Page 90 of Sweet Prison

“Indeed,” the old guy chokes out. “It definitely does.”

“Perfect.” I tear the check out of my checkbook and reach over the counter to stuff it into the geezer’s front shirt pocket.

Small things.I feel completely at peace as I walk out of the door of this charming little shop. Even the knowledge that Efisio was somehow involved in the decades-long conspiracy against me, proving that there reallyisa plot orchestrated by someone close to me, doesn’t seem to faze me. I can’t believe something as small as purchasing a quaint little boutique would bring me such immense satisfaction in the grand scheme of things.

Fifteen million dollars can hardly be called “small,”my inner asshole’s voice bites back. The undisguised sarcasm dished out by my alter ego isn’t lost on me.

Want me to go back and retract the offer?

Don’t you dare!

I smile and get behind the wheel. The shrewd bastard has always been interested in power and financial gain, but it’s obvious that even the most devious part of my psyche is fully smitten with my little angel.

Zahara is going to love this place, I have no doubt. Reading all of her letters, it was clear as day that her dream has always been to create her own fashion label. She’s been obsessed with designing and sewing clothes for years, but each time I asked why she wouldn’t make a business out of it, she shut down. I blame Nuncio for constantly insinuating that this line of work is beneath her. The pompous asshat was never capable of seeing what was right in front of his nose.

I want her to be happy. I want to give her everything she deserves and more. Every single wish she has, I want to make it come true. I vowed that no one would ever again clip her wings or hurt her. Which is why I’ll do anything for her, whether she asks it of me or not. Anything, except one thing.

I will not ruin her life.

Because… What if Salvo is right?

What if her feelings for me are simply a product of my manipulations? What if in a few months, or even years, she realizes that? Just thinking of the possibility is throwing me into a full-blown panic.

For years, I exploited this amazing woman to gain a tactical advantage, never realizing what she would become to me. The love of my life. And now, knowing that she’s The One, something I felt since the instant our gazes met at her father’s funeral, I wish I had the power to erase the past. Then, I would never have used her. Then, our history would have been built on trust. Then, I wouldn’t be agonizing over whether her feelings for me could last. Be real. Without my conduct clouding her judgment. But after what I’ve done to her, how could they be?

Yet, every fiber of my being hopes that they are.

Am I just an entitled dickhead, or dare I trust Zahara knows her own heart and mind?

I want to shout it to the masses.She’s mine, motherfuckers! All mine!And she’ll forever be that, even if I have to level this all-too-often cruel world, with its bigotry and stupidity, and lay the wreckage at her feet. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her, as long as my actions won’t hurt her.

So how could I even consider leading her into the direct line of fire of every single person she’s ever known? How could I subject her to their derision and scorn?

I can handle myself.Her confidently spoken words push to the forefront of my mind.

Can she? I know my girl is strong. Her tenacity leaves me in goddamned awe, but at the same time, she’s so fragile and softhearted.

…she’ll surprise you.

Fucking Peppe. His mayo shit got me caught in wishful thinking again.

This constant tug-of-war between doing what I know is right and surrendering to what I want is driving me nuts. There’s no question about what Ishoulddo. The best thing for Zahara is for me to stay away.

But I can’t, damn it! I can’t!

Fuck!I smack the steering wheel with my palm.

Just claim her as yours in front of everyone, and whatever happens, fight it with the fires of hell. You’ve always been a selfish bastard. What’s changed?

“I did,” I mumble. “Because, for the first time in my life, I care about someone more than my own hide. And what the hellis with you? You’ve been yapping nonstop about how I’m going to ruin her life, now you’re screamingclaim her.”

Not your problem.

“Don’t be a chickenshit. Say it. We both know the truth anyway.”

Fine! I’m in love with her, too. There. Happy?

Laughter rumbles inside my chest and then explodes out of me. “You’re such a piece of work, buddy.”