When Uncle Dario deals a hand, I pick up the cards. Seeing I have Ace, King, Queen, and Jack of spades. My eyes flick to Uncle Dario, who gives me a grin.
I toss the nine out and throw my chips in the middle of the table.
He slides one card to me, and when I pick up the ten of spades, I’m not surprised.
One day I’m going to catch him.
For the rest of the night, I watch my uncle like a fucking hawk, and by the time we all get up to leave, I’m no closer to figuring out how he does it.
While some of the men hang around to enjoy a last drink, I say my goodbyes so I can get home to Sienna.
The drive back to the penthouse is quiet, and my thoughts turn to work, mentally going over what I need to get done tomorrow.
“Have a good night,” Nico says when we pull up into our regular parking spot.
“Thanks, you too.”
“Night.” Luke gives me a chin lift while he walks toward Ciro, Alfio, and the rest of the team.
Just as I press the button for the elevator, the doors open, and I step back when I see my mother-in-law, Bianca, and Yuki.
“Did you have fun?” I ask as they exit the elevator.
“Tons,” Bianca replies.
Saying goodbye to them, I scan my keycard, and as the elevator goes up to my floor, I let out a tired sigh.
When I enter the penthouse, I key in the code on the panel, securing the elevator in place and activating the alarms.
“Princess?”
“In the kitchen.”
I find her loading the dishwasher, and seeing her barefoot and relaxed in our home does something to my heart.
“I love coming home to you,” I say as I wrap my arms around her front and press a kiss to the side of her neck.
“I was thinking we could stay in this weekend, get tons of junk food, and have a movie marathon.” She turns around in my hold. “You’ve been working hard and need the rest.”
“That sounds like heaven.” I press a kiss to her mouth, then, lifting her off her feet, I carry her out of the kitchen and up to our bedroom.
While I strip down to my boxers, Sienna changes into her pajamas, and when we climb into bed, I engulf her with my body and press my face into the crook of her neck.
Taking a deep breath of my woman, my thoughts begin to slow down, and the noise in my mind quiets. My body shudders as it releases some of the stress that comes with the job.
Sienna begins to pull her fingers through my hair, and it makes goose bumps scatter over my skin.
“I love when you do that,” I mumble, already half asleep.
“I know.” Pressing a kiss to my head, she whispers, “I love you.”
“Love you, too.” I drift off as I find peace in my wife’s arms.
Epilogue
Sienna
(Three years later…)
