It’s why I want to make sure she doesn’t run from me, in any way, be that physically, mentally or emotionally. And because that’s her method of functioning when a threat appears in her life, I know I have to be vigilant.
“Do you see my father?” she asks, pulling me from my thoughts and into the present. “He should be here by now.”
“Is there a chance he won’t come?” When she shakes her head, I shrug. “Then Nardone will be here, the fucker.”
Her lips twitch with suppressed laughter and for a second her gaze shines. As before, it dies, dimming faster than a shooting star. “Everyone here is part of the Nardone family. If you want to leave this party alive, you might want to be careful with how loud you say things.”
I wave a hand in dismissal. “I’m going to be Paolo’s son-in-law and I’m pretty damn sure it’ll prevent anyone from doing something stupid. Besides, I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking.” I lean close and place my lips close to her ear. “Your father is on my hit list. Just saying.”
She turns into me, brushing my cheek with hers. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Think of it as a wedding present.”
“There won’t be a wedding, if you’re dead.”
There’s a despondent note in her voice that strikes me as off-key. Is she worried about my welfare? Or did that originate from something else?
“Don’t worry,viziata. It’ll be a very belated wedding gift, considering we’re getting married sooner than I can kill your father.”
She stares off into the distance, nodding slowly. Frustration has my fingers curling into a fist and my jaw clenching. I’d love nothing better than to throw her over my knee and whip her ass until she divulges her secrets. All of them.
I exhale and release as much pent up irritation as I can. Nardone has just appeared and my fiancée needs me to be there for her. It’s strange to have someone dependent on me in this way, but gives me a purpose and fills a void I’d thought buried under years of grief.
Carina reminds me of my mother; feisty, courageous, and elegant. I highly suspect it’s part of the reason I’m drawn to her. She’s the only woman to see past the bullshit I give to the world. It’s strange but refreshing.
Her sharp inhale has me darting my gaze from left to right, searching the area for danger. Then I catch a glimpse of Violetta, the eccentric young woman who has riveted Carina’s attention.
“I wasn’t sure if he’d bring her,” she whispers. “I’d hoped to have a chance to speak with my sister at some point.”
“Then, I’ll do my best to make that happen.”
She turns and fixes her gaze on me, enabling me to see the glow of happiness made more luminous by the candle flames as they flicker. “I know I said you’re just like the rest of the men in the underworld, but I was wrong about that. Underneath all that sarcasm and arrogance, you’re a good man, Rafael.”
Now I want to bend her over the table to fuck her instead.
This woman drives me crazy because she’s genuine—minus her pathetic minor-league lies—caring, and so fucking sexy. Her pussy should be illegal. If it was, I’d totally cop that shit.
I mean, I am a criminal, for fuck’s sake.
“I’m only helping you because I’m trying to get laid,” I say with a wink. “Come on.” I get to my feet and offer my hand. “Let’s go greet dear ol’ dad, shall we?”
She purses her lips, a dark pink hue making them look fuller than usual. I’m definitely going to make sure I have that color staining my cock at some point.
“You’re not going to change your mind and kill my father now, are you?” Carina has to repeat the question because I got lost in the fantasy of her giving me head. “Well, are you?”
“I’m not planning on ittonight,” I say, elongating the final word. “Will that suffice?”
She takes my hand and loops her arm through mine, then nods. With that understanding between us, I guide her through the people milling about the reception. The groom and bride are fuck-knows-where, probably doing what I want to do with my fiancée.
The closer we get to her father, the more rigid Carina’s frame becomes. I sweep my gaze over the men guarding Nardone and mentally catalogue the number and type of weapons they carry on their person. I made sure to put Carina’s firearm in her purse, despite her protests, which I silenced with a kiss and then sex. Most successfully, in my opinion. After knowing what happened to her, I never want her to be unarmed, even at an event such as this. The grounds are vast and anyone could be victimized in a small alcove or behind a large hedge.
But it sure as fuck won’t be my future wife.
“Paolo,” I greet, holding out my hand. My smile is bright and full, showing off my teeth. “We’ve been waiting for your arrival.”
The older man inclines his head briefly, declining the offer of a handshake. The tiny bandage on his hand brings me a great deal of satisfaction. I wish I knew if the stab wound I gave him ruined his dexterity, because that would be a nice bonus.
I shift my attention to Carina’s mother. “Signora Nardone, may I call you Blanca? It’s a shame to be so formal with my future in-laws.”
