Page 101 of Roman

But I wasn’t beside her.

I tossed and turned and eventually gave up, swinging my legs over the mattress and running my hand through my hair in agitation. With a low growl, I stood and headed through the closet and into Nonna’s suite. Effie was on the bed in the guest room, curled up with a book, not asleep either. She looked up at me, shaking her head. I strode forward, scooping her into my arms and turning, carrying her back to my suite.

“What are you doing?” she whispered. “Nonna says you can’t see me after midnight until the ceremony.”

“It’s eleven fifty-five,” I replied. “I’ll shut my eyes for the rest of the night. But this is utter nonsense. You’re sleeping with me.”

I deposited her on the bed, sliding in beside her and pulling her back to my chest. My entire body relaxed at her closeness. “This is where you belong.”

“Nonna won’t be happy.”

I pressed a kiss to her neck. “I’ll have you back early. She won’t even know.”

She snuggled back with a happy sigh. “I prefer it here too.”

“Good. This is where you’ll be the rest of your life. Now go to sleep.”

“Good night, Roman.”

“Good night, Little Tiger.”

I carefully slipped a sleeping Effie onto the bed in the guest room in Nonna’s suite. The one Nonna thought Effie had been using until I informed her otherwise.

I stood beside the bed, gazing down at the woman I would marry later that day. With her dark hair spread around her and her hand tucked under her chin, she looked lovely. Still innocent. Even though she was no longer a virgin, she would remain that way. It was part of who she was. Sweet and kind. Loving. Despite everything her sister had done to her during her life, the loss of her mother, the struggles she’d gone through with her business and relying only on herself, she remained so.

I should feel guilty bringing her into my world. Chaining her to me because of my own desires. I could send her to live elsewhere, free from worry. A new name, a new place, no connection to me. But the thought of doing so did something to me, and I couldn’t. Somehow I needed her in my life. I needed that sweetness. Her affection. I craved her body as much as I craved her smile.

So I was keeping her.

I placed a small box on the pillow beside her and bent, pressing a kiss to her forehead. I left the room, pulling the door shut behind me. I stopped when I saw Nonna sitting on the sofa, staring at me knowingly. A pot of coffee was in front of her. She always made her own, disliking room service even though she was treated like royalty here. I sat across from her, knowing better than to try to avoid the conversation we were about to have. She handed me a coffee, and I took it, taking a sip of the dark French press.

“You could not wait one night?” she asked.

I was honest. “No. I rest better beside her.”

She nodded. “I assumed that would happen.” She sat back. “She is good for you, Roman.”

“I am glad you approve, Nonna.”

“I think she will be the catalyst for change that is needed.” She took a sip of coffee. “If you allow that change.”

“Did Luca talk to you?”

She nodded. “I am thrilled about all his news.” She set down her cup. “Your mother hated what your father did, but she loved him. He was a good husband and father until she died. It was as if the goodness she brought out in him died with her. I hated how he treated you boys, as if you were things to mold and order around. How he pitted you against each other. Your mother had always hoped you would have different paths. Perhaps now, you can.” She drew in a deep breath. “I want you to live. To love. To have what your grandfather and I had.” She grasped my hand. “Open yourself up to Effie, Roman. Show her the man you are. Give her the life she deserves. The one you deserve. Whether you stay in this life or create another, put her first. Put yourself first.”

I met her eyes. She knew there was more to the story of Effie and me than I had told her. But she trusted me enough to stay quiet. To know I was doing what I had to do.

“I am thinking about it all, Nonna. And I put Effie and her safety first.”

She sat back. “That is good.”

I stood, bending to kiss her cheek. “I will see you later.”

I began to leave when she spoke again.

“Roman, piccolino,” she murmured.

I turned.

“Try to put your heart first. You will find great rewards when you do.”

I had no words to respond.