The Firing Squad
Fiona
Max holds my hand as we walk down to dinner. Based on the grin on his face, he’s pretty happy with the little bomb he just dropped on me.
Does he really think no one at that dinner table is going to care?
We’re about to walk into a firing squad, and that man’s smile couldn’t get any larger. That’s because they’re his family. They love him.
Are they going to love that he’s with a harlot, a fallen woman? It’s one thing to know that happened. It’s quite another to have it shoved in your face like I just did.
I need a shower…which is never going to happen again because of that man. That sweet, wonderful, kind, irritating man. He’s far too happy. “Maybe I should go change?”
“Nervous?”
Ya think? “A little bit.”
“Don’t be. It’s just dinner.”
“You know it’s not.”
He stops and turns to face me. A hand comes up and cups my cheek. “You have nothing to worry about. My family loves you. They want us to work almost as much as I do. Nothing you could wear or not wear would convince them to change their minds.”
“Yeah, but sleeping with their favorite son—”
He laughs. “They’re going to place the blame squarely on my shoulders, just you watch.”
“But what if—”
The beast has the nerve to lean forward and kiss me.
Like his lips will fix anything…
Or everything…
Mmmm…
A chuckle from the bottom of the stairs makes me jump back, tipping over.
Max’s arms wrap around me, holding me steady. “I seem to always be catching you. And I always will.”
“You wouldn’t have to save me if you didn’t kiss me on the stairs.”
“Totally worth it.” He pulls me tight against him.
“Are they still watching us?”
“Absolutely.” Max leans in and kisses my cheek.
“None of that. We’re going to go eat and smile at your family.”
“But I want to smile at you.”
“The food is getting cold. Would you two stop making out on the stairs and hurry up,” Vex complains.
“You’re just jealous it’s not you.” Max relaxes his arms enough for me to slip out.
“At least my woman never tries to get out of my arms.”
Dahlia elbows him. “Be nice.”
“That was me being nice. Now, hurry up, the kids are hungry.”
It seems like Vex doesn’t do hangry well either.
As we enter the kitchen, the family engulfs us into their midst. The world becomes busy with people moving and talking all at the same time. I’m usually in my element at times like this, but fear has me uncomfortable.
Emilia steps up to my side. “How are you doing?”
“Max moved into my bedroom.”
The entire group goes silent.
Way to go. Break it to them easy.
“It’s not what you think.” And the silence continues. “We’re in love.” That sounded even worse. I’m digging myself a hole so deep they’re going to need a mining crew to find me. “It’s part of my therapy.” And now they probably think I’m some sort of sex addict.
Why?
Why is this my life? I turn to glare at the man who’s silently laughing a few feet from me.
“Vex was the same way. He felt the need to be nearby to protect me.”
And that’s why Dahlia is one of my best friends.
The world starts talking a mile a minute.
Emilia leans over and whispers, “It seems you’re doing very well on your own. Welcome to the family.”
That’s it?
***
“Your family is crazy.” I turn down the blankets as Max changes Dash’s diaper.
“And?” He puts a sticker on Dash’s tummy.
“What’s that?” I walk over to his side.
“Just a monitor. So I don’t have to worry about him at night. It feeds all his vital signs into my phone and alerts me if something changes.”
“Dash is a healthy baby.” A sleepy one, too, based on those eye rubs.
“I know.” Max zips up his pajamas and walks the baby over to the crib, laying him down gently. “Sweet dreams, Dash. You’re safe and loved.”
My knees go weak.
“You okay?”
I look up to find Max staring at me.
“I can sleep on the floor or on the couch.”
“In your own house? That’s just silly. We’re two mature adults. And you’re a gentleman. I trust you.”
Max stalks up to me. “I told you I’m not that much of a gentleman.” He leans down and brushes my lips with his. “Now go get in bed before I feel the need to remind you of that fact even more.”
“You don’t scare me, Massimo Vincenti.” I climb into bed but sit cross-legged, staring at him as he makes his way over to the bed.
“I should because you terrify me.” He lays on the top of the blankets, then shifts on his side to stare at me.
“No, I don’t.” How could a man like him be terrified of anything?
“Tesoro mio. I’m afraid of your head, your heart, your beauty, your strength, and most of all your bravery.
Why couldn’t I have fallen in love with someone who was terrified of her own shadow?
Someone who clings to me to protect her?
That way, I would always know she’s safe.
With you…I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you. ”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“It’s the best thing in the world. Now come over here and hug me so I can sleep.”
Do I dare do that? I scoot under the cover and over to him, putting my head on the center of his chest. A steady heartbeat and warm body draw me even closer as he wraps an arm around me. “You’re better than a fluffy blanket.”
He chuckles.
“And if you do diaper duty at three in the morning, I might think you’re perfect.”
“Is that all it takes?”
I shrug awkwardly. “It doesn’t hurt that I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Thank you for stopping me today. And thank you for being the hero that I didn’t know I needed.”
A shudder runs through his body…or maybe it’s mine.
“Not just today. That’s over forever. But I’ll be your hero whenever you want.”
“Should we get you tights and a cape?”
“Very funny, woman.”
“What? I’m sure you’d look good in them.”
“Woman.”
“Woman.”
“Fine. I’m going to sleep, but just know I don’t mind having you around at all. With or without the cape, you’re still my hero.”