Page 141 of Handsome Devil

“Thanks. I stole it from a Hallmark movie.”

“Tatum Blackthorn, I’d bet every penny to my name you’ve never watched a Hallmark film.”

“Please don’t do that. We have a joint account, and you’d lose.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “I did, once, while flying commercial. Only one channel was available due to a technical problem. Everyone on the plane had to watch it. It’s what drove me to make enough money to buy my own plane.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help it. It was the first smile I had on my face since we took Mum off her tubes.

“Also, to set the record straight,youwere the one to suggest anal.” He stole another peck, this time on my lips.

“You literally asked me!” I swatted his chest.

“Becauseyouliterally pushed that sweet little asshole onto my dick,” he retorted. “I was being polite. Contrary to popular belief, I take social cues well.”

Nothing was right between us. Nothing but the notion we needed each other in this fucked-up, toxic way. And Tate was right—the blame didn’t sit squarely on him. I’d been dodging, avoiding, and omitting too.

“Oh yeah?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah.”

“Then shut up and kiss me.”

From: Dr. Arjun Patel, MD

([email protected])

To: Tate Blackthorn

([email protected])

Subject: Follow up.

Tate.

I have been following the news closely.

I’m worried.

Please get back to me.

Three more days passed, and Telma Bennett was still alive.

I was torn. On the one hand, as long as she survived, so did my marriage to her daughter.

On the other, it took its toll on Gia. She was exhausted whenever I saw her, which wasn’t often. She sat vigil day in and day out at the hospice while her mother straddled the gates of life and death.

Strictly from a practical point of view, Gia was safe as long as she was there. Tiernan wasn’t dumb enough to raid a fucking hospice. And me? Well, let’s just say I used my Gia-less time doing a deep dive in his sister’s life. I knew where she lived, who she fucked, and how often.

Row and Rhyland decided to take me out for a few pints tonight to keep me occupied while Gia was with her mother.Even before I got to the bar, I’d decided they were two boring fucks, and I’d called Achilles and Luca to tag along.

Rhyland and Row kept their poker faces on when I strolled into the Forbidden Fruit Club with two full-blown gangsters. The club was Ferrante territory, so I didn’t get what the big deal was. The table was filled with appetizers and expensive spirits.

“Casablancas. Thank you for catering my engagement party. We received nothing but compliments.” Luca offered Row his hand to shake.

“That’s probably because your family makes Al Capone look like a kitty, but I’ll take it.” Row squeezed his palm. “When’s the wedding?”

“Hopefully never.” Luca knocked a shot back, slamming the glass on the table. “But in all probability, next summer.”

“How are the Callaghans?” I turned to Achilles. I didn’t mind talking shop in front of Row and Rhyland. They were straitlaced but discreet. Also, I had both by the balls financially through different endeavors.