Page 121 of To the Chase

She shrugged, eyes darting to her lap. “Yeah, I’m all right. You guys are cute and all. I guess…just…don’t screw it up. It would really suck if that happened and we couldn’t see you anymore.”

“I’m not going anywhere, darling. No matter what,” I promised.

She met my eyes then gave the smallest nod. “Good.”

I didn’t miss the way Salvatore had been watching me all evening.

Healways did, so that wasn’t new, but it was his pensiveness that struck me. Something was on his mind. Probably the email. Up until we closed his bedroom door, we hadn’t had a moment alone to discuss it.

He sat on the side of the bed and reached for me. “Come here. I need to talk to you about something and want you close.”

“’Kay.”

I perched on his thigh, and he circled his arms around me, tugging me into his chest. He didn’t say anything as he dragged his nose along my neck and into my hair, breathing me in.

“I didn’t know we were telling them about us,” I murmured.

“They took it well,” he replied.

“Yes. For the most part. Scarlet’s wary.”

“She’s lost a lot. Her being the oldest, she felt it the most.” He stroked my stomach and slid his hand beneath my shirt, cupping my breast. “She won’t lose you.”

“You sound sure.”

“I am. I want you to be sure as well. That’s what I would like to talk to you about.”

With his free hand, he reached into the nightstand and pulled out a slim folder, handing it to me.

I tilted my head. “What is this?”

“It’s the deed to your house. I’ve signed it over to you.”

My mouth went dry. “What?”

“The house is yours now, Beatrice. Immediately after I bought it, I had these papers prepared. It wasalwaysmeant to be yours.”

My heart thudded. I would have asked if he was serious, but this was Salvatore. He didn’t joke about things like this. “Why now?”

“Because we’re together. This is serious for me.”

“For me too,” I agreed.

“Good.” He tugged my bra down to pop my breast free and stroked my nipple. “Then I hope this makes sense to you. I do not want you beholden to me for any other reason than you love me. No strings or conditions.”

I gasped, both from the rush of his fingers on me and the quiet force behind his words.

“Sal…” I placed my hand over his, stilling his touch though I craved more of it. “I don’t feel beholden to you. I never have.”

His eyes searched mine. “Good. But I have to be sure. It’s yours to do with what you want—keep, sell, rent it out, or turn it into your workspace. Whatever you want.”

Tears burned behind my eyes, stupid and fast.

“It’s yours, Bea, but I need you to know I want you here, living with me and the kids, full time. It’s too soon now—not for me, of course.”

I laughed wetly. “Of course.”

“But I don’t want it to be someday,” he continued. “Soon. Our family has been through a lot of changes. Too many, really. But we’re in a good place, and I’m certain you would fit in like you’ve always been here. When you’re ready, and the kids are ready, I want you living here.”