Page 93 of Sweet Deception

When she finally looks at me, she laughs and nudges my chin closed. "Now, honey, this isn't anything to be upset over."

I drop my fork and knife onto my plate with a clatter and sit back in my chair and stare at my wife as if she's lost her mind.

Kathy leans in with a pleading look. "This is a good thing. He's protective. He didn't want her in that run down car anymore than we did." She pats my hand before righting herself and goes back to cutting her steak. "It's actually really sweet of him."

I was speechless until she said that. "Sweet?" I sputter loudly. "They've only been dating a minute, and he buys her a car? That's not sweet, that's—that's control!" I scoot my chair back and pace next to the table. "Who buys a car for someone they just started dating?" I whip around to look at Kathy, putting my hands on my hips. "Did she accept it?"

Kathy sighs in exasperation. "Sit down. You're overreacting. And yes, she did—wait!" Kathy holds her hand out, stopping me from interrupting. "She only accepted because apparently he's as stubborn as you are and refused to take the car back. In fact, he towed her old car to the junkyard. What did you expect her to do?"

I grudgingly admit that was smart of him.

Grumbling under my breath, I sit back down and resume cutting my steak. We eat in silence for a good five minutes before my curiosity gets the best of me. "What did he buy her? It better not be some fancy sports car that will get her killed."

Kathy avoids my eyes. "No, he got her a very reliable SUV with a lot of safety features." She's still not looking at me, so I can only assume she's afraid to tell me what it is. And the only reason for that is it must be really expensive.

Resigned, I push. "What is it, Kathy?"

"Oh … ah, I believe it's a Range Rover." Again she says without looking at me as she picks up her glass to take a drink.

"Damn Morelli." I mumble before shoving a piece of steak into my mouth.

Chapter forty

Luca

Rome pats me on the back as I walk past him through the front entrance. "It's almost over. What time is your flight tomorrow?"

"Noon, after Kylie's last class, as if you don't already know." I arch my brow, daring him to deny it. There's nothing Rome isn't aware of.

His lips quirk up. "We should have dinner when you return. I'd love to meet Kylie."

I eye him a beat. He's bound and determined to bridge the gap I placed when my father died. For once, I lack the desire to put space between us.

"When things settle down." I acquiesce.

The corner of Rome's mouth tips up. "Safe travels, cousin." He steps back to close the door as Gio, Rafael, and I head to the Escalade.

"Do you feel good about the plans, Rafael?" I ask once we're all in the car, needing the reassurance it will all go well tomorrow.

"I do. Italy flew down some foot soldiers to help. It's going to be quick and merciless."

Gio takes us down the long driveway away from Rome's house. It's a beautiful estate near the city. Horses are out in the pasture to our right. All are heading to the stables, probably to feed and house up for the night. One stands out, a beautiful white stallion racing home, bucking and showing off for the goldenpalomino running a few feet behind him. Rome's always loved horses and I have no doubt the white horse is his.

I wonder if Kylie would enjoy going horseback riding. I've gone a few times when I was younger and it was exhilarating to ride such a powerful animal. A vision of Kylie with her hair flying wildly behind her as she rides comes to mind. I decide to make that happen soon.

My smile dims when I realize I haven't heard from her. I check my phone and sure enough, she never answered my text. I send one out letting her know we are on our way to get her, then instruct Gio, "Swing by Kylie's place first."

"Got it." Gio turns the signal on as we drive past Rome's gate to the main road.

As I stare at my phone with no response coming, I get an uneasy feeling. "Have either of you gotten an update from Joseph lately?" I meet Gio's stare in the rearview mirror. He shakes his head at the same time as Rafael. Knowing Joseph will call if something's wrong doesn't lessen the uneasiness. I dial his number.

"Mr. Morelli?" He answers after the first ring.

"Joseph. Is all well?"

"It is. She's still inside. Did you want me to bring her to your house?"

"No, we're on our way now. Wait until I arrive and then you can sign off for the night."