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“You will always be part of the Romano family and we will always take care of you. You’ll never need anything, but if something comes up,” Luciano handed her a card with his information. “Call me, directly.”
“Tomorrow, call the funeral home and they will begin to set up things for you. Do whatever Alec wished and it will be covered.”
I looked at my watch only to find that it was almost six o’clock in the evening by the time we left her home. Instead of worrying about food and other things, we went straight to his office to begin sorting out more information from the prints and the vehicle that the shooters had driven.
Their car was cleaned of prints and trash. I was a little surprised when he ordered a DNA specialist brought out.
He must have had access to a lab that could run DNA, but I knew those weren’t quick or easy results.
Finally, after several hours of working through all of the information, I tried to hide the yawn that continued to creep up.
“Is there anything else we can do tonight?” Another yawn escaped and I shook my head to wake myself.
“Not much right now.” He ran a hand through his hair. He still looked handsome and ready for battle even though I knew he was exhausted from the long day.
“Can we finally get some food and go to sleep? I think all the adrenaline has worn off.”
He checked me over and his eyes softened. “You’re right.” He stood, stretched, and pressed a couple buttons on his landline phone. “Let me get Stefano to make sure that we’re good. If anyone tries to approach the house tonight, shoot first and ask questions later, that type of thing.”
“Sir?” He stuck his head in the room.
“Can you make sure that no one comes at my bride again tonight?” There was a rough edge to his voice. “Take them out at all costs.”
I wasn’t sure whether I was offended or pleased that he wanted to protect me. I knew that I could save myself, but it also weirdly gave me butterflies in my stomach at his romantic gesture. I had never had anyone put my safety before anything else. It was a heady feeling.
He had a quick meal sent up to our room. Sandwiches and a side salad were already waiting for us when we arrived. We ate quickly, and then we took a shower together. Nothing sexy, but it was comforting. Especially how he soaped me up and down and massaged tension out of my shoulders. I wanted to return the favor because I knew he had to be more tense than me, but he kissed my lips, my forehead, and temple. Then he got me out of the shower and dried me off. As I said, his actions showed he cared.
He put me in bed and then his phone rang. I was tired enough that I started to fall asleep while Luciano took the call. I had no idea how long it was, but when he climbed into bed, I woke up just a little bit and rolled over closer to him curling into his warmth. His arms encircled me, and I hummed in contentment.
He whispered into my ear.
“I’m so thankful that you’re alive. I don’t know what I would have done if they’d hurt you.” He kissed my neck before I drifted off again.
I yawned and stretched when I woke up the next morning. I put my arms out for Luciano, and he was already out of bed and gone. I wanted to be pissed that he’d left me behind, but I could worry about that later.
Quickly getting dressed, I opened the door to find the soldier I’d argued with on the first day here.
“Well, am I allowed to leave today?” I asked with a sarcastic grin, knowing I had a gun with bullets in my favor this time.
The guard didn’t smile or react. “Yes, ma’am, you are.”
“Wow! That’s a change. Do you know where Luciano is?”
“Yes, ma’am. He said to tell you he’d be in his office.”
I started to walk in that direction, but the bodyguard hurried in front of me. Luciano wasn’t taking any chances on my safety.
I knocked on the door before entering. Not so much because I felt I couldn’t walk into his office unannounced but simply as a sign of respect.
“Anything new?” I asked. Luciano looked tired and not as put together as he usually was. Don’t get me wrong, he was still dreamy.
“No. None of the prints lead to anything and these people don’t exist. The DNA matches nothing. Their prints match nothing in any system. It’s like their ghosts, not a single form of identification.” He slammed his fist under the desk. I was getting worried for his hands.
I walked around and took a seat on the edge of the desk to talk to him.
“Look who’s all business this time when I visit his office.” The change in tone snapped his head up. He put his hands on my legs and leaned into me as if seeking comfort.
“Did you sleep at all?” I asked with a worried look as I stroked his hair. He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. He relaxed into me before he opened his eyes and gazed into mine.
