I glance up, and growl, “Is that so?”
“Yeah. You’re leaving me to find a new security lead, while you go off to Italy with that Italian b?—”
“Choose your next word wisely, Wolfe, I’d hate to have to cut your tongue out,” I warn.
He sighs, jaw muscles flexing. “I’m just trying to warn you that you’re going to lose your men’s respect if you keep putting your wife first, spending all day and night with her, and neglecting what you’ve built here.”
“I’m not neglecting anybody.” I run my fingers through my hair. “I know it’s been chaotic since I married, but when I return from my honeymoon we’ll get to business. I value your judgements, Wolfe, you’re a good man. But right now, I need you to take care of business while I’m away. Can you do that?”
“I can.”
“Good. Now go find us a new security lead among the men so poor old Seamus can retire. He’s too fucking ancient for the position anyway. I know he wants to spend more time with his own wife and their garden. Choose us a good, trustworthy man.”
“I will.” With a frown, he leaves my office.
Perhaps I have shoved too much work onto Wolfe. But he’s the only man I trust not to take this new responsibility as a sign to seize control and push me out. We’ve been through too much together. And at the same time, he’s right, I am living in a newlywed haze. Which is something I never expected to experience. It won’t last. Not forever. While it does, I want to enjoy every moment with Ravenna.
So fucking bite me if I neglect my men and the business for a couple of months. It’s Wolfe’s job to take care of things when I’m not here, that’s why he’s my second in command. Once I’m back, I’ll return to work as promised.
Alone together on my private jet, Ravenna and I barely sleep. We spend the long flight across the Atlantic making love, talking for hours, and generally indulging in each other’s company. I’m so obsessed with my wife that I’m not sure I’ll ever get enough of her. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be.
Perhaps this is true love. She’s stolen my heart and I’ll never get it back. I’m fine with that. Glad even.
We land on a private airstrip outside of Parma, Italy. From there, we travel by car to our hotel in the colorful city. Warm air and golden sunlight greet us as we arrive in front. The hotelporters grab our luggage from the trunk before the driver pulls into traffic.
Taking Ravenna’s hand, I stride through the wide double doors and enter a marble lobby with towering ceilings. A hush settles over those relaxing in nearby seating areas. Suddenly, I sense too many eyes on me. Wide with horror, shifty with fear.
A woman to our left gasps, muttering something in Italian before she scurries toward the hotel bar. We’re given a wide berth as we approach the reception desk.
I clear my throat, which feels too tight. Heat crawls up the back of my neck. I hate how uncomfortable I feel in public when everyone stares. Unless I look in a mirror, I generally forget about my scarred appearance. Until I’m around strangers who not only remind me of my deformity, but judge me for it.
I wish I could gouge out their eyes.
Ravenna squeezes my hand and takes charge, rattling off rapid-fire Italian to the staff. She glares at anyone who dares stare too long at my face. Once we have our room key, she leads us toward the elevators.
“Uscite!” she snaps at the people in the elevator. They take one glance at us and do as she commands, exiting the elevator.
I love my wife, but I especially adore her when she’s angry. Especially when she’s furious on my behalf.
We step inside and the doors slide shut. Ravenna huffs out a sigh. “Rude. Can you believe how awfully?—?”
I grip the back of her neck and draw her in for a ravenous kiss. My tongue slides into her mouth, our tongues tangle. Her soft moan goes straight to my cock.
I’m grateful of how she looks at me, seeming to see past my scars and into my depths. She gazes upon me like I’m a person instead of a frightening beastly creature. For that alone, I’ll always be in awe of her.
“You’re the sweetest woman I’ve ever known,” I murmur against her lips.
“I told you I’m protective of those I love.” Her eyes widen, as if she’s surprised the word slipped out.
Love.
My heart skips a beat. “I know,broc meala. I’m a lucky man to be on that short list of people.”
She smiles up at me. “Yes, you are.”
I swat her ass in retaliation for her sassy mouth. She rewards me with a squeak and a giggle. But all can think about is how she just confessed to loving me.
I cage her against the elevator wall. Leaning down, I gaze into her soulful eyes. “I love you, too.”
