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“Now regarding the hit on Jabbin’ Java.” I glanced at Renz on my left. Among Bianca’s brothers, he seemed to be less uptight and more accepting of me. I’d always liked Renz. Hard not to when he was prepared to turn his back on the De Lucci legacy to pursue the woman he loved and open a coffee shop. Although, according to Bianca, the coffee shop was Liz’s dream, and Renz wanted to fulfill it for her until it became his passion.

“Let’s not get off track,” Cesar said. “I want you all to stay in Hell’s Kitchen. Clearly, there’s still an unknown enemy.”

Nico and Matteo appeared surprised at their dad’s declaration.

“Dad!” Bianca snapped.

“No, it’s okay.” I squeezed her hand. “I understand your concerns and I appreciate the offer, but hiding behind the De Luccis is not what Bianca and I need right now.”

Cesar and Ava exchanged a glance. There was a reproving expression on Ava’s face and I could just imagine her squeezing Cesar’s hand the way Bianca reassured me earlier. Our women had more sense than their men, for sure.

“I’m sorry. You’re right,” Cesar grumbled. “I should trust you.”

After that, breakfast went smoother, courtesy of Samantha dominating the conversation at the table, obviously tiring of the grown-up bullshit. Everyone was also thrilled about Sera’s pregnancy and that took the heat off Bianca and me.

An hour later, Sticks showed up with my clothes.

“Should I wait for you?” Sticks asked.

“Yeah, we’re wrapping up breakfast with the in-laws,” I replied.

He chuckled. “I’m surprised you’re still standing.”

“I’m growing on them.” Like mold maybe.

When I closed the door, I turned around to see Cesar leaning against the wall.

I waited for him to say something.

“I want to apologize for being a dick.”

I raised a brow. “Which time?”

He huffed out a rough laugh. “Suggesting you and Bianca stay in Hell’s Kitchen. My default mode is always to protect my daughter, but I have to accept that she’s not exactly my responsibility anymore.”

“You’re right. She’s mine.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for her and letting her go…I was caught off guard. I wasn’t ready. I’m still not ready.”

I moved closer to him. “I’ve loved Bianca for a long time. That love has taken many forms, but there was a time I had to love her less, and that’s so I could do what’s best for her.”

He blew out a breath. “I’m getting that.”

I tapped his shoulder. “Come on, you can tell the women you’ve apologized.”

He coughed a laugh. “You know it.”

“I’m under no illusions that you came to me willingly.”

He gave me a look.

“We’re both men of action. You’re protective of Bianca, and I still have a lot to prove.”

That was the right thing to say because Cesar’s shoulders relaxed and his chin dipped in a small nod. I wasn’t taking my chance with Bianca for granted. Despite the lack of bloodshed at the breakfast table and a shaky truce forged with the men inBianca’s family, I still had to show them I deserved to be her husband, and I was going to cherish her with all my heart.

Chapter

Thirty-One