Page 81 of Chicago Sin

I nod and focus my stare on my worn Converse. “I do.”

“It can’t be changed.”

“I have no desire to change him.”

Marco takes a step toward me and uses his finger to tilt my chin up, so I have to look into his eyes. He opens his mouth to talk, but my phone rings, interrupting us.

“It could be Armando,” I say, not recognizing the number, but hoping it’s him.

Marco nods to the phone for me to answer it.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Armando

“Give Nonna a kiss for me, okay?”

My mom calls me on her way to the airport. I bought her a ticket to see my nonna in Arizona for a couple weeks, just so I didn’t have to worry about anyone fucking with her.

“I will. I know there’s some kind of trouble, and I know you can’t tell me, but Mando?”

I suck in my breath. “Yeah, ma?”

“You take care of yourself.” Her voice wobbles.

“I will, ma. I am. I just need to know you’re safe.”

“Are you staying at your apartment? Maybe that’s not a good idea.”

“I’m not. I’m lying low. Actually…”

I don’t know why I have the urge to tell her. Only because she deserves something—anything—to brighten her thoughts about me.

“I met a girl. I’m crashing at her place until things cool off.”

My mom makes a little sound of surprise. “That’s great. You must like her if you’re telling me about her.”

“Yeah. I do.”

“Does she make you happy?”

“She does. I didn’t think it was possible. But she does.”

“You deserve to be happy.”

“I’m not sure what I deserve,” I admit.

“You may have made mistakes, son. You may make many more to come. But the one thing I know is you deserve happiness. Don’t resist it.”

“I’m trying not to.”

“What’s her name?”

I hesitate because we’re on the phone, but I doubt the guys looking for me are sophisticated enough to pull off some kind of tap. Besides, it’s a burner I picked up on the day I got out of prison.

“Hannah.”

“Hannah. Is she Catholic?”