His words sting, but he was stung by what I suggested, and I realize I do want him here. “Where have you been sleeping?”
“I went to Luca’s the first night… when I heard you crying," he finishes, quietly. "I’ve slept in my office since then.”
My heart speeds up, wanting to believe him. “My dreams aren’t as bad or as frequent when you’re here beside me, Carlo.”
His lips brush the shell of my ear, making me shiver with longing while his warm body cocoons mine. “Then, here is where I’ll sleep.”
27
Francesca
When I finally wake, Carlo’s mobile is buzzing. This is the first time I’ve woken up before him. His eyelashes are impossibly thick and long. His lips pucker ever so slightly. There’s a softness in his expression when he’s resting that’s endearing, and I can study his face at my leisure this way.
But eventually, I must move. My elbow is crooked under his stubbled chin, and it’s becoming uncomfortable. Meanwhile, my knee is drawn up against his stomach, and something hard presses against my shin. Heat fills my face and belly when I recognize what it is. I start to unfold my leg.
“Careful,” he mutters, his voice deep and gravelly. I can’t help giggling, and his eyes open, a lazy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He picks up his phone, taps out a message and then sets it aside again.
“Do men always wake up this way?” I ask, curiously. I can’t seem to look away from the proof of his arousal hiding behind his boxers.
“I can’t speak for other men. For me, most mornings, yes.”
“When isn’t it hard in the morning?”
“When I never went to bed in the first place. Though, depending on what I’m doing…”
I gasp and smack his arm, laughing quietly when he simply smirks at me. Glancing at the time, I ask, "How long until you leave?"
“Eager to be rid of me?” he asks.
I shrug. “You work a lot. More than Uncle Enzo ever seemed to."
"That fucker will never be a Capo."
I consider his words before it strikes me. "Your father is only in his fifties, but… You do most of the work, don't you?"
I can tell my guess impressed him which makes me feel ridiculously proud. "Technically, he's still the boss, but I'll be Don much sooner than expected, and I already handle the bulk of his responsibilities."
"But that's the entire Trio you're talking about. Hundreds of men will answer to you."
"Closer to two thousand when you include Chicago and Vegas," he counters.
"Yes, they still follow New York's lead. That's going to drive Alessio nuts." He laughs. "It's so much to manage."
"It's what I was born for."
"Why so soon?"
"We kept is as quiet as possible, but he had a heart attack last year. We're hoping to wait until Renato graduates from high school before we make it official."
"I see. No wonder you were in such a hurry to marry me. A Don needs heirs, and he needs a wife to make those."
This time, he seems more amused by my words. "That's not the reason."
Flustered by his intense gaze, I glance at the time again. "You should probably get up. I know business is important.”
“What I’m doing at the moment is important, too.” His words seep through me like warm honey. “I’d like to kiss you,” he husks.
My hand covers my mouth in horror. “I have morning breath.”
