.”

“It’s the one I can make.”

He kissed her forehead, then faced me. “If she asks for help, you call.”

“She can call you herself.”

His eyes narrowed. Talia covered a laugh with her hand.

The corner of Domenico’s mouth shifted. “Good luck, Mr. Bricker.”

“I’ll need it.”

He entered the SUV.

Talia stood beside me while both vehicles crossed the field and turned toward the road.

The first SUV slowed at the entrance. Its rear window lowered, and Domenico lifted one hand.

Talia raised hers.

The window closed. The vehicles disappeared into traffic.

She kept watching the road until the dust settled.

Then she released my hand.

“You said nothing.”

“I said several things.”

“You said nothing to me.”

“I didn’t want to influence your decision.”

Talia faced me. “You influenced it by standing there.”

“I couldn’t leave you alone with him.”

“I know, and I’m grateful. But you were still going to let me refuse Daddy, stay in Colorado, and wonder whether you wanted me here.”

“I thought asking before you chose would turn it into pressure.”

“It sounds noble and feels terrible.”

I rubbed the back of my neck.

The radio at my hip crackled.

“Bricker, confirm the far marker.”

I lifted it. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”