Phoebe didn’t want him to put her down, not even onto her bed. She couldn’t bear to be more than an inch apart from him, almost cried when he stepped back to strip, even though he did it with world-record speed. She tried to move towards him but her moon boot made her attempt clunky.
‘It’s okay.’ He came back to her and frowned at the slight bruising at the top of the casing on her ankle. ‘You’re going to have to lie back and let me love you.’ He pushed her down with gentle, implacable force. ‘Let me take care of you, okay?’
She quivered. There was nothing she wanted more. She wanted him to love her—the way she loved him. And to her utter delight he did. He kissed her—everywhere—over and over. He gently caressed her until his hands tightened and his body tensed. He held her in his strong arms, reassured her, and in the end claimed her with all his power, all his passion. So there was no uncertainty, no doubt. He’d truly come back and he wasn’t letting her go.Ever.
‘Are you going to open your present?’ she asked eventually.
He’d propped his head on his hand and was tracing patterns over her skin, a soft smile curving his mouth as he gazed upon her with open adoration.
‘I thought I just did,’ he teased.
But he slid from the bed, returning to her room only a minute later, her gift in his hand. Phoebe sat up, fluttering nerves returning, and watched him tear the wrapping before setting the contents in his palm. The die-cast toy was vibrant red and she could only hope that it didn’t upset him.
He stared at it for a long time, then looked at her with a soft, sad smile. ‘You remembered what I told you about Dante and me.’
‘I thought you and the baby might play with it together,’ she whispered.
‘I would love to do that.’ His voice cracked, but with a teasing flourish he ran the little toy moped across her stomach. It tickled and she smiled at him, even as tears sprang again.
He swiftly leaned forward and kissed her. ‘Thank you for bringing love back into my life,’ he said huskily. ‘You’re vibrant, Phoebe. Don’t hold back on me. Stay passionate, be as extreme as you want—you’re everything to me.’
‘And you’remine.’ Possessively, she wrapped her arms around him again as all her emotions unleashed.
‘Yes,’ he promised simply. ‘And I always will be.’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Two years later
PHOEBE PEEKED OUTthrough the window even though Edo had challenged her not to. Fairy lights were festooned over the interior courtyard while several tables adorned with linen, fine china, floral arrangements and sparkling crystal glasses were set out in rows. It was Phoebe’s twenty-fifth birthday and details guy Edo had turned party planner extraordinaire.
Last year they’d celebrated with quiet contentment—remaining holed up, getting to know their baby and just indulging in the joy of being together. But this year, Edo had gone all out to give Phoebe her first proper birthday party. She’d been busy with a client most of the week, and hadn’t kept track of all the preparations, but the sumptuousness and generosity didn’t surprise her. Isabella had helped, of course, enjoying the chance to go big.
Their guests milled downstairs as the musicians played and their staff offered them delicate nibbles. Edo’s olives of course. And his wine. Bethan and Elodie were there, several of their staff, even George, her former boss. He was in remission and enjoying his retirement and had brought his wife and grandchildren over for a family holiday.
Edo was still ridiculously protective but gradually becoming more relaxed. He now even allowed their security to follow at a more discreet distance. Working with a counsellor, processing the losses, the trauma, of his youth had helped. Phoebe sometimes went too, supporting him when he asked. Just as he supported her—with balance. And with dreams.
Much of the time they were here at the estate, loving family life. Edo had stepped back some from his work, while her business was thriving—she’d even taken on two employees, which was good, given she too now wanted to pull back her hours.
She went to the mirror to put in her diamond earrings and give herself a final check.
‘You look stunning.’ An awed whisper came from the other side of the room.
She turned. The tenderness in his expression melted her heart. She was wearing the lace dress she’d worn at their wedding and yes, she’d hoped he’d react to it.
‘Phoebe.’ He stalked straight to her, hauled her into his arms and kissed her hard. He didn’t react. He combusted. Phoebe simply melted against him. Again.
‘Happy birthday my love,’ he growled before kissing her again. ‘I have something for you.’
She didn’t need anything more than him right here with her. But Edo pulled a chain from his pocket.
‘You’re spoiling me.’ She gazed at the beautiful locket dangling between them.
‘You deserve to be spoilt.’
‘Everyone does.’
‘Maybe.’ He shrugged. ‘But you mostespeciallydo.’
