Page 48 of Depths of Desire (The Emerald Dagger Mafia #3)

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

“ N ico?” I say as I open my eyes and search for him. Is he okay? He has to be okay.

“Right here, vita mia .” I turn and see him coming into the room carrying a tray of food.

I push myself up slowly, expecting pain to radiate from my abdomen, but nothing. I look down and realize two things. One, I’m totally naked. And two, there’s no scar. I touch my stomach. No pain. No scar. Did I imagine the whole thing with Malrick? Did I dream that he slashed me?

I meet Nico’s gaze as he sets the tray down on the bedside table. “Um, was it real? Is Malrick dead?”

“Yes, Malrick is dead, and yes, it wasn’t a dream, it was real.” Nico sits down on the side of the bed.

“But where’s my scar? I know he slashed me. It hurt so much. It was excruciating.” I glance at my belly again and then back at Nico.

“He did slash you, for which I am so incredibly sorry. I should never have dropped my guard, not even for a moment.”

I shake my head. “Not your fault. You didn’t think Malrick would risk going against the vampire kings and coming after me.”

“True, but I should’ve known. That’s on me.” He picks up my hand and kisses my palm. “I will be forever sorry.”

A small thrill of electricity shoots across my skin and warms my belly. I start to smile, but then the smell of the food hits me and my stomach growls.

Nico laughs. “I assume that means you are hungry.”

“Yes,” I agree. “But first, tell me why I have no scar. Did you use your magickal powers?”

Nico hesitates for a moment. “Yes and no. When Mia and Pippa were hurt, all three of us let our blood mix with theirs, and it saved them. We did the same with you. Vampire blood is powerful. Now, blood from all of us is mixed with yours and runs through your veins. That’s what healed you.”

“Does that mean I will live forever like you?” Hope fills me. The idea of getting old all by myself scares me.

“Not forever, but yes, you will age more slowly, as will Mia and Pippa.”

“I’m so relieved.” I throw my arms around his neck. “I did not want to grow old without you. This means we will have more time to spend together.” I start to kiss him, but he pulls back slightly.

“About that. I’ve been thinking, and I need to run something by you.”

I lean back against the headboard and pull the sheet up over my chest. “That’s okay because I need to talk to you about something too.”

Nico cocks an eyebrow. “You go first.”

I take a deep breath and start talking before I lose my nerve. My chest aches, but if I don’t get this out, I will lose my nerve, and then I will end up being miserable.

“I don’t want to be part of la famiglia anymore.

It has brought nothing but pain and suffering to me and my family.

I love you with every fiber of my being, but I just don’t want to live that way.

And I know from watching my parents that if you stay involved, we can’t live separate lives because it will drive us apart.

I know it. So, we have to figure something out.

I…I just can’t be a part of that world any longer. ”

I drag my eyes up to meet Nico’s gaze and he’s grinning. “I’m so glad you said that because I feel the same way.”

“Really?” My voice rises two octaves.

“Yes. As a matter of fact, we are already making moves to get out.”

I frown. “Who is we?”

“My brothers and my father. We are all getting out of the business.”

My mouth drops open. “Seriously?”

Nico nods. “Yes. It’s time.”

“What are you going to do?” I still can’t get my brain around it.

“We, as in you and me, are going to run my winery empire.” He pauses. “How would you feel about moving?”

“Moving? To where?” I ask cautiously.

“Nova Scotia. I just bought a new winery there, and it needs some work. I thought we could make it our home base. I know it’s not Europe, but it’s a lovely place. I think you’ll like it.”

My chest is bursting with joy. “I will love it! Oh, Nico, this is the best news ever.”

He leans forward to kiss me. I raise my arms to put them around his neck, but I freeze. I stare at my skin.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

I stare and then meet his gaze. “Nico, I glow.”

He smiles at me. “You’ve always glowed for me, my life.” Then he wraps me in his arms and kisses me with the promise of forever on his lips.

Keep reading for a sample my work in romantic suspense thrillers in Break And Enter, Book 1 of the Calahan Security Series writing as my alter ego Lori Matthews.