AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We were staring into each other’s eyes, none of us moving an inch.
“Roman?”
“Yes.”
“You haven’t let go of me yet.”
“I know.” It seemed an impossible task. “Just give me another moment.”
She didn’t pull away, but I could see she was making an effort to not move one muscle. An avalanche of memories poured over us. I knew she remembered too; I could see them reflecting in her emerald eyes that were sparkling under the sun. Every day when we would get home, we’d meet at the door and I used to hold her just like this, except then we would end up naked, our limbs tangled and souls fused into one. This time around I had to settle for this faded moment of tenderness.
Her lips are so close, if I lean just a few inches…
“Mama!” Romina’s voice shattered all my desire. “Do you think we’re going to see a lot of fish?” She looked cheerful with a smile on her face and one arm around Max’s neck. She looked extra adorable next to Maximus, who was taller.
I let Salva escape my arms and she turned to Romina with an awkward smile.
“I hope so, baby. We’ll look for them later, ok?” Romina nodded vigorously. “Don’t run on the deck and stay away from the railings if there isn’t an adult with you.”
“Ok. I love this boat. Thank you for bringing us here, Mr. Roman.”
It was time to start to rectify the situation.
“Let’s make a deal, Romina. I promise to bring you on the boat again if you call me Roman.”
Her smile shone brighter than the sun. She really loved it out here. Well, fuck. I’d have to start looking at yachts for sale right away.
“Ok, Roman.” Still wasn’t good enough as daddy, but it was a start.
I wanted to reach for her and wrap her in a hug, but I couldn’t risk freaking her out. She was just a kid after all. I had to take things one step at the time and it drove me insane. Between needing Romina closer and wanting Salva, I was going to end up in an institution.
The captain came from his cabin straight to me.
“Signore Stefani, the chef is ready to serve you whenever you wish.”
Good. I would like to feed my girls.
“You managed to get everything I asked for, Captain?”
“Yes, sir. I brought them in fresh myself. Whenever you’re ready just go on the lower deck. Everything is set.”
I nodded, pleased with what I was hearing, and the captain returned to his command post, leaving me and Salva alone once again.
“Roman, you hired a chef? You really shouldn’t have gone through all this trouble.”
“Get used to it, Salva. I want to spoil her; it feels like the least I can do.”
She looked over at Romina who was showing something to Maximus in the water, but instead of looking where she was pointing, the dog was looking over her. Good boy.
“Are you sure the dog won’t harm her?”
“Maximus? No, he’s a very social dog. I paid a fortune on his training; he only gets aggressive on command. You have nothing to worry about. Max knows your smell very well and he’s very warm to kids.”
She looked a little startled.
“How could your dog know my smell?”
Jesus fucking Christ, how did I let that slip?
