And it’s all a part of the life I’ve made my own.
A flitting memory of a conversation sifts through my mind. The thought of Emma asking about kids. It chills me now as I see the loss that kind of connection brings. Why would she even ask such a thing in the first place?
Because she’s married to you, idiot. It’s what wives do.
Well, it’s going to have to be something my wifedoesn’tdo. Not when our world is so riddled with risk. Is it any wonder I’m so against the idea of bringing more life into my world? Today, we’ll be facing fathers, mothers… Telling them that their sons won’t be coming home. I can’t imagine the pain that we will bring into their lives. It’s a pain I can never imagine feeling. Being that connected to another soul.
Like Emma?a tiny voice says in the back of my mind.
Fuck. I can’t let myself go there. I’m already in too damn deep.
“So you think I should do it?” Mario is still talking, and I’ve missed half of the conversation.
“Yeah, sorry. You’ll need to repeat that.” I shrug ruefully. Mario’s picking his way through the wreckage, lifting ruined boxes and clearing rubble from our fallen men. It’s only when I hear an odd metallic click that something pings my senses in a way that has the hairs on the back of my neck rising.
“Boss?” Mario freezes as he sees me come to an abrupt halt.
“Don’t. Move!” I bark out. But it’s too late. Even as Mario’s weight shifts, I hear another strange click. Without thinking, I take two giant strides, then fling myself through the air, taking Mario with me as I barrel away from the scene.
And then the whole world explodes around us.
Chapter 3
Emma Caraldi
Warm, sudsy water swirls around my hands as I scrub the scourer over the surface of a plate that probably doesn’t really need cleaning. With all its chrome and gleaming surfaces, this entire kitchen feels like it’s only for show.
“Signora Caraldi?” A voice has me spinning so abruptly that I drop the plate, leaping back as it smashes on the floor.
“What?” I snap, scowling down at the mess at my feet.
“You shouldn’t be in here, Signora. We have staff for these things,” Paolo says firmly, moving up beside me and then stooping to collect the shattered fragments.
“I’m perfectly capable of washing up a few dishes,” I mutter, realizing that the ruined crockery at my feet probably gives lie to my words.
“Of course, Signora,” Paolo says smoothly. “But you’ve had a long trip and a long day out. You should rest. I’ll get cook to make some of that herbal tea you like.”
Grudgingly I step away from the smashed plate and head to the doorway. As polite and efficient as Paolo is, I miss my dear, sweet Parker. Though I guess it’s not fair to hold that against the man who’s now on his knees, thanks to me.
I amble from the room, glancing at my wristwatch. Raoul should be home soon, and then… The thought makes me smile. I’ve been in a bit of a daze since my conversation with Andy this afternoon. And even though I’m reeling at the fact that she knows and that she’s right about me having to tell him… I still smile when I think of him.
Getting soft, stupid girl.
I reach for my phone in my back pocket and glance at the text message he sent me earlier.
Wet for me, Buttercup?he’d sent through.If not, you will be when I get my mouth on that sweet pussy. Be ready when I get home.
Now I’m tingling at the thought of him coming back. Not only am I getting soft, but I’m clearly also out of my head with lust.
It’s the baby. Pregnancy hormones.
Has to be. I’ve never been this hot for a man before. Even in the face of so much confusion, just thinking about him makes me burn.
Maybe he’ll take my breath away again.
My cheeks flush as I imagine it. Picturing myself on my knees with his cock down my throat, begging for air and pleasure and all the things that he alone can bring me.
“Oh, my God,” I groan. I swallow hard as my head spins, and that annoying nausea returns as a reminder of the life growing in me.
