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Antonio’s response is to beckon me to follow.
“Don’t drop her,” I whisper, when we’re at the bottom of the staircase. “Maybe it’ll be safer if she walks.”
He glares at me over his shoulder and starts upstairs.
I follow closely behind.To catch her if she falls.It’s a fanciful thought, because she’s not a toddler I can snatch from midair.Not anymore. Besides, despite my concerns, Antonio won’t drop her. I’d stake my life on it.
When we reach the upper landing, he goes directly to my suite, stepping aside so I can open the door.
The light in the sitting area has been dimmed, and someone left a tray with water, a tea kettle, and an array of food. Without stopping, I stride past it and into the bedroom with Antonio on my heels.
The bed has already been turned down, and I pull back the covers completely. When I glance up to tell Antonio to put her down, my heart stops.
He’s not paying attention to me. He’s looking at her. It’s not a leer that wouldmake me rip her out of his arms—it’s nothing like that. His expression is serious as he studies her face, but his features are soft. My heart melts.
One of the many things I hadn’t considered today was how Antonio’s life would change—again.
He’s taking in another child.Valentina is older than Rafael was when he came to live with him, and I’ll be the one taking care of her and making decisions. But the household will change. He recognizes it, like I do. I’d give anything to know what he’s thinking.
He meets my eyes and holds my gaze for a moment. The responsibility of having a child in the house is not lost on the man who already has too much responsibility.
After he lays her on the bed carefully, I slip off her shoes and socks, and cover her with the luxurious sheet and comforter. She’s safe. In my bed. There were moments—hours—when I wasn’t sure we’d pull it off. I say a small prayer of thanks before tearing myself away from her.
Antonio waits for me by the sitting room door, his shoulders braced against the plaster, his eyes glued to his phone. He’s lost the soft look he had a few minutes ago. In its place is a deadly serious expression. I don’t ask what’s on his phone that has him worried. He won’t tell me, and I’ll feel shut out, spoiling the warm feelings I have for him right now.
“Thank you,” I murmur, placing my hand on his arm. “There are no words to describe how grateful I am to you for getting her back safe. She’s my life.”
He nods and runs his fingers through my hair, gently pulling it back. “Victor prepared a light meal. You should eat something before you go to sleep.”
“I’m not hungry. But maybe I’ll have a little something with a cup of tea,” I add quickly. I have no desire for a little something or for tea, but Antonio has a lot on his mind, and he doesn’t need to worry that I haven’t eaten.
“Your things are in my—our room,” he informs me. “I’ll stay here, while you get what you need for the night.”
I’m exhausted—more mentally than physically—and he must sense my confusion.
“We’re married, remember? It’s customary for married couples to share a room—at least in the beginning.”
How could I forget?I nod.
“This will be Valentina’s suite. She can decorate it however she wants. Victor will coordinate the project. These are no longer your rooms.”
He’s decided, and it’s final. That’s the way it is with him. My heart clenches. “I can’t leave her. She’ll be terrified if she wakes up in an unfamiliar place.”
“That’s why I told you to go and get what you need for tonight.”
Just tonight? Nothing will be different tomorrow.“It’s going to take her awhile to adjust.”
“It’s going to take us all awhile to adjust.”
There’s a weariness in his eyes, and a couple days’ worth of scruff on his face that only makes him seem more dangerous.More attractive.I itch to run my fingertips over his stubbled jaw, but I don’t want to give him the wrong impression. Not that Antonio is the kind of man who waits to be seduced.He takes what he wants.
But he’s patient right now, more patient than I would expect from an exhausted Antonio, with Santa Ana’s in ashes and several dead bodies on his hands. But for some godforsaken reason, I need to make him understand that Valentina needs me, and that she’ll continue to need me, and that she’s my first priority.
“She’s a child, and we’re adults.”
His expression is unreadable. “I’ve never been a twelve-year-old girl, but I assume they require the same kind of privacy that twelve-year-old boys require. After tonight, I expect you in our bed every night I’m here. She’ll be happy to have some space.”
I’m tired, and I should just go get my things and go to sleep. But I’m worried if I don’t set a tone with him tonight, while he seems more amenable, I’ll lose my chance.She’s my child, not his, but he has to be the boss of everyone.“You don’t know her. You have no idea what makes her happy.”
