“We want to protect you from harm. What’s so bad about that, baby?” Mateo asked.
“Nothing. I want to do the same for you. I know I’m smaller and weaker, but I know how to use a gun, and I don’t have to have muscles to do that.”
“True, but—”
Aria sat up, faced them, and crossed her legs. “Listen to me.” She knew her voice was stern when it made Trent’s eyebrows rise and Mateo’s eyes narrow. She held up her hand. “Look at it this way. The three of us are the head of a mafia family, right?”
They both nodded.
“That means we all have to be tough. Not just the men. I had a chance to take control of a situation with minimal risk to me, and I took it. And I better warn you I’ll do it again.”
Trent leaned up on his elbow. “Now, wait a fucking minute.”
“No.” She knew she was pushing it, but this was the perfect time to get the men to see her side of things. “Listen, our men would have looked down on me if I had let a few of them get killed, and I could have done something. Just like you, I have to be strong not only for the family but myself. Please don’t try to change that.”
Trent sighed, and Mateo reached out to her and set his hand on her thigh.
“I’d feel better if we trained you in a few self-defense moves and you practiced your shooting,” Mateo said.
“I’d love that.” Her gaze went to Trent. She could tell he wanted to fight it, but he couldn’t.
“We’ll do what Mateo suggested. But, please, I’m asking you to take every precaution because the thought of you being taken away from us drives me stark raving mad.”
“I promise, guys. You have to promise me, too.”
“We do, baby. We always have guys with us.”
Aria nodded. “Good. I’d like to point out something. I’ve seen loyalty and affection from our men, but today was the first time I saw the look of pride and respect on their faces. You guys call me the Mafia Queen. Well, today, I acted like it.”
Mateo looked at Trent. “Fuck. Will we ever win an argument with her when she’s this logical?”
“As much as I hate it, she’s right. I don’t want anyone to think she’s weak because there’s not a weak bone in this perfect body.”
She smiled. She loved how they understood her so well and accepted her for the person she was and wanted to become.
“We’ve got a problem,” Trent said.
“What?” Mateo asked.
“When will we be able to punish her?” he asked.
Aria’s smile widened. “Oh, I’m guessing you’ll think of something.”
A scream tore from her throat when they abruptly pulled her down between them.
“You better believe it, pet.”
“I love you guys.”
“We love you, too, baby,” Mateo said.
Aria cuddled against them and thanked God for the life she had. She went through hell to get there, but she’d do it again if she knew this was the prize.