I glanced at Donatello who was directing several of his soldiers. “Difficult. Men are… difficult.”
He laughed. “Yes, we are. We can handle everything from here. I wanted to extend my thank you for the assistance you and your family provided.”
“Our pleasure.” I moved away, eager to put this behind us.
“Did you find the answers you sought?” Francoise asked.
I thought about the little sachet of gris-gris I carried with me wherever I went as well as what my Nona had told me. “You were right. I already knew the answers.”
And I had, perhaps since the day I’d met the man I’d fallen in love with.
The same one I’d also said I would marry one day.
“You ready to go?” Donatello asked.
“I am.”
We headed toward the elevators.
“You seem pleased with yourself,” my husband told me.
“I am. I’m brilliant. All the money is going to charity. Think about it. Not a single law enforcement agency can come after us.”
He pushed me into the steel box, glaring at the two soldiers determined to invade our space. They backed away, but not before he growled. When he yanked one arm over my head then the other, I didn’t dare try to stop him.
Not that I wanted to.
This was the man I’d fallen in love with, the one who refused to take no for an answer. The way he’d been the night before had erased all doubt he was one mighty fine, strong man who could handle anything. While not invincible, he was close enough.
Plus, he’d allowed me to see his softer side, a man who’d make a great father.
After this was over, I had full intentions of mentioning adoption.
There was nothing I wanted more than to share all the ups and downs of being a family with him.
“What are you doing?” I whispered.
“Reminding you who you belong to.” He pressed his forehead against mine, taking deep breaths.
“Not possible.”
As the elevator doors closed, I felt a sense of relief. No, this wasn’t the end of the Prince family dealing with enemies. There would always be one hiding in the shadows, hungering for our business. Even crumbs.
I couldn’t control them or what happened around them.
Which was why I’d decided to adhere to what my grandmother had suggested.
Live life to the fullest.
Maybe that’s also why Donatello’s lips tasted so sweet. As the elevator made its way to the bottom floor, I remained happily occupied.
There was something very special about being with someone who fed off your vibes. Whether hunger, sadness, fear, or anger.
My husband did know me better than even I knew myself. I continually found that out in subtle ways, but the moment an unsettling feeling washed through me as the elevator doors opened, I was thankful that a slight tension in my body language had been all he’d needed.
His actions were poised and provided proof of his expert training in combat missions.
The moment of the attack, he pushed me to the ground, his weapon appearing in his hand in a split second.
