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“Forever my Tesoro,” he says, kissing me again.
My fate is sealed.
I’m forever Ari Milazzo’s wife.
And if I had to go back, I’d sign that contract all over again if it meant it led me to here.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Ari
Five months into Rosie’s pregnancy
“How are you feeling today, Tesoro?” I kiss her on the top of her head then slide my hand across her stomach while she leans over the counter and fills out a college application online. I’m very proud of her for deciding to go to school. I was hesitant because of her pregnancy. I didn’t want her to feel overwhelmed. Not because I didn’t think she could do school and be pregnant but because I only wanted her to feel rested and taken care of. I don’t want her to stress. I want to pamper her.
One of her dreams has always been to go to school and get her degree. I never want to stop her from doing anything she wants. If she wants the world, I’ll find a way to give it to her.
“Good. I’m almost done. I’m nervous. What if I don’t get in? I really want my degree in business. I want to reopen the shop and turn it into something else. Something I’ll enjoy. I don’t know what yet, but I really want to make it happen.”
I spin her around and place my hand against her neck. “And you will. You’re brilliant. You work hard and you’re driven. If that’s what you want to do, you’ll do it, and I’ll do anything to make that happen.”
She gives me a smile, wrapping her arms around my neck. “You always believe in me.”
I tug on her curls. “What’s not to believe in? You are a force of nature and I have no doubt you’ll do everything you want.”
Rosie steps on her tiptoes and kisses me. It’s sweet. A gentle long peck that reminds me of the love I finally get to have every day.
A grunt of pain coming from the backyard ruins the moment and Rosie breaks away from me, walking over to the sliding doors that lead outside. I stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist, then gently lift her stomach to bring her relief.
She groans, placing her head on my shoulder while I lift the weight.
“That feels so good,” she slurs with relief.
I kiss the side of her neck, hiding my grin. “I know.” I like to do this a few times a day for her, rub her back, and her feet. I massage her neck. I touch her everywhere. I want her to know how much I appreciate her and what her body is going through to grow my child.
Another grunt sounds.
Caplan is currently getting his ass kicked by Matias.
“Do you think he’ll be okay?” Rosie asks, a slight edge of concern to her tone.
“He’ll be fine. Matias won’t hurt him.”
“That’s not what I mean. Do you think he’ll be okay here? Working for you?”
I wince when Matias swipes his leg and sweeps Caplan from his feet. He lands on his back and groans. Matias chuckles and helps Caplan back up by extending his hand. While he is getting his ass kicked, I have no doubt about Caplan’s ability to do well here.
“He doesn’t seem like much now, I know,” I snicker when he doesn’t dodge a punch from Matias. “But self-defense is needed here. He needs to learn how to do this and how to take pain.” I won’t remind her of the torture sessions that come later. We have to desensitize him to pain because there will be a time where someone gets the best of him and he needs to learn and be able to take it. “But I have no doubts he will do well. He’s smart and he is a natural in this life. He’s proven himself already, but I need him to be able to protect himself better.” I cringe when Matias yanks Caplan’s arm back.
“Uncle! Fucking uncle! Good god,” Caplan shouts.
Rosie laughs next and Matias lets him go. My twin must say something along the lines of them being done for the day because Caplan falls dramatically on the ground. His arms and legs are spread out as he stares up to the sky.
“He’ll be just fine. He wants a more active role,” I begin to tell her. “He wants me to take him when I meet with my….” I choose my word carefully. “Customers. I told him he should learn security from Gianni and Matias, but he wants in on the action. I’m not sure yet. If he doesn’t improve his self-defense, he will be our tech guy, which isn’t a bad thing. That’s an important job.”
She sighs in disappointment. “Caplan never quits. He’ll work hard to make sure he gets what he wants. Might as well get used to him as your shadow.”
I slowly and gently lower her belly back down and turn her into my arms. “When you have you degree, would you be interested in taking a position with me? Here.”
