So incredible.
I had no idea how long we’d rocked together, but I knew the moment he was about to come by the change in his grip.
As soon as he erupted deep inside, he rolled me over, pinning me to the bed face down. He lifted my arms over my head, intertwining our fingers together and in those precious moments, I sensed a closeness forming I’d never experienced before.
And for the first time since leaving Sicily, I believed I could find my happily ever after.
CHAPTER 22
Jaxon
“We’re going to corner Carmine today,” Alexander said almost far too casually for what was at stake. The phone call hadn’t been expected.
“Good morning to you too.” I walked inside from my perch on the back deck, leaving my lost angel alone. I’d remained in her bed all night long.
At least this time, Anastasia hadn’t attempted to leave.
With my coffee mug in my hand, I stood staring out the window, enjoying her interaction with Zorro.
Christ, the pup had made his way onto the bed maybe halfway through the night. He’d managed to curl up between us. His presence had awakened me and I’d enjoyed more than an hour of watching the two of them sleeping.
Her arm around him. His paw constantly touching her.
What was it I’d heard about dogs? If you wanted to attract women, you got a dog? A steak was definitely in Zorro’s future.
“What do you mean we?” I finally caught on that he wanted me with him at the meeting.
“I’ve thought about everything that’s happened and you’re right to be concerned. There is something brewing. Therefore, I think you should mention your guest.”
“What are you thinking?” I took a swallow of coffee, more relaxed than I’d been in a long time. Maybe it was her trust in providing her real name. How many times had I already whispered Anastasia, enjoying the way doing so tickled my tongue?
“I don’t know for certain yet, but Carmine is going to fill in a few blanks. Any leads on Anna?”
“Her name is Anastasia. She has a family and while she hasn’t admitted it, they are from Italy.”
“Well, then we might have an interesting conversation with Carmine. My guess is a war is brewing in Italy.”
There was always a battle brewing somewhere in the world. Not all crime syndicates were as engaged in the more modern use of business applications, preferring the old school of displays of violence to prove points or win territories.
“You arranged a meeting?”
He laughed. “No. However, he has the day off. No surgeries. We’re going to enjoy a drive and finally take a few minutes to see the inside of his house. I heard it was recently renovated. Meet me at one-thirty at Indulgence. We’ll go over the particulars and head out from there.”
“Will do.” I shoved the phone into my jeans pocket, smiling from seeing her face lighting up. She’d found one of Zorro’s balls, laughing as she tossed and he chased.
Seeing her in my backyard seemed far too normal. It was picture perfect, much like I’d envisioned a long time before when as a young man I’d indulged in the thought of having a family of my own. Just watching her made me realize she could be caught in the middle of the very war Alexander had mentioned.
With the danger escalating, discovering everything possible about her had become a necessity. I dialed Donatello’s number.
“Boss man.”
Sighing, my grip on the phone tightened. “We’re putting the squeeze on Carmine today. I need you to do a few things.”
“Sure thing.
“Have security placed on the ballet theater. I’ll be there for Anastasia’s performance. I need a check on the Barishnikoff family and if there’s been any Russian visitors so check the airports not only in New Orleans but also Baton Rouge and even Atlanta.”
“Jesus Christ, boss. That will take time.’
