Page 86 of Joey

“My penthouse is a fortress too.”

“A fortress you got kidnapped outside of, Max.” It’s annoying as fuck, but Dante has a point. “You’re too isolated there. At least here we have guards. Armored cars.”

“You’re being defensive because you’re feeling vulnerable. But you’re family, and we look after family.”

“Don’t fucking psychoanalyze me, Loz,” I bark. Talking about my parents always puts me on edge, but just because he’s right doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“Well, our sister will remain here while there’s an active threat against you,” he says pointedly.

“Please stay here, Max. I feel safer if we’re all together,” Joey pleads.

Well, how the fuck do I refuse that? Besides, it’s the truth. We are safer here with the Moretti army at our disposal.

“Of course we’ll stay, baby. I’m sorry, I’m just on edge, is all.”

She lifts my hand to her mouth and brushes her lips across my knuckles. “I can help you unwind if you’d like,” she whispers.

“Guiseppina!” Lorenzo snaps.

“I meant we could watch a movie, Lorenzo.” She wrinkles her perfect nose in disgust. “It’s not my fault your mind is permanently in the gutter.”

“Oh, sorry,” he mumbles, glancing from me to her with a look of confusion on his face.

Dante fights a grin because, like me, he knows exactly what my devious little vixen was talking about.

* * *

“I havethe perfect shade for you. Cherry Bomb,” Joey says excitedly as she rummages through the box containing her vast nail polish collection.

“Sounds fun.” Kristin wears a genuine smile, looking happier than I think I’ve ever seen her as she puts her bare feet up on the sofa. “It’s a pain in the ass not being able to reach my toes like I used to.”

“Well, we could both use a good distraction and an afternoon of pampering, right? I have some face masks in the fridge, and Sophia is baking some of her amazing macadamia and white chocolate cookies. Anya is going to join us as soon as she wakes up from her nap. It’s going to be the perfect relaxing girly afternoon.”

“Thank you so much, Joey. Ugh! I have to pee real quick. I’ll be right back.” Kristin scurries out of the room, leaving me and Joey alone.

“Thank you for doing this for her.” Cupping her chin, I tilt her head up so I can lean down and give her a soft kiss.

“Well, we really do need a distraction around here, especially while we’re confined to the house.”

“I haven’t seen her smile like that since I met her.”

She shrugs. “Well, what can I say? I’m a ray of freaking sunshine.”

“You’re the whole fucking sun, baby girl.” I kiss her again. “I’m gonna go talk to Dmitri and your brothers. I know you’d rather be in there than in here, so thank you again. I appreciate you taking such good care of my little sister.”

She smiles sweetly. “Well, I’m sure you’ll make it up to me.”

Damn right I will.

“I need to get some of my stuff, so I’m going to go over to the penthouse after our meeting.” Worry creases her forehead into a frown. “I’ll be back way before dinner, and I’ll be careful. Lorenzo’s coming with me. We’re going to check out the security feeds, see if there’s anything useful on there. Plus, Dante suggested we invite Dmitri and his family for dinner tonight, so I need to grab Kristin’s things for her. She has no clothes here, and I want her to feel comfortable.” Frowning, I pause. “Actually, she doesn’t have much at my place either. You think you can help her order some stuff online?”

“Can I online shop? Do you know me at all, Max DiMarco?”

I grin at her. I love this woman so fucking much. “Thank you.”

“And Kat has some nice maternity stuff she kept hold of. I’m sure we can find her something nice for tonight if she needs it.”

“I love you, Joey.”