Page 56 of The Bonventi War

"What?" I say and playfully shove past him. "Is there coffee grounds in here?"

"Yes, and water."

"Here, you just have to—" I give it three solid taps on the side, and the machine gurgles to life. "See? Top-of-the-line."

"Jesus, Raven, I'm buying you a new one."

I shrug, and a few minutes later, I lean against the counter, sipping my coffee and watching Gio.

"You know," he says, taking another sip, "this isn't terrible, but you deserve better."

I roll my eyes. "My coffee maker works just fine."

"I'm not just talking about the coffee maker. All of this. You should be in a spacious home with actual working appliances, not ones that need physical abuse to function."

I laugh and look around. "This is fine for me living alone."

Gio stops mid sip and looks at me, "Well, maybe you wont live alone forever."

"Oh? You volunteering to be my roommate? I hope you know I leave dishes in the sink and steal all the blankets."

He shakes his head with a slight smile. "I need to take care of some things today."

Of course he does. The real world intrudes yet again.

"I've arranged to have men stationed at the gallery," he continues, setting down his coffee cup. "After your nightmare, I thought?—"

"I'm fine," I cut him off, perhaps too quickly with a slight lie. The memory of the dream is still very much present, but I think I'm okay. "Really. The dream was just my brain processing everything."

He steps closer, cupping my face with his hand. "You were screaming, Raven."

I swallow hard, looking away. "It was just a dream."

"Maybe." His thumb traces my lower lip. "But I've already arranged it. My men will keep watch, make sure you're safe. I can have more stationed if you want."

"No," I say firmly, finally meeting his eyes. "What you have is enough. More than enough, actually." I manage a small smile."Thank you, though. For taking care of me." I stand on my tiptoes to give him a soft kiss on his lips.

When he pulls back, his eyes are dark. "Always."

He heads into my bedroom and changes into his clothes.

At the door, he turns back. "I'll see you later."

I nod, coffee cup warm in my hands. "I can't wait."

He gives me one last heated look before leaving, and I listen to his footsteps fade down the hall, already missing his presence.

I finish my coffee and hop in the shower. The hot water feels like heaven against my skin.

I dress carefully, choosing a high-necked blouse to hide the evidence of Gio's possessiveness. A pencil skirt and heels complete the look—professional, put-together, definitely not someone who spent last night being thoroughly devoured by a dangerous mafia man.

I add some makeup, and I'm out the door. I spot one of Gio's men smoking a cigarette, and he gives me a slight nod as I walk into the gallery.

Morgan is walking out of her office and sees me.

"Good morning," she chirps cheerfully. She holds out a stack of papers. "These need your signature. Mostly insurance forms for the new shipment."

I settle into my chair, uncapping my pen. "Thanks. Any other fires I need to put out this morning?"