The elevator doors opened, and Pietro stepped off, his eyes scanning the lobby before he nodded for us to step out, Ciana’s guard following.

“Okay,” I told her as we left the building. “I will discuss it with Zio and let him know I think it is a good idea.”

“Really?” She gave a happy squeal and started bouncing up and down when I nodded. “Thank you, Ryan!” she cried excitedly, kissing my cheek. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Laughing, I guided her out of the path of a small group and toward the deli. “Don’t get so carried away. Just because I talk to him doesn’t mean he will agree.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, puh-lease. You’re going to be the head of the family all too soon. If you tell Papa you give your permission for anything, then he will definitely take that into consideration and be more likely to agree. A simple yes or no from you goes a long way, Ryan.”

“Where do you want to go for this beach and sun-filled vacation?” I asked as we entered the deli.

“I have a few places in mind. I’ll send you a list and let you and Papa decide which is the best.”

That she wasn’t being picky only further convinced me that she was in desperate need of some time away.

The deli was crowded with people on their lunch breaks, but the staff was efficient and the line moved quickly. Once I ordered for the four of us, Pietro found us two tables in the back so the two guards could sit close, but we could have a little privacy while we ate.

“Are we going to talk about the fact that you are stalking Nova?” she finally asked, halfway through our meal.

“Nope,” I answered, taking another bite of my sandwich.

My cousin’s lips twitched as she fought not to laugh. “Okay, then.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I need to see her whenever I want. To know that she’s safe.”

“Right,” Ciana agreed, her nose wrinkling adorably as she continued to fight her amusement. “It’s just for her safety. I get it.”

“What do you want me to say, C? That I’m obsessed?”

She snickered. “Everyone already knows that.”

“Then what’s the big deal?”

She rested her chin in her palm as she studied me for a moment. “I thought once you two got together, you would finally calm down. Even if just a little.”

I shrugged, trying to get some of the growing tension out of my shoulders. “I’ll calm down once she’s my wife.”

Ciana threw her head back and burst out laughing. Several heads turned in our direction, but she didn’t notice them, too lost in the hilarity that she considered my words. Tears of mirth spilled down her cheeks, and she dashed them away with her fingertips as she tried to control herself. “That is the funniest thing I’ve heard in forever. Ryan, you grow more and more extreme with each year that passes. By the time you two get married, poor Nova will be chained to your wrist because you won’t be able to handle her being out of your sight for even a second.”