A soft smile plays on Fabiano’s lips. “Why rush? It’s not like you’re close to the bride or groom’s family anyway.”
I arch an eyebrow. “The bride is the senator’s daughter, Fabiano. Showing up late is going to look terrible. Half of Tony’s deals ride on that man, and right now our daughter’s stories matter more to him than that.”
Fabiano chuckles softly and walks over, that familiar teasing glint in his eyes. He pulls me into a quick hug. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of your own daughter.”
I tilt my head back and give him a look that screams,Really?He steps back, laughing again and quickly retracts his words.
“Okay, okay, I’m kidding. You’ve given me plenty of lectures about how proud you are that Tony’s the best dad in the world. You don’t need to stress. I’ll rescue you.”
We walk back into the living room together. Antonia’s eyes sparkle as she waves her little hands wildly, talking a mile a minute while Tony watches her like she hung the moon.
Fabiano raises his voice playfully.“Anybody seen the little girl who promised to play house with me tonight? Winner gets a pretty prize.”
Antonia squeals at the mention of a prize, leaping off Tony’s lap and practically flying toward Fabiano.
“Here I am! Here I am!”
Fabiano sweeps her up into his arms, holding her tight, then winks at me. “Just enjoy tonight. Your little princess is safe with me.”
I stroke his arm gently, my eyes telling him everything he needs to know.
“Call me before bedtime, okay? I want to say goodnight to her,” I say, then lean in to kiss my girl on the cheek.
Fabiano nods. Tony, as if snapping out of the spell Antonia had him under, walks over to us and kisses her little hand.
“Save the rest of your story for tomorrow, okay?”
Antonia flashes him a toothy smile and nods her head enthusiastically. Tony kisses her cheek. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”
“Goodnight, Daddy. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, my little angel,” Tony responds warmly.
A soft smile curves my lips as I watch them, even as the clock keeps ticking in my head.
“Tony, we’re running really late.”
Tony pats Fabiano’s shoulder, and finally manages to pull himself away from Antonia. As the elevator doors close, he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me against him swiftly.
His voice drops, low and rough. “Come here, baby.”
I tilt my head up to meet his eager gaze. Tonight is not just about the party, it’s also our night. Once a month, we put poor Fabiano on babysitting duty, pulling him away from his studies, so we can indulge in each other’s company, body, and soul. My whole body burns for him.
“Tony…” The word comes out breathless as my hands slide down his chest.
He lowers his head, ready to claim my lips, but I stop him with a soft protest.
“Don’t ruin my makeup,” I whisper against his mouth. “It’s the senator’s daughter’s wedding, for God’s sake.”
“Fuck the senator,” he growls, and crushes his mouth to mine.
His mouth is hot, his scent dizzying, and I’m helpless to resist. I surrender to instinct, parting my lips, letting him take me wherever he wants.
***
The ceremony is over, and we’re on our way to the hotel. All night, Tony’s eyes have been devouring me—my breasts, my ass, every curve. He’s making it impossible to think straight. I don’t know how he does it, but one look from him and I lose every ounce of control. His gaze, the touch of his hands, the heat of his mouth, they take me somewhere else entirely. A place where I could stay for days, even months, without thinking about hunger or thirst.
Even though he’s sitting right next to me, I can’t look at him. Looking at him feels like a starving person gazing at a feast. Rafael sits in the front like always, silent and watchful. I don’t dare move.
