“Do you think I could start working as a self-defense instructor for girls and kids?”
I paused, thrown off by the topic. “I thought you were going to college to study these feminism courses.”
“You know I only signed up for them to annoy you.” She bit her lip. “But it’s not something that I’d enjoy. I’d rather help people get comfortable in their bodies and learn to defend themselves.”
“Then do it. What’s stopping you?”
“I thought…”
I raised my eyebrows, moving closer. “You thought?”
“I should get your permission first. You’re my husband and…”
I pulled her against me despite her protests. “If that’s what you want to do, then do it. You don’t need my permission for that.” I smiled. “How about we continue where we left off at the pool?”
She slipped out of my hold, making an innocent face. “I don’t know what you mean.” Before I could grab her again, she left the room. Running again, Kitty?
Did giving in to me scare her that much?
That night I could see Gemma’s stubborn streak in full effect. She didn’t allow me more than a quick kiss once we were in bed.
I chuckled into the darkness. “Gem, you’ll give in soon enough. You know it as well as I do.”
Silence was the answer.
I gave her some space over the next couple of days, trying to give her a sense of safety before I’d try for another seduction attempt.
“There’s a big fight tonight. Why don’t we watch it together in the Arena?” I asked during our daily morning workout. Gemma gave me a look as if I’d given her a Christmas present. “Really?” She threw her arms around me and kissed me enthusiastically. I deepened the kiss at once. Too soon, she pulled away with a smile.
I chuckled. “If I’d known that this was the key to your panties, I would have suggested it sooner.”
She punched my shoulder. “You got a kiss, not more. Toni’s working tonight, so I get to see her too. I haven’t since the wedding because she had to help her dad in the Arena, thanks to Fabiano beating him up.”
“Next time, he’ll know better than to accidentally give us a smaller percentage than agreed,” I said coldly.
Gemma scanned my face. “Sometimes I forget that you’re a Falcone because you’re so easy going, but you can be really scary.”
I tried to keep my scary side from her. It had its time and place but usually not around my family.
“The Camorra is my life, Gem. My brothers and I won’t allow anyone to mess with it. Roger’s lucky he only got beaten up. I don’t believe it was a fucking accident that he messed up the bookkeeping. He wanted a bigger part of the pie for himself. That’s betrayal and would mean death under normal circumstances.”
“Then why is he alive?” she asked.
“Because Diego has a soft spot for Toni and because I have a soft spot for you, and you’re best friends with Toni. But I won’t turn a blind eye again, so Roger better get his act together.”
Fabiano wasn’t stupid. He knew the truth and so did Remo and Nino, but Roger wouldn’t survive another bookkeeping mistake.
Gemma licked her lips. “It would break Toni’s heart if something happened to her dad.”
“Then she should make sure her dad stays in line, Gem. That’s all I can say. Remember your loyalties.”
She stepped back. “I’m loyal to you and to Toni. I’ve known her all my life. She’s my best friend.”
“And I’m your husband.”
She swallowed. “Toni’s more responsible than her dad. She’ll make sure things go smoothly.”
I kissed her temple.
Around eight in the evening, I waited for Gemma in my living room. The moment she came down the stairs, my heart sped up. She was wearing a tight red skirt and a red crop top. Holy hell.
Slowly I pushed to my feet, not sure if I wanted to take her into public like that.
Gemma tried to act casual but this wasn’t her usual style. Until recently, she’d still worn those horrendous dresses. “I have a feeling I’m going to kill someone tonight.”
“You threw someone through a window for talking to me, don’t you think that was bad enough?”
“He survived, didn’t he?”
She huffed.
The moment we entered the Arena, every fucker with eyes in his head checked her out. Only a death glare from me stopped them. The Camorrista spending their evening here gave me polite nods. Like usual, they made up only about a quarter of the customers, the