Page 42 of The Forever One
“You’ll have to excuse us. Mywifeand I have plans.”
River chuckles, knowing exactly what I’m talking about since we were just texting about it, and Kai cringes because he’s not a complete idiot and got my drift without any innuendos needed.
Standing, he hugs River and wiggles his eyebrows like he’s won a set. The problem is that he’s forgotten that I’ve already won the match and he’s just watching the replay.
“Night, Kai, and remember, her name is Natalie and she would totally be into you.” Patting his cheek like he’s a good boy—puppy, not boy toy—River sways into me as I wrap my arm around her waist before leaning into Kai and giving him my final jab.
“Hippie-Kai-yay, motherfucker.” River snorts at my play on words and when she looks up at me, I notice a spark in her eyes that I haven’t seen in a long time. She enjoys this, me and her best friend sparring amicably.
“Har-har, Marco Corleone.” Now my wife is outright laughing and I’m hoping it’s because his joke was a big pile of shit.
“That’s lame, Kai. You need to practice.” I pull her away and we leave the club shortly after saying goodnight to a couple of members who stopped us along the way.
“Is this going to be a thing?”
Frowning, I look down at my wife just as we reach my car, the driver waiting at the wheel.
“What do you mean?” I open the car door, looking around to make sure no one is watching us.
“The film references and the banter between you two.” Her words make it sound like it’s a ridiculous idea, but her tone is so excited that I can’t deny her this one thing she needs. Peace of mind that me and her family get along.
“Maybe. Depends on his level of culture. He’ll need to up his game or I’ll just get bored.” I shrug and pull her into my side, pressing my nose to her hair and inhaling her sweet lavender scent.
“I love you, Marco Mancini.”
“It’s about time.”
CHAPTERNINETEEN
RIVER
“Are you all ready for Marco’s birthday tomorrow?”
Lina and I are in what feels like the millionth shop today and we’ve spent a small fortune on new shoes.
“I am. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the whole mafia gathering thing in the evening, but at least I’ll look badass in that outfit you made me buy.” I nudge her shoulder with mine and we quietly chuckle as we take our seats at the table.
We’re in the same restaurant as the last time we came out together and I have a sneaky feeling it has something to do with the blonde and buff chef—who is currently standing by the small bar area with a huge grin on his face as he watches Lina.
I feel slightly underdressed in my black denim cut-off shorts and heeled Timbs, considering this place is a little fancy—it doesn’t give off casual cafe-diner vibes, that’s for sure—but Lina’s wearing jeans too, so I’m not alone.
The dirty blond makes his way to our table with two glasses of something pink in his hands. He has a natural swagger to his walk that I can appreciate would be drool-worthy to Lina. Her eyes haven’t left him since we walked in.
“Alright, ladies? I’m not officially workin’ today, but I’ll make an exception for a chance to cook for you.” He winks at Lina, who rolls her eyes with a smirk playing on her lips as he places the tall glasses in front of us.
I make eye contact with one of our bodyguards, Sam, letting her know this guy is nothing to worry about.
“You really don’t have to. It won’t make me change my mind.”
“Oh, we’ll see, sweetheart. Let Scarlett know when you’re ready to order.” He bows his head slightly, still grinning, before heading toward the kitchen through the double doors.
“Change your mind?” I raise a questioning brow at Lina.
“He’s been texting me, insisting we have a date because Ineed a cheeky Brit in my life. And well, you know, I’m not exactly in a place where I want to be around men like that. Enzo’s been basically ignoring me and I’ve been basically ignoring Tyler.” She shrugs, eyeing the menu and sipping at the pink thing Devon brought over. “Oh my God, this is delicious! You have to try it!”
Today is one of Lina’s good days and I’m taking full advantage of this time with her, hoping it helps her in some way to feel a little normalcy. To be honest, it’s good for me too, but seeing her like this is a major bonus.
“Mmm, yeah. This is nice! Tastes a little like grapefruit.” I choose to drop the subject of her love life. It’s none of my business and I know she’ll talk when she’s ready. We’re not exactly in the right place for a conversation that could be a potential trigger for her. “Are you coming to the thing tomorrow?”