"It wasn't trivial. I was selfish and cruel. I took you for granted and thought I could separate the two worlds. That if I was…wasintimate with other women, that meant you had no control over me. I'm sorry,tesoro. More sorry than you can ever imagine. I'll do my best to ensure that you know you're the most important person, that you're the only woman for me."
Our mouths collided, and we kissed in the middle of that hotel room, sealing our love and our renewed commitment to each other. One tied with truths and fidelity.
Much later, I was once again snuggled against his chest. He gave a melancholy sigh, his hand playing with my hair.
"What is it?"
"If I had known that all this was for me, I would've appreciated you in that sexy little number for longer. Perhaps fucked you with it on. But because I thought it was for the benefit of another man, all I wanted to do was destroy it."
"I bought one in red too."
His breath caught, his hand stilling. "You will model it for me when we get home,si?"
I hid a smile against his hair-roughened chest. "Si," I agreed.
"Come on, let's go home. I need water pressure that doesn't feel like it's tickling me. Plus, I don't have any spare clothes."
"Oh! I forgot. I packed a small bag for you. I thought we could make a weekend of it."
I didn't want to book into one of our hotels as I was worried I would run into someone who would alert him and ruin my surprise. I also didn't want to book into one of the well-known five-star hotels. Someone in Alessio's circle might recognise him and think it odd that he was staying anywhere that wasn't his property.
My husband gave me a gentle smile and tucked a stray hair behind my ear.
"That is very sweet and thoughtful,tesoro. But if I have to stay a minute longer in this three-star hotel, I think I'll break out in a rash." He gave an exaggerated shudder.
I snorted. "I knew you were a snob."
He flashed me a grin, grabbed my bag and his before checking out. He instructed a sheepish Gordon to take us straight to one of his hotels—well, technically, my hotel since it was one of my father's properties.
But I put my hand on Alessio's arm to stop him. "No. No hotels. Let's go home."
He made a sound of contentment before he tucked me beneath his arm and kissed my head. "Si. Home. Together."
Epilogue
Millie
TenMonthsLater
I frowned at the view out the window; my nose almost pressed against the thick glass as I focused on Alessio's family villa. Curiosity had me glancing at my husband, but he simply flashed me a sly grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I'm getting déjà vu."
His mouth curved wider as he brought my hand up to his mouth, pressing a kiss against my pulse. "Are you?" he teased.
"What are you up to?"
"Patience, amore mio,"he chided as the helicopter started its descent.
In a scene reminiscent of last year, Alessio carefully helped me down before guiding me to the back entrance of his family villa. Francesca greeted us as always. The lines on her face were a reflection of her years, but today, they were split wide in abeaming smile. Our bags were promptly taken from us, and my husband waited patiently by my side as I chatted with his housekeeper before he took my hand and led me inside.
"So, when is everyone getting here this time?" My brow arched in question as I changed out of my travel attire.
Large hands spanned my waist as he pulled me close, his lips skimming my temple. My nostrils flared at the scent of his addictive cologne and clean soap.
"Later today, actually. Dad, Katherine, and Dante are flying in from Paris, and Giada and the girls are coming from Rome."
"Oh."
