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This time, I kissed the woman who stood by me as my equal, the woman who owned me in return.
CHAPTER SEVEN
SALVATORE
Finally,the security gates opened and Aldo expertly swept the car up the long winding driveway. As the trees eventually cleared to the left revealing the understated view of the sea, moonlight infiltrated the car, causing Serafina to open her eyes once again. Using my thigh to lean on, she pushed herself up and nearer to the view she knew would soon be revealed.
‘Open the window, please.’
I flicked the switch, complying with her wishes and watched as she inhaled deeply and breathed in the salty aroma of the sea, as the moonlight caressed her face.
We were home.
I knew it would be a powerful experience, having her here with me, but I wasn’t ready for the depth of emotion I felt sharing the moment with her.
Only when she’d miscarried our son had I felt an emotion more strongly.
Nothing could match it. Not the hate I had carried around with me for as long as I could remember. Nor even the revenge I’d sworn to seek.
I encased her hand on my thigh with my own and took the few minutes that it would take to drive to our home to think over the past few years without her.
This was a coming home of sorts for both of us, as I hadn’t set foot back in the home I’d had built for us. Instead, I’d slept back at the outbuilding I’d converted on my family’s land. The one I’d taken her to on our wedding night, or I’d slept wherever I landed, generally covered in someone else’s blood. Each morning, I would go to our beach and wash away the previous day and allow myself a short look at the home we’d created together and to try to absorb the love I knew had to have seeped into the walls.
Then I would change my clothes and go about another day’s business as I climbed to the near pinnacle of the ladder that I’d always thought I was ascending. Eventually, even to a damaged bastard like me, it became evident that all I’d ever really wanted was to create a family and the only person who could help me with that was thousands of miles away trying to achieve her dream.
Sleep didn’t come easily without her by my side or wrapped in my arms, and when it did the recurring nightmare that swept around my head was that of her brilliant turquoise eyes dimming, as the love she’d once told me she held for me gradually died, while she drowned in the pain that I’d sent her away to deal with all by herself.
‘I can’t believe I’m here.’ Her voice brought me back. She sounded tired but so very happy.
Once again, my heart soared.
No more.
I understood that I needed to get a handle on this emotional shit. I had to close the door on the man I’d allowed her to see earlier that day. I had to once again be the man I was born to be, in order to keep her safe, and I knew my favourite way to achieve just that.
Aldo brought the car to a standstill, and I pushed open the door. With my hand still on hers, I got out slowly and guided her out to me.
Maria, our housekeeper, had seemingly been awaiting our arrival, when she flung open the double oak front doors and made her way down the few steps.
‘Mr and Mrs De Luca.’ She offered her greeting with relief sounding in her tone. ‘It’ssowonderful to have you both home… at last.’
I felt Serafina’s questioning stare on the side of my face and ignored it.
‘Thank you,’ I appeased the older woman and with a curt nod of my head effectively placed a full stop on the direction of the conversation.
‘Your grandfather phoned earlier advising me of your arrival. He also asked if you could both go to see him as soon as possible.’
I moved my tongue around the front of my teeth as I thought over her words. I knew he would have phoned personally if it was something that needed dealing with.
‘Tell him we’ll be there in a couple of days,’ I instructed.
‘I will,’ she replied, still beaming at us both.
‘Come.’ Wrapping my arm tightly around my wife, I pulled her into me and guided her indoors. ‘Goodnight,’ I forcefully called out to those gathered behind me.
A chorus of voices offered us the same in return.
I could feel her questions swirling around between us, but concentrating on the click of her heels on the marble floor beneath us I steered her towards the sweeping staircase.
