Page 60 of Aldo

“Soon. You want that?” I indicated the room.

“God, no. Something small.”

“I’ll arrange it. Wear something that shows off your legs. I fucking love your legs.”

“Anything more to add?”

“No more working. My wife doesn’t need to work.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. No point anyway. I’m going to get you pregnant, and we’re gonna fill that house with babies.”

“You’re awfully bossy for someone who hasn’t fucked me in weeks and just learned to use their words.”

I stopped moving, staring down at her. “It’s been eleven days, six hours, and forty-seven minutes since I was last inside you. That is going to change in the next fifteen minutes. We’re going inside, saying good night, and if you take too long, some people in there are going to get a show they didn’t bargain for and Luca will never speak to me again.”

“And then?” she whispered breathlessly.

“I am taking you upstairs, and I’m going to fuck you until you pass out. I won’t hurt you, but you will know exactly who you belong to. Then tomorrow, we’re going to the jewelry store, and I’m getting you the biggest fucking rock I can find. No one will doubt you’re taken.”

“You sound pretty sure of yourself.”

I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck, pulling her close. “I am because I love you and you love me. We were meant to be together. I’m the shadow, and you’re the light. We need each other.”

Her smile was brilliant. “Well, why didn’t you just say that?”

I began to laugh.

“I love you, baby. I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you just how much. If you let me.”

“Love you right back, big man. Now go back to being bossy and take me to your room.”

I kissed her.

“Let’s go.”

CHAPTER 18

VI

We made it out of the reception without speaking to anyone. The bride and groom were dancing, locked in their own world. Roman was with Nonna V, and he winked at us as we went past. Aldo flipped him off subtly, which made me grin and Roman’s smile get wider.

In the elevator, Aldo kept me tucked to his side. He looked calm and aloof, but I saw the storm behind his eyes, and I prepared myself for when he released its fury.

I could hardly wait.

In the suite, I turned to him, our gazes locked. For the first time, I saw everything he kept hidden away. The love and devotion in his stare were blatant. Rich, filled with promise, the future laid out plainly.

I was his future.

He cupped my face and kissed me the way he always did. Sweetly, passionately at first, until the fire overcame him and it turned carnal. Deep. Wet. Passionate.

But he didn’t rush. He didn’t tear off my dress, throw me on the bed, and fuck me. Instead, he turned me around, undoing my dress and letting it pool to the floor in a swath of rich blue. Then slowly, carefully, he kissed every scar, mark, and place where a bruise had been inflicted. His mouth was gentle, worshipping.

He whispered soft words of adoration. Affection. Affirmation.

Love.