Hate Me (The Fox Family Crime Syndicate, #2)

by Summer O'Toole

“You make me so fucking whole, Effie.”

My love for her is woven into the very fibers of my being, and I want her to know how deeply she has touched me.

“Water lilies.” Her mouth opens on a silent gasp. My throat ties itself in knots feeling so exposed. But now that I’ve started, I want to claw apart anything left unsaid between us, so I continue. “It was the first and last time I ever felt true peace. That night with you. Since I didn’t have you, tapping became my calm.” “Stop.” Her lips tug in an unsure smile, her eyes well with tears and I don’t have to ask, I know they are the sunflower type. “I can’t.” I roll us over and hold myself above her. “I can’t stop loving you. I don’t think I ever did.”

“I hope those are sunflower tears.” I sniff and swallow the knot in my throat, falling forward and burying myself in the crook of her neck. “Fuck, I love you so much.”

If last night was a wildfire, this morning is the warmth from a hearth. The foundation of a home. A home that we have found with and in each other.

“You’re no daughter of mine.” His hands ball into fists at his sides, and I know with confidence those fists will never hurt me again. “You’re right. I’m not a Luciano. I’m a Fox.”

I can’t believe you’re my wife. His words from the gala echo in my head, and my chest feels light realizing that after tonight, I finally will be, with no strings attached. Just me and him, forever. The way it was always meant to be.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes but loving you was never one of them. I may not be a gentleman, but you are worthy of gentle love, and I vow to give you all you deserve and more.”

“You’ve shown me the beauty in darkness, the strength in myself, and the perfection in ruin.”