The Bounty Hunters: The Marino Bros.: Box Set (86 page)

But the sex confused her. She knew it was more than sex for her, and she knew it was more for Gio too. Pushing him to admit that was wrong. She was a woman, and thinking about the future was something she did constantly, while men lived more in the moment. Gio, more than any man she knew.

She was trying to find her place in the scheme of things. If she was released? If she proved her innocence? How would she fit into Gio and her son’s life?

If Gio didn’t want her in his life, she planned to give him as much access to Johnny as possible. Hell, she’d even move to Florida to make it more convenient for him. She would tell him when he got back that she was sorry, again, and didn’t mean to pressure him, or place any kinds of expectations on him. She cursed herself for being so rash, and letting her emotions get the best of her. Just because she had lived without love for so long, and without any emotional connections other than with her son and sisters, it was not fair to expect him of all people, especially after she betrayed him, to commit to her. The only reason she even brought it up was because she knew it wasn’t just casual sex between them, and she felt it when they made love. But it was wrong of her to ask, and she just hoped she could make this right. He was right after all. They needed to focus on her innocence and she needed to give him time to get to know their son. That needed to come first.

*     *     *

It had been
just a few hours and Gio returned to his house. He still didn’t know what he planned to say, but he wanted to deal with this so they could focus on the important things.

As soon as he walked in he heard the shower running upstairs, and not wanting to run into her in a state of undress, God forbid that, it would lead to trouble, more than he was ready for, he decided to lay low. He hit the kitchen and put up a pot of coffee using bottled water from the refrigerator. Even though it was nearly ten, he decided he could read some reports, get ready for tomorrow and the meeting with Lisa’s attorney, and decide what he wanted Nikko to focus on.

He went into the living room to wait for the coffee to brew, and turned the television on. They didn’t have satellite, but kept the basic cable hooked up to get local stations while in town. He figured he would catch the evening news, and go through his emails.

The weather report was on, and he absently listened while double checking Nikko’s flight. Next he read an email from Dan, who said the van he needed would be ready by two, and he could pick it up, or have one of his techs drop it off.

Not knowing how long the meeting with the attorney would last, he asked that the van be brought to him. Dan must have still been working because his reply was almost instantaneous. He’d send out two techs to go over all the equipment with him, then they would be able to get back to Manhattan. Dan was good. Vinnie hadn’t been wrong.

Gio knew he and Nikko wouldn’t have an issue with the equipment as they had a fully loaded van back home, but here in New York, there might be some new pieces inside they were not familiar with.

Gio heard the shower turn off, and assumed Lisa was done. He’d give her a few more minutes to dress, but he definitely wanted to talk. No more reacting only. It was one of the reasons they were in this situation to begin with. He headed to the kitchen to get himself a cup of coffee and wait.

*     *     *

Lisa heard the
television as soon as she stepped into the hall. Gio was back. She was glad. She went directly to her room, and finished toweling off, then used the towel to wrap around her hair as she got dressed. She wanted to get this over with. Apologizing was never her strong suit. Jumping the gun was. It’s why her freedom and her life with Johnny, and possibly Gio, hung in the balance.

She grabbed one of the t-shirts her sister had loaned her for sleeping, and quickly slipped it on. She looked through the bags and then pulled out a comfy looking pair of sweats. It would have to do. She normally slept in just a comfy tee anyhow.

Yanking the towel off her head, she dried it as best she could, and quickly brushed out the tangles. She would let it air dry tonight, and do something with it in the morning before her attorney and Nikko arrived.

Just as she came down the stairs Gio was walking back into the living room carrying two cups of coffee. She smiled.

“Coffee?”

“Sure.” His tone told her he was ready to talk, and she gave him a tentative smile.

“Okay.” He set the cups down on the coffee table next to each other and sat down on the sofa pointedly looking at the seat next to him.

Lisa smiled again and sat. “So?” she started.

“All right, Lisa. I get it. Talk, right?”

“Right,” she wanted to speak up first. “I’m sorry, Gio. Please let me go first.”

He lowered his head and picked up his cup, taking a sip. She found it hard not to stare at his lips.

“Okay, well . . .” she searched for the right words. “I wanted to apologize. For me . . . everything, well, it feels like everything is going on around me, and I have no control, no say. I . . . it’s just with you . . . us, I feel like we have stepped back in time, and I know I have no right to ask for more, and it is just so easy to slip back into old patterns with you.”

“I can understand that. And to be honest, I don’t want to go back there,” he watched her face for a reaction. She was looking perplexed. “When we were together it was spontaneous combustion, we just needed to be in the same room, and well, some of that has not changed, but I have.”

“Okay.” She was confused; she didn’t know where he was going with this. She waited for him to continue. “You know you hurt me, and I really don’t want to keep throwing that in your face, but I’m not sure what the future holds for me. I am not saying you won’t be in it. I’m just saying right now I have to focus on two things. One, getting to know my son. And two, proving your innocence so that I won’t be raising Johnny alone. You’re his mother, and although I don’t know much about kids, I do know it is important to have both a father and a mother in their lives.”

Lisa felt her throat closing up. It’s what she wanted, even though she wanted more. Again, she couldn’t ask for that. But she could tell him her thoughts from earlier. “Gio, I was thinking about that. I won’t pressure you for anything anymore, and I just want you to know when I asked earlier, I was coming from an emotional place. I’m terrified.”

“I get that, Lisa. I just want to slow down a bit, put on the brakes.” He sighed not knowing if he was getting his message across to her clearly. When her shoulders slumped slightly, he added. “We were never good about that. Taking things slow.”

“That’s for sure.” She agreed. “Well, I was thinking, if I am found innocent. . .”

“When,” he interrupted and reached over to take her hand and give it a gentle squeeze.

“When,” she corrected. “I want you to have as much access to Johnny as possible. And, I’d really like you to have him weekends, holidays, vacations, as much as you want. I want you and your brothers to get to know him. I want him to have your family in his life. You were all so amazing to me.”

Gio’s expression showed how pleased he was to hear her say that, but he was perplexed too. His eyes narrowed in on her words, and she quickly continued. “I was thinking I’d move to Florida, that way he’d be near you. Not like I’m expecting anything, but it’s the least I can do.”

Gio nodded. This was something to think about. He loved the idea of having Johnny growing up near him, but he was still cautious about Lisa. Could he be friends with her? Could he forgive her? He still wasn’t sure. Was it a way to get back into his life?

“Lisa,” he sighed. “The idea is appealing, don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have Johnny close by, and I plan on being there, but again this is you jumping the gun, making all the decisions, I’m . . .”

“Honestly, Gio, this is about you and Johnny. I want him in your life permanently. Please don’t take it the wrong way . . .” She was at a loss, she hadn’t expected that kind of a reaction, and she felt herself ready to react, but forced herself to stop and see it his way. “I’m just confused,” she admitted.

“Okay, let me lay it out for you. I just can’t think that far in advance now.” He emphasized the last word. “I want Johnny in my life too, I want to help you clear your name. Those things I am sure of.”

Lisa’s heart plummeted. He didn’t want her. At all.

He saw the frown. “Lisa, one thing at a time. No jumping the gun. No making decisions on your own. No making assumptions either. You got me?”

She nodded dumbly. She felt sick.

“Good, I’m glad we are clear on this. These two things need to be done now, and then we can talk . . .”

Lisa’s head whipped towards the television screen. A news reporter was speaking and Lisa’s picture was displayed in the background. Gio reached for the remote control and turned up the volume.

“This just in. Socialite Lisa Rasmussen, who is out on bond for the attempted murder of her husband Albert Rasmussen, has a trial date. It has been scheduled for the end of August.” The screen flashed behind the reporter showing the burnt shell of a car outside of Luxury Classic Cars & Autos. “Today, our crime reporter was able to speak with Mr. Rasmussen and he told Jackie Forbes why the date was moved up.” The screen widened to show Jackie Forbes, the WGN news reporter standing next to Albert outside his apartment building. “Mr. Rasmussen, the announcement of the court date just came in. How do you feel about such a quick trial?”

Albert’s reply came with a concerned smile. “Frankly, I’m relieved. The woman tried to kill me. I have had a horrendous day. I found out through my attorneys today that not only did the woman I loved attempt to murder me, but I just found out, that my son,” he began to choke up, and Lisa’s eyes widened in surprise. She’d never seen Albert show this kind of emotion. Ever. “Was never my son.” The reporter gasped in surprise. Albert nodded and went on, eyes narrowing as he looked directly into the camera. His eyes were black and cold, “She has lied to me for ten years. My marriage was a sham. Not only did she conceive another man’s child, but that man has bailed her out, and now she walks about a free woman. I am appalled. I can only think this was their plan all along, her and Giovanni Marino, that’s his name, they were lovers a long time ago. She and he masterminded this plot to kill me, and I’m sure it was for my family’s money.” Gio sat forward on the couch. He wanted to reach into the television and strangle Albert.

“Mr. Rasmussen, Giovanni Marino, are you sure?”

“Yes, paternity tests were run today, and I have just received the news. I am devastated to the say the least. To plot this for over decade, well, I just can’t imagine.” Albert covered his face with his hands.

Lisa gasped in outrage. “Oh my God, that bastard!” She stood abruptly bumping the coffee table, tipping her cup over and Gio caught it before it completely ruined the carpet using the doily to mop up the mess. “He is now going after you? Who does he think he is?” She began to pace.

“Well, he can’t get away with this. He is one sick bastard to try to spin the story this way. He must have been notified of the test results. The results must have come in pretty quick, and somehow he was notified before us. Or he is just saying the results are in because he already knew what they would prove. Albert’s just attempting to put a spin on what would be leaked out eventually and put it in his favor. And him speaking to the reporter like this is contrived. Slick. They are tainting the jury pool, and they very well know it. They want to get the public on their side by insinuating this plot has gone on for years.” Gio scooped up the wet doily and with his hand underneath carried it to the kitchen sink. Lisa was right behind him.

“I just don’t get this, Gio. He is trying to bring you down with me. This is not right. He wants to destroy me, you, and Johnny, what will he be left with?” she cried near panic. Gio saw the tears of frustration begin to fall.

“Listen, Lisa,” he grabbed ahold of her arms. “It’s not happening. I’m not going down for this. What kind of evidence does he have? Whatever he plans, he will have to fabricate it, and if and when he does that then there will be a trail. There is always a trail.”