I could’ve just gone to Niko for them but with Niko being dead set against me starting anything with Zoe, he wouldn’t have agreed. He doesn’t understand that I’m keeping Zoe. I don’t need to hear from him how he knows everything will end badly. That’s bullshit. Nothing is going to end.Ever.I’m going to keep her and be the man that gives her those babies she’s talked about.
Hell, I’ve even called realtors to start finding me a house with a picket fence and lots of bedrooms. It might be a little crazy and if I brought it up to her, it would scare Zoe. So, buying her an SUV that has bullet-proof glass and a hidden GPS system—one that’s made to locate her, even if the factory one is disabled—is my way of protecting her. Keeping Zoe in the dark is giving her time to get adjusted to me. I don’t need her to run away from me. That’s the last thing I want.
That’s why I plan on not telling her about the hidden options on the Mercedes GLS. Yes, she will think it costs close to one hundred grand when really, with what I’m having it equipped with, it’ll be a lot more. I don’t give a fuck if it keeps her safe.
“Is everything good there?” Marco asks.
“Damn good,” I murmur. “I just want to make sure my woman is protected when I can’t be there. She’s very headstrong, so it’s something I need done quickly.”
“It’s women with that vein of stubborn in them you must watch out for, my friend. I married one, so I would know,” Marco says, laughing.
“I’ve discovered that,” I joke.
“Well, if you’re protecting someone precious, I think I can help you. I have a nephew in Vegas. His name is Brendan Russo. He owns a luxury car dealership. He can get all the options you’re looking for and have the car delivered to you quickly.”
“Perfect. What am I looking at price wise?”
“You’re looking at starting…two fifty. It could be more.”
“You know I’m good for it,” I tell him.
“I do. I’ll call Brendan this afternoon around three. I’ll make sure he’s expecting you.”
“Thanks, Marco. I appreciate it. I’ll owe you one.”
“Anytime. There are no markers between friends. We’ll talk soon.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again.” I click off my phone and recline back in my seat, satisfied with how things are going. Zoe needs to be protected.
God, I need her.
I hate that I won’t be seeing her until our date but soon, I will make sure a day doesn’t go by without having her close to me.
I need to call and get the balloons delivered to her. I want her to know I’m thinking of her. Besides, it will give Zoe something else to chastise me about. The thought makes me smile. Life with Zoe will never be boring, that’s for sure.
Chapter16
Zoe
I can’t stop myself.I’m having lunch with Emilia and every other word out of my mouth is about Callan. I’m not the type to talk about this kind of stuff. Still, I want her to know. She is my best friend, and I need her advice desperately.
“On top of falling asleep in his arms, he had my car towed to the garage and even got me a rental. I told him to send the thing back. I can’t owe him for everything,” I grumble. “He has to be insane, right? Who does all that for someone they barely know?”
Emilia laughs, nodding her head. “Niko would do that.”
“Yeah, he would.” I take in the sadness rolling off Emilia. It makes my gut twist with worry. “Are you still against marrying Niko?”
“I don’t really know him. How can I marry a complete stranger?” she laments, looking down at her hands. “And he’s so cold. I’m afraid the coldness will freeze me to death, Zoe.”
“I don’t know that Niko is as cold as he pretends.”
“What do you mean?” Emilia asks, looking surprised.
“I’ve been talking to Callan—”
“You don’t say?” she laughs.
“Ha-Ha. Seriously though, he explained their childhood and it’s kind of sad. They grew up in foster care and then in a group home together. That’s why they are so close. They only had one another,” I explain. “But Callan also said he knows that Niko truly cares for you.”