“Don’t cry,il mio sole.”
I can’t speak so I only shake my head, trying to tell him that my emotions are so intense right now, they just need to leak out. My smile must tell him enough, because he leans down to kiss me as he makes love to me.
He removes his hand from my throat, but keeps the one on my stomach. I’ve never felt so loved or protected. And I trust Tommaso will do everything and anything to not only keep me safe, but to keep our child safe as well.
I don’t feel smug that I have the man that a woman I either intensely disliked or hated in the past was supposed to have. I’mnot patting myself on the back because he chose me over the risk of breaking a blood contract.
I just feel loved and cherished. Worshipped. And right where I belong.
Tommaso kisses me deeply as I climax for a second time, and I grip him close with my legs around his waist and my arms holding his broad back tightly. My cries of ecstasy with my release and the tightening of my walls around his shaft bring his orgasm right after mine.
He kisses along my jaw before coming back to my mouth to kiss me once again, before he gathers me into his arms and carries me into the bedroom, heading toward the ensuite. “Let’s get you cleaned up, then I’ll make you more breakfast because a few pieces of fruit aren’t enough.”
I giggle while looking up at him, still having a hard time believing he’s mine. “You can cook?”
He looks insulted, then laughs. “Not well, but I’m sure you can suffer through it, wife.”
I press the side of my face against his thrumming heart. “I’m sure I can, husband.”
He sets me on the vanity while he goes to start the shower, then he pushes my open robe off my shoulders. Staring down at me with what can only be described as absolute adoration.
He leans down to press a kiss on my left collarbone. “Il mio sole.” One to my right collarbone. “My sun.” Over my heart. “My light.” Then, with his large, scarred hands gently holding my stomach, he kisses my lips. “My queen.”
Chapter 38
Tommaso
Gilly’s—theneutralterritoryforcriminals in San Francisco—is full.
Even though it’s the middle of the day, there’s several people in the bar. Most come and go, using this as their meeting space; some are here just for a drink or food. There are surveillance cameras in case anything happens, but they don’t record audio. The owner-operator of Gilly’s and his staff take this place and their role extremely seriously; they’re dedicated to playing a non-biased, neutral role to ultimately reduce bloodshed on the streets. Law enforcement tends to leave this place alone solely because it helps reduce collateral damage to the people of the city.
Vincenzo sits across from me, scanning the bar before turning back to me.
His securityentourageis here; and I call it that because everything Vincenzo does is over-the-top. He travels like he’s royalty; I’m lucky I wasn’t forced to clear the bar and a three-block perimeter just to get him to meet me here.
The fact that I didn’t tells me a lot. It’s not that he’s turning humble; no, it’s because he desperately wants or needs this meeting with me. He’s grossly outnumbered, and he knows it. Yet he still came. I’m on edge about why, but I keep my mask in place.
Just like him.
He smiles at me, looking like he’s my best friend, but I know he’s a shark. And with what Gina told me about what her father said about him, I don’t fucking trust him, even if I can’t imagine him doing what he’s accused of.
There is no ‘innocent until proven guilty’ in our world; you wait too long, you’re dead. Most hot-headed, impulsive leaders—and there are many in our world, hence why there’s so much power-grabbing and warring—would be here to retaliate. And I will retaliate if needed, but I’m not letting my emotions rule my actions or decisions so I can find out more about what is going on.
If Vincenzo is a threat to Gina, though, I will take him out. Not because of an impulsive, hot-headed decision, but because I’ve already decided his fate.
The weight of the bullet in my pocket reminds me that there are ripple effects to any life you take, and you must be ready to face the consequences. Pay for your sin. And I’m ready to pay whatever price to keep Gina and our child safe.
Gus, a former pro boxer, who recently started as the manager here, approaches our table with our drinks. He nods to me and asks, “Anything else I can get you gentlemen, Tommaso?”
His voice is raspy and hoarse from a throat injury in the ring. And he addressed his question to me, subtly recognizing that this is my territory and the man with me is my guest.
“We’re good, thanks, Gus.”
Vincenzo watches him walk away before regarding me as he sips his wine. “You’re not usually a wine drinker.”
I lift mine in salute. “Variety is the spice of life.”
He scans the barroom again, his eyes stopping on the table of the four Chamber leaders who are my collective allies now. The agreement is fresh and untested, but the fact that they’re here is a message in itself.
