I passed his test with flying colours and the relief was palpable in the room.
He inclined his wine glass in my direction in a brief display of truce.
I smiled and did the same.
And we resumed eating dessert.
“That went well, don’t you think?”
The nervous bite in Gabriela’s tone made me smile. “I’d say so.”
She handed me a plate and I dried it with a washcloth. We were on dish duty, having insisted upon it, since Lucia andNonna cooked. The rest of the Bellafiores had congregated in the living room with their glasses of grappa, awarding us a moment of privacy.
Gabriela rinsed another plate under the faucet, suds disappearing down the drain. “My family hasn’t scared you off, right?”
“No.” I leaned down to kiss her forehead. Her body relaxed under my touch. “I’m never letting you go, sweetheart. You’re stuck with me.”
How could I let you go, when I’mthisin love with you?
Relief splashed over her face. “I was worried you’d change your mind after witnessing my papà’s antics.”
“I enjoyed having dinner with your family, Gabriela. Your mom and grandmother are sweet and made me feel very welcomed. I liked hearing their funny anecdotes and your Nonna’s latest book review.” We shared a quick chuckle. “As for your dad, I’m not worried. He’ll warm up to me with time. I can’t say I blame him for saying the things he said. You’re his only daughter and he loves you very much. After the ordeal with Franco, it’s only natural that he’s extra cautious of whoever you bring home.”
“You’re right, he’ll come around and then he’ll grow to lo—” She suddenly paused, clearing her throat. “Like you the way I have.”
Tonight was a big step, but I hoped Enzo came around to liking, if not at the very least, accepting me.
We washed our hands with soap and wiped them on a clean towel.
Gabriela broke the pensive silence. “Sometimes I forget that he’s Vance’s second-in-command. Though I grew up around this life, I wasn’t always exposed to the bad side of it, usually kept sheltered for my own good. Despite me being aware of who my papà was, what he did, and how he made his money, I’d rarelyseen his rude side since he’s only ever been tender around his family. I suppose him questioning you that way caught me off guard—nor did I like it. But I understand where he’s coming from and I just wanted to make sure you were okay, Hunter.”
I loved that she worried for me, but she had no reason to. I was perfectly fine.
“I’m okay. Don’t worry. Dinner went well and I had a good time.” I cupped her face. “And I’m not going anywhere. Not even an army could pry me off of you, Gabriela. That’s how deep I’m in, baby.”
She smiled finally and covered my hands with her own. “And if you stray too far from me, I’ll yank you back where you belong.”
“I’m banking on it.” I kissed her lips. “You look so beautiful tonight in your little black dress.”Kiss. “And these heart-shaped earrings.”Kiss. “And these sweet, red lips that I just want to keep kissing until I run out of air.”
She giggled as I pressed one reverent kiss after the other.
Queen of my heart.
She was so goddamn lovely.
All I wanted was to protect and love her until my dying breath.
Now her hands were coasting down my sides, one pausing over my right rib…where I had the Pegasus constellation inked. We went to the tattoo parlour a few days ago to get our inks. Though she’d jokingly suggested I get ‘Gabriela’s Pretty Boy’ the night of the Halloween party, the idea of our stars tattooed on my skin was more enticing to her. My skin was her canvas. Whatever she wanted, I would have gotten it. And in return, she got a stunning cursive and thin serpent tattoo down her spine.
“Shall we head back to the living room?” I asked. “They’re probably wondering what’s taking us so long.”
“They definitely know you’re in here stealing kisses.”
I puffed out a laugh before stealing another kiss. “Guilty.”
Gabriela filled two more grappa glasses for us. Hand in hand, we joined the others in the living room. An old vinyl played on a record, decorating the atmosphere with musical notes. Enzo, Lucia, and Nonna were locked in a discussion, so Gabriela and I headed straight for the large bay window. Luna was sitting on the sill to watch the neighbourhood.
Sensing our approach, she turned around and meowed.
