Page 172 of Vows of a Mobster

“Nah, we might as well move on. That’s the way it’s done in this world.”

I shook my head. I wrapped my arms around him and felt him stiffen. “Thank you, Giovanni.”

He relaxed and chuckled. “You’re welcome. Mateo is going to beat me for your hug.”

I took a step back and smiled. “No, he won’t. Because I love him, and if you paraded in front of me naked, it would do nothing. Mateo is the only one for me.”

Giovanni grinned the same moment I felt my husband’s hands around me. “That’s good to know,” he kissed the back of my neck. I leaned backwards, into his body. I couldn’t wait to go home and just talk to him, feel his embrace.

“Did you make a decision?” Mateo asked.

I nodded and turned around to face the rest of the room.

I locked eyes with Marissa.Shit, maybe I should talk to her too.

“Mar, are you going to continue seeing the same guy?” I asked low. I wasn’t sure who knew and who didn't know in this room that she was seeing Declan.

“Mateo forbid it,” she replied in a low voice.

My head snapped to Mateo.

“I did, because of all the attacks,” he justified, although he didn’t have to. He was the boss after all. “But Declan and I came to a mutual agreement. If she wants to date him, she has nothing to worry about from me. As long as he keeps her safe.”

“Okay then,” I commented. I turned my gaze to Aoife and her husband. “Emma doesn’t know you. But she knows Marissa. She’s known her since birth. I’m okay to let her visit with Marissa whenever Declan wants to bring Marissa and Emma around.”

Declan met my eyes, a surprise in them and then he smiled. I swore I heard him mutter, “Smart,” under his breath but I couldn’t be sure.

Every single member of his family turned their eyes to Declan and then to Marissa.

“You two?” Declan Sr. questioned, his eyes full of confusion.

“Yes, Dad,” Declan replied to him. “For about seven years or so.”

“Jesus boy, why didn’t you marry her already?” Declan Sr. looked appalled, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“We can let those two figure out what they want to do,” Mateo chimed in. “I want to take my wife home. Antonio is eager to get back to his wife too. And Giovanni needs medical attention. Marissa, are you coming home with us?”

“I should come with you guys,” Marissa answered, although I could tell it was not what she wanted to do. Declan was disappointed too.

“Mar, don’t do what you should,” I told her. “Do what makes you happy.”

Her eyes immediately went to Declan. A slight nod by him and both of them smiled. “Okay. Declan will bring me to a dropping point. I’ll have one of the drivers pick me up.”

“Have Declan bring you to the house,” Mateo told her. It was my turn to be surprised. Marissa’s mouth dropped too. Mateo explained, on a sigh. “We know where they live. Besides, it would be stupid of any of us to go against each other, now that we are connected with Emma. Declan will explain to his parents about what we came to determine.”

God, what an odd day! I thought I’d be killed and here Emma gained a set of some sort of grandparents and uncles. And Declan would bring Marissa back to our house.

Aoife came and gave me a hug goodbye. Declan Sr. did the same. When Declan came up, Mateo growled. “Don’t even think about it, Declan. You and your brothers won’t be hugging my wife.”

Marissa and I chuckled. Definitely possessive.

“A handshake then,” I extended my hand to Declan and he took it into his big hand. “And Declan, thank you for being the donor. Emma probably owes you her life. So do I.”

“She’s my family too,” he replied simply. “Initially, I didn’t know who it was for. But once I found out it was for my little cousin, I wanted to do it even more.”

“How did you find out Emma was your cousin?” Marissa asked curiously. I wondered the same thing. If Marissa didn’t tell him, how would he know?

“You, Brianna,” he replied. “You went searching for my mother at Kyle’s last known address. How did you know my mom and their address?”