Page 106 of The Man with a Treasure

With a small nod of her head and a yawn, she rolled to her side and burrowed into my chest. “You both are so warm.”

To offer even more warmth, Sal snuggled closer, laying his head on her shoulder His face still looked full of dismay after learning she had almost been murdered by her mother.

I carefully laid an arm over her and held them both.

Isabella, thank you for failing.

Once Scarlett fell asleep, neither Sal nor I left her side, as we had usually done in the past. After what we had just experienced on the balcony, there was a very strong possibility we were never leaving her side again.

Over Scarlett’s resting head, I told Sal, “I had a dream.”

His eyes shot to mine. “The kind like Mamma’s?”

Swallowing worry, I nodded. “Felt like it.”

For the second time on that early day, he paled. “A warning.”

“Yes. Isabella told me not to try to call again—”

“But—”

“That she would find me.”

He growled, “Not even a Giordano could locate us. We covered every track.”

This I knew, but… “She said to hold on to my Faith.”

Sal did a cross across his chest. “God, lead us.” After his eyes closed and he took a deep breath, he told me, “Don’t call again. We have plenty of money to hide for a couple of years if need be.”

I held out my hand. “If I fall…”

He grasped it. “We fall together.” He looked to our sleeping beauty. “If she falls…”

Acknowledging the angel in our arms, I snarled, “Hell will feel my fury.”

Eyes now open, Sal nodded with a locked jaw, staring at her. “Even God will support that kill.”

A soft finger studying my lips is what awoke me. Somehow, Sal and I had fallen asleep. I was now on my back, Scarlett draped across my chest, and Sal half on her back, as if he had found his favorite soft body pillow.

I didn’t move. I watched Scarlett as she touched my mouth.

After another moment, her fingers then touched her own. Her facial expression revealed deep thought. I couldn’t help but find the quiet, private moment incredibly sensual.

Scarlett whispered, “It is nighttime.”

My eyes darted to the window. She was correct. We had slept all day.

Sal slowly inhaled as he woke from a very deep sleep.

Scarlett whispered, “Like this, I am not afraid.”

Sal started to roll off of her, but Scarlett grabbed his hand. “No,” she quietly begged. “I don’t want this feeling to end.”

Sal, waiting for my response, caught me off guard, so I smirked, “Are you brave enough to deny this beautiful Italian woman what she wants?”

His smile was genuine and full of relief as he resumed his position cradling Scarlett’s back.

She exhaled, then melted to me. Her next whisper was filled with gratitude. “Thank you.”