Page 74 of The Love Obsession

“Your Ginny has been making friends with Odette recently.” He pointedly stared at us, and I wasn’t sure what to make of his look. My natural instinct was to start calling him “dude” and acting indifferent, but I’d been training myself out of the habit. I wanted to fit in, not stand out.

“Odette’s cool.” Ginny swished the bottom of her baby blue dress with unicorns from side to side, eyes bright and glittering. “She’s my new bestie. I gave her a bestie bracelet and everything.” She glanced up at us very seriously, her expression telling us not to ruin this for her. “I made it. Odette loved it. She said so.”

“Awesome, Buggy.” I ruffled her hair, and she heaved a massive sigh, stomping away from me in her knee-high brown boots to head toward a mirror so she could fix the mess I’d made. Shit. How quickly did girls grow up?

“Odette’s shy and new to town.” There was careful consideration in Aless’s tone, as though he didn’t want to give too much away. “She hasn’t made many friends since arriving with her other daddy, so it made me happy when she told me about the new girl in playgroup and how nice she is.” He eyed uscarefully. “I did my research on you.” His voice hardened. “An electrical engineer and Keaton’s currently searching for a job. Interesting.”

I stiffened. “Are you spying on us?”

He smiled and it was friendly enough. “No. Just making sure my daughter’s safe, that’s all.”

“We’d never hurt a child.” Zayn stepped in closer to me and wrapped an arm around my waist. “Ginny’s our world, and if she wants to make friends with Odette, then we encourage it. There’s no ulterior motive, if that’s what you’re hinting at, Mr. Sabbatini.”

He held up his palms. “Good, then we’re fine here.” He crossed his arms and the expensive suit that probably cost more than any Zayn owned stretched with his movement, showing off strong biceps. “My brother runs a lucrative business. If you wish for a good paying job?—”

“We’re fine,” Zayn cut in, face neutral. His grip on me tightened. “I’m not going to play dumb here, Mr. Sabbatini. I know the rumors about your family and who your brother is. I don’t give a shit. If Ginny enjoys playing with Odette, then they can have their playdates and parties and whatever else they want.As longas Ginny stays safe at all times. If her safety is compromised, then we’ll have something to say about their friendship.”

“We’re in agreement then.” Aless glanced from me to Zayn, his stare careful and assessing. He stroked his goatee and grinned, all white teeth and politeness, not at all like the mobster he was rumored to be. “Ginny will be safe with Odette. Anyone who’s friends with our family are friends with all of us. You’ll be protected in this town. Welcome to St. Loren.” He inclined his head, smirking, before he turned and headed toward Odette. She jumped to her feet the moment she saw him, and I watched as he crouched to give her a kiss on the forehead.

I leaned closer to Zayn. “Are we going after the Sabbatinis, Daddy?”

Zayn continued to eye Aless, his stare vigilant and his hold on me strong. “No, boy. That’s worse than hunting a bear with a pocketknife. We’re not equipped. If Ginny’s friendship keeps us all safe through their protection, then it works in our favor.”

I pressed my mouth against his ear. “But they’d have to be in the drug business, right? If they’re a mob.”

“Even if they are, we have no proof, and no one’s dumb enough to point at them. It’s better to attack the lower dealers, ones we can handle.” He gave me a gentle smile and released his hold on me so he could cup my face. His expression softened, and I turned to goo under his touch. “Our mission is important, but you and Ginny are themostimportant. If I have to give up my game to keep you safe, I will. I have a new obsession.” He shushed me when I opened my mouth. “We’re fine for now. You and I can continue to pursue Rankor.”

I sighed. “Yes, Daddy.”

He checked on Ginny, who was grabbing her things, before he tugged me to walk out the front of the building. He pressed me against the wall and laid a kiss on my lips, tender and sweet. Zayn made me more confident and happy, and he helped me grow and learn in ways I’d never expected.

“How long will we stay here?” I murmured against his mouth, at ease with our position. Months ago, I would’ve been terrified of what people thought about me kissing a man, but I’d grown comfortable in my skin and in my relationship with Zayn. I didn’t give a damn about people anymore.

“That depends on how fast we get names and how many we get. But if you enjoy it here, we could take it slow.Enjoythe kills.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “You know the deal now, boy. We need to plan and make sure we don’t make a mistake.”

I nodded. I wasn’t just his eager boy, I was also a very willing apprentice. “Yes, Daddy.”

The door swung open and it would’ve slammed into my face if Zayn hadn’t put a hand up to stop it. Ginny walked out, her backpack over her shoulder, and she rolled her eyes when she saw us. The attitude was growing each day.

“Come on, let’s go! I want to get my ice cream.” She turned to run off, but I grasped her elbow gently before she could.

“Virginia Marie Burnett, you will cool your jets. Did you say goodbye to everyone?”

Another sigh. “Yes,of course.”

I chuckled. Oh, she was going to be a handful when she grew up, but I couldn’t wait. It would be tough, but I had faith that Zayn and I could raise her together. We’d always keep her safe.

Zayn laughed. “Okay, family, time to go. Ready?”

I grinned widely. “Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s go home.”

“Yeah!” Ginny screeched in excitement and ducked between us so she could take both our hands. She bounced on her tiptoes. “Ice cream time! I want cookies and cream this time. I love cookies and cream! I’ll share it with you guys. I promise! That’s what big girls do. We share.”

Zayn and I chuckled.

St. Loren was going to be fun, and it was only the beginning.