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“Wow, I married a real-life Scrooge, didn’t I?”
“I never said I was Prince Charming.”
“I never wanted that. I wanted you. Just you. But you’re being beyond unreasonable right now. At least tell me why?”
The elevator door opened and one of his bodyguards stepped out. He cleared his throat before he spoke. No doubt he could sense the heavy tension in the air. “Sir. Your car is ready.” His gaze shifted between Santino and me. “Or I can come back.”
“No.” Santino shot me a leveling stare. “I’m ready now.”
I reached for his arm and squeezed. For one, I didn’t want him to leave me. I didn’t want to sleep alone tonight. Somehow, I knew that if he left, he wouldn’t come back. But also, he owed me an explanation. I wasn’t a child he could simply say no to. I was his wife. He was my husband.
“Don’t go.” I peered into his eyes. “Santino, please.”
His features softened when I said his name. He cradled my cheek, surveying my face. “Don’t fight me on this, Red.” He swiped his thumb over my lips. For a split second, I thought he was going to kiss me. As it always happened, my body reacted to him, melting a little toward him. But instead of holding me, he turned to his bodyguard. “Don’t let her leave.”
By the time I recovered from the almost kiss and the finality of his words, Santino was inside the elevator car and the doors were closing fast. I rubbed the aching spot in my chest. I hadn’t meant for our night to end like this. I really thought I could have a civilized conversation with him and have him see things my way.
“Mrs. Buratti.” The bodyguard motioned toward the penthouse entrance.
Right. Back to my gilded cage.
“Don’t call me that,” I muttered through gritted teeth as I stormed past him.
“It’s for your own good, miss.” He called after me before he quietly shut the door. No doubt he’d stay on the other side keeping guard, making sure I didn’t leave…just like Santino had ordered.
How was being Santino’s personal doll “for my own good”? How was spending Christmas alone for my own good? I sat at the top of the stairs and eyed the empty house—filled with expensive furniture and paintings, but empty, nonetheless.
I missed my family. I missed spending Christmas eve with our crew, eating and drinking all night while we waited for morning to open presents. I missed that feeling of belonging. The worst part was I missed Santino too.
This was not how I had envisioned the holidays this year.
Chapter2
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Santino
“Just the drink. Thanks.” I peeled Cherry’s hand off the inside of my thigh.
Another time, I would’ve accepted her generous offer, but what was the point if all I could think about was Luce and our unfinished dinner plans. Fuck me. Why did she have to be so stubborn?
“Yes?” Cherry waved her hand in front of my face to get my attention.
“Yes what?”
“A glass of Pappy? Or would you like the entire bottle? I can see you need it tonight.” She adjusted her top and revealed a bit more of her cleavage. “You’ve never said no to me before.”
“I’m married now.” I showed her the wedding band on my finger.
“Honey, half the men at The Crucible are.”
“Bring the bottle.” I sat back on the club chair, feeling drained.
“Of course. Let me know if you need anything else.” She squeezed my shoulder on her way back to the bar.
“Do I smell trouble in paradise?” Enzo Alfera stepped into my line of sight.
“Great. Just what I needed tonight.” I rolled my eyes.
