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“Because, death just seems to follow me, don’t you think?” She leaned back and tilted her head to look up at him. “You’ve killed people before.”
He didn’t deny it.
Lucia sighed. “Anyway, I know, unfortunately, death is the only option. The only way for us to be free is when you get rid of Bonaldi, right?”
He kissed the top of her head but didn’t say a word.
“You don’t trust me?” she asked.
“I trust you, however, in a park this size, with the enemies I’ve made in the last few weeks, some things just shouldn’t be talked about.”
“Crap, I am so sorry.” She made to get up out of his arms, but he tightened his grip around her.
“You don’t need to be sorry. I’ve got you.”
“Do you think someone could be watching us right now?”
“There is a chance.” He had a sneaking suspicion the man on the bench, currently holding up a newspaper, was watching them. No one read the newspaper that intently. His own men blended in, looking like they belonged in the corporate world, simply having a stroll through the park.
“What do we do?” Lucia asked.
“Nothing. You sit back, relax, and tell me your troubles.”
“Do you think he read my lips ... or she? Is it a man or a boy?”
He laughed. “Don’t worry about it. All you need to worry about is talking with me. I think when we go to your father’s house, you should wear the jeans and one of the shirts that shows off your cleavage. In fact, I’m going to choose your outfit.”
She gasped and pulled out of his arms, turning toward him. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“I’m not.”
“My dad will be upset.”
“You’re not dressing to impress him, though, are you? You’re dressing to impress me and as my wife, that is your duty. Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side.”
“I just feel that would draw ... won’t that be antagonizing the situation?” she asked.
“Probably, but I’m not there to make your dad feel comfortable. I’m there to have dinner.” He grabbed her shoulders and drew her back against him, massaging the tension out of them. “What you do need to do is relax.”
“I can’t. I’m not allowed to wear pants or jeans, or trousers. That is a big no. Women are supposed to wear dresses and skirts, that is it.”
“Well, you’re my wife, and what I say goes, and if I say you wear jeans, guess what, your ass is going to wear jeans.”
There was silence for a brief moment, and he took the chance to watch the man who hadn’t even flipped the page of the newspaper. This was so obvious, especially as Boone looked up and caught him peering around the side of the newspaper. Amateur. Who had sent him? It didn’t matter.
“You’re enjoying this a little too much,” Lucia said.
“And you’re worrying about it too much. Trust me. That is all I ask you to do. Also, it will sell the story that you can’t be invited out to lunch, or for your family to get you alone.”
Now, this did make her tense. “What do you mean?”
“Think about it. Out of the blue, your parents are inviting us to dinner. No reason. Why now? Why after all this time of us being married? They’re testing the waters, Lucia, and if you don’t show your obedience to me, they will believe they can use you. Do you want to be put in that position?”
“No.”
There was no hesitation, which he liked.
“Then, being my wife, following what I like, submitting to me, is what they are going to see, and they’re going to know not to mess with you. You’ve become the dutiful, submissive wife. They will not make an ally out of you.”