Page 28 of A Very Grumpy Green Beret

She gasps at the diamond ring inside, tears springing to her eyes. “Luca.”

I smile, pulling the ring free. “Marry me, Pumpkin,” I say softly.

She sniffles as I slide the ring onto her finger. When my eyes meet hers, she nods. The tears slip free, and I brush them away from her cheeks.

“I love you,” I murmur against her lips.

“I love you too,” she says, her arms wrapping around my neck.

She’s mine, I think as my hips pull back and slide forward.

Perry gasps, clinging to me tighter as I make love to her, memorizing everything about this moment. I want to remember the day she agreed to be mine for the rest of my life.

All mine. Forever.

12

Perry

Five Years Later…

“Did you want me to drive you home?” Cameron asks, twirling her keys around her finger.

We became close friends after I got settled here, and we try to meet for lunch at least once a month. She picked me up today so we could grab a bite at the Nosh Diner, but I don’t want to have her drive me back. I know she’s excited to get home to her husband and kids.

“Nah, I’ll call Luca,” I tell her.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” I promise, pulling her in for a quick hug. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“See you!” she calls, hurrying to her car.

I watch her go and decide to walk around town for a bit before I call Luca for a ride.

I smile as I make my way down Main Street, waving at friends and neighbors as I go. My hand smooths over my baby bump, and I grin wider.

After five years, I finally feel safe. I know Luca is nearby. He was overprotective of me before, but now that I’m pregnant, he’s out of control. He thinks I don’t know about all the trackers he puts in my clothes, shoes, wedding ring, the bracelet on my wrist, and the necklace hanging around my neck, but I do. I’ve seen him tinkering with my things, watched him take apart the sole of my boots to slip a device into the heel.

My husband’s obsession with me should concern me, but it doesn’t. I love it. I love how crazy he is for me, love that he can’t stand not having me close, not knowing that I’m safe. His love for me is all-consuming, just like my love for him.

Luca has slain all my dragons. He dealt with my family, with the Bianchis, and with Bryan Marchessi. He was there for me when I approached the FBI about wanting to share information. It was Luca who held my hand through all the arrests, all the trial prep, all the stress. He comforted me when I was stressed out about testifying. He worked hard to dig up all the dirt so that my testimony almost wasn’t even needed.

He was my rock and my biggest supporter. I fell even more in love with him through all of that, which is crazy because I was already head over heels for him before.

All the people who were looking for me—my parents, the Bianchis—are locked up or dead now. And it’s all thanks to my husband. I couldn’t have done any of it without him by my side, supporting me. It’s such a relief to no longer spend my days worrying or looking over my shoulder. I’m finally free. I can finally breathe.

I hit a crosswalk and jog to make it across the street before the light changes.

“Whew,” I wheeze, taking a deep gulp of air.

I wasn’t exactly in shape before I got pregnant, but with the little bean pressing up against my ribs, I’m really out of shape.

My phone rings, and I smile when I see Luca’s name on the screen.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Are you okay? Your heart rate spiked,” he says worriedly.