“Let’s go get some real coffee.” I shook my head as she tried to argue. “You’re Italian, for Christ’s sake. You can’t tell me you like that crap.”

“I didn’t say I liked it.”

She grabbed her purse and jacket, and we walked out.

Once outside, we walked two blocks to a small café. Inside, we took a seat in a corner away from the windows. Gia ordered a cappuccino and I ordered a double espresso. After they came, I asked again.

“Gia, what did you have to do with Scava’s arrest?”

She shrugged a shoulder and kept her eyes on the flower design the barista had made out of her froth.

“I handed over the recording. I sent it anonymously.”

I shook my head. “Do you think Scava won’t know who sent it?”

“He’ll think it’s Victor.”

“He might, but he might not. He will retaliate, you know that.”

She met my gaze. “You’ll keep me safe.”

That took me back.

Yes, I would keep her safe, but I didn’t expect her to say it, because saying it came with so much more.

“I couldn’t just let him walk away scot-free, Dominic. Mateo died for that evidence.”

“I know. But you put yourself in danger now.”

“He’s behind bars.”

“He can run his entire organization from behind those bars. All he has to do is give the order.”

“I couldn’t not do it.”

I drank from my cup. “I know. You’ll come back with me today. You can’t stay in your apartment.”

“I have a job and school.”

“You don’t need a job, and you can take a semester off.”

“I’ve already taken too many years off. I’m twenty-five, Dominic.”

“If you’re dead, you’ll be taking the rest of your life off, won’t you? You’re studying to be an attorney. Which do you think is the better option?”

“Shut up.”

“I’m putting both houses on the market, my father’s and Salvatore’s. We’ll move to the city.”

“We’re just moving in together? Just like that?”

“You never once struck me as a girl for a long courtship with flowers and romantic walks on the beach.”

“I’m not. But it’s fast, isn’t it?”

“I want you with me. I thought I made that clear last night.”

“So I’ll always be an available piece of ass for you?”

I sat back, confused now. “That’s what you think?”

She didn’t reply but watched me through hooded eyes.

“Gia, you’re a bright girl. Do you really think I came after you after eight months being apart, spilling my heart out to you, because I think you’re a nice ‘piece of ass’?”

“Do you consider what happened last night, what you said, to be spilling your heart out?”