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Sophia
My heart pounds as Nick takes the stairs two at a time back toward our bedroom. No one follows after us. My mind tries to play catch up with everything that just happened.
My father is dead. I think it again, the words so final. My father is dead.
He’d admitted to murdering my mother before my husband put a bullet in his skull. I was just as shocked at his outburst about my mother as I was about how fast Nick reacted. As soon as the threats left Lorenzo’s mouth, Nick smoothly gunned him down. There was no hesitation in his movements. He’s done this before, and now I know he will do anything to protect my honor. My fingers dig into his suit coat as I cling to him, never wanting to let go. How is it that I feel safe with him when I’ve witnessed him murder two people within 12 hours? I suppose it’s the knowledge that they were bad men to begin with that helps me not feel guilty. My father murdered my mother, so I have no sympathy for him. He took her away from me, and now Nick has returned the favor by taking his life.
She didn’t leave me. Not of her own free will. My eyes water at the vindication in that thought. Marco and I weren’t abandoned. Even though she’s gone. Even though it doesn’t change anything, that means so much to me. She loved us, and she was stolen from us. Now the thief of her life has paid in blood.
“Are you scared, cara mia?” Nick asks.
“Yes,” I admit. I’m scared of a lot of things right now. One being what will happen next and what will happen with my brother Marco. Nick promised me his safety, so I have to trust that. Asking him again now would be a sign of disrespect. He’s done nothing to make me think he would break his vow to me. There will definitely be fallout from the other families over this, but I know in my heart that Nick will protect Marco from the worst of it.
“Scared of me?” He enters our bedroom and kicks the door closed behind him.
I shake my head. Thinking back on it, I don’t think I ever was. Not when he shot my husband and not when he took me for his own. All I’d felt then was relief. I still feel it. “I’m not scared of you.”
“My brave queen. Not many people would say that to me.” He places me on the bed, and I let go so I can look up into his dark eyes. No, I’m not scared of him.
“I’m scared you’re going to get hurt,” I admit. That’s the truth. I’ve only known the man for a few hours, and in that short time I’ve fallen in love with him. The thought of something bad happening to him makes my soul ache. But there are going to be consequences. He’s killed two men. Not just any two casuals on the street either, powerful men. Ones that were the heads of their families. Families that will be looking for revenge. When my grandfather Pasquale finds out … I swallow hard. That’s what frightens me the most.
“Are you going to try and leave me?” He cocks his head, a small smirk on his lips, and rests his hand at my bustline.
“What? No, of course not.”
“Good. You not being here with me--that’s the only thing that could hurt me. Besides, I wouldn’t let you go. I’d follow you wherever you went.” He rips my dress right down the center.
I gasp at the violence of it, at the heat that pools in my core from his aggression.
“Nick.” I reach up, needing to touch him. How a man can be so deadly yet so sweet, I’ll never understand. “There will be war.”
“As there should be. He killed your mother.” He sounds as mad about that as I am. I close my eyes for a moment, just thinking of her. He shifts his body, leaning down on top of me. His mouth brushes softly against mine. “Anyone who harms you will know death. I proved that point today. You will not live in fear.”
“I fear losing you,” I breathe against his mouth.
“Trust me, cara mia. The devil himself couldn’t take me from you.” His tongue slides across my lips. I part them in invitation. He greedily takes my mouth. There is so much to be said. So much that is happening, but right now all I want is to be connected to him. I slide my hands up his chest and neck, then dig my fingers into his short hair as I wrap my legs around him, pulling him close.
He growls into my mouth.
“Too many clothes,” I say as I try and pull the suit from his body.
He pushes back with a grunt and stands at the side of the bed. I lift to my elbows to watch as he strips himself of his clothing, his eyes never leaving my body. My face heats at the thought of my bare chest being on full display to him. All the lace that I’m wearing itches to be torn off by his fingers. I focus on him as each layer of his clothing falls to the floor. He stands in front of me in all of his naked glory. Even without a shred of clothing on, he exudes confidence and power. My nipples harden as my body calls for him to give it pleasure. Moisture pools between my thighs, making the silk stick to me.
My eyes roam over his body. “Nick.” I sit up, reaching out to run my finger down one of the many scars that litter his torso. “You see why I'm fearful?” I say before I lean in and kiss one.
He pulls the veil free, tossing it away before his fingers dig into my hair. “This is the life we lead.”
I kiss another mark.
“I’m not young and dumb anymore. I’ll be careful and make sure I come home to you. I don’t run the streets. Here is where I belong.” He kisses me softly once before sliding his tongue in my mouth. His hands explore my body. His fingertips reach up and tease my nipples until I’m panting with need. Before I can lean back, he breaks our kiss and steps away once again.
“What’s wrong?” I meet his eyes, wondering if something I did made him pull back from me.
“Cara mia, nothing could possibly be wrong when it comes to you. You’re perfect.”
My cheeks feel as though they are on fire.
He crooks a finger at me. “Stand up. I want to see all of you.”
