“And it’s not nearly long enough.” It never will be. Forever is a good start.
I place my card on the tray, and her eyes snap up to mine.
“What’s this for?” She holds the black card between her fingers. “You do know you already gave me one, right?”
“Spa day,” I tell her. “After all the hassle with the fashion house and the upcoming collection, I thought it’d be nice for you to have time to yourself. Full treatment. Massage. Facial. Mud bath. A bottle of champagne if you want it. It’s all covered.”
“You spoil me.”
“Not nearly enough.” I rub her back absently as she finishes another muffin. “Take the day to yourself. Then tonight, we’ll go out for dinner as a family.”
She nods, finishes the last of her baked goods, and heads off to change.
While she’s gone, I spend the time digging into intel and doing my own recon. There have been whispers of a certain snake slithering back into our grassland. He hasn’t made any major moves yet; thanks to some of my connections, I managed to sever what ties he had left with Vladimir before they could become a problem.
But with Giacomo making odd appearances here and there, I need to be on high alert.
I dial Valerio and stare out at the lake behind the house. The sun scatters diamond flecks across the water—my wife’s favorite thing about the backyard.
“Talk to me,” I say when he picks up.
He clears his throat. “He’s not doing anything, boss. A few meetings with the Mexicans—testing the market, seeing what’s available. Other than that, he’s kept a very low profile.”
And that is what worries me more.
“Just because he’s keeping a low profile doesn’t mean he isn’t working behind the scenes.” I crack my knuckles in my palm. “Find out from Rodriguez exactly what he discussed with the Mexicans. I want a full debrief within the hour.”
“Understood.”
I hang up and groan. Sooner or later this has to end—but knowing Giacomo, bloodshed will always be involved.
If he ever touches my family again… I would scorch the earth.
Hours later, my son and I wait in the foyer for Beatrice to come downstairs. I made sure to have an entire team help her get ready. She wanted to complain, but I refused. Today is her day. She isn’t lifting a single finger.
When she appears, descending the stairs, she looks radiant in a blood-red dress that hugs every curve she owns. The diamond necklace I gave her years ago rests at her throat, catching the light with every step, and reminding me of how long she’s been mine.
“Close your mouth,Papa. You’ll catch flies,” Danny mocks, stepping forward to meet her. “And who is this gorgeous woman right here?”
“Oh, stop it, Danny.” She blushes and smooths the skirt of her dress. The light from the chandelier catches her smile and makes it glow. “And don’t you look dapper in your suit.”
He gives her a small twirl. “I clean up real nice, don’t I? I got it from my mom.”
She laughs and kisses his cheek.
“Sei bellissima, Mama,” he says, then steps aside to let me greet my wife. “I think you may have given your husband a stroke with how good you look.”
She teases, “Are you just going to stand there and ogle, or are you going to greet your wife?”
I close the distance in two easy strides. I take her into my arms and spin her once, earning giggles and smiles. I set her down and lean in to kiss her, but she turns at the last second, making me land on her cheek instead.
“Hey,” I murmur, pulling her closer and giving her ass a light slap.
“Ew, Dad. That’s my mom. Real mature, Dad.”
Bea and I laugh, the sound echoing through the white marble foyer.
“Okay, that’s enough,” she says, rising onto her toes to kiss my cheek. “We have dinner reservations.”
