Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 73663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
“You don’t have to,” he says gently. “It’s dangerous.”
“I know you want to protect me, but I’m ready to take risks again. At least, some small risks, like talking to your brother.”
He grunts and looks toward the door. “You might want to talk to Gian too.”
“What did he do?” The mysterious final brother came back home and hasn’t left since. He’s almost as bad as Carlo, though quiet and very serious.
“Keeps arguing with Saul about the Rinaldo Famiglia and his engagement. It’s a whole mess.”
“Gian will get over it.” Apparently, he has a history with Allegra, and things are pretty tense between him and Saul. It’s lucky she hasn’t come home yet, or else I’m pretty sure those two will end up murdering each other. And Saul doesn’t even want to get married. I tried asking Carlo about it one time, but he didn’t know what happened to make Gian hate Allegra so damn much.
“Either way, this war has dragged on much longer than I hoped. Jasha and Finnian are clever. They’re hitting us in small ways, cutting off our guys from their streets, scaring off our suppliers, making our connections with the police more dangerous and fraught. They can’t destroy us in one single blow, but they’re trying to bleed us out.”
“We’ll think of something. I promise.” Which I hope is true. Renzo seemed so light and happy six months ago, but the stress is back and I can only do so much to keep it at bay.
I push myself to my feet and go to him. He pulls me down into his lap, and even though I’m so big and pregnant, he still holds me like I’m nothing. His lips brush my cheeks, my eyes, my forehead, and I nuzzle into his strong chest.
“Our allies are worthless,” he says, sounding exhausted. “Rocco’s unwilling to commit soldiers and any serious money. Orsino’s the same. I’m basically fighting the Russians and the Irish on my own. Carlo’s got a death wish. Gian’s in a silent feud with Saul. Mom’s stable, but that won’t last forever. And there’s my pregnant wife. Our child’s going to be born into this mess.”
I press my forehead against his. “We’ll get through it.”
“I know we will.”
“No, Ren, I really mean it. You and me. We’ll get through this together. I’m going to be here with you, right by your side, every single day for the rest of your life.”
“Promise.”
“I already did.”
“No, promise me right now, right here.”
“I swear.”
He kisses me and lets out a sigh. “You always know how to bring me back. How do you do that?”
“I really don’t know. But it’s a gift.”
He chuckles and holds me tight. I stay there in his lap, not moving, a smile on my face.
Life hasn’t been easy. The war is making everything difficult. I’m constantly worried about him and his brothers. I’m also physically uncomfortable and very ready for his pregnancy to be done.
But even if it isn’t easy, I wouldn’t want to live with anyone else.
There are the mornings with him, the nights. The insatiable evenings. The kisses, the hugs, the laughter. I’ve even convinced him to watch more TV shows with me, if only so he can have something to distract him for a little while.
He drives me wild. I can’t live without him.
And when this all started, all I could think about was escaping.
Now, all I can think about is staying with him forever.
There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” he calls out. I move to get out of his lap, but he holds me tight, not letting me go.
Stefania steps into the room. She rolls her eyes when she sees me in his arms. “You two are ridiculous. I thought the honeymoon period would be over by now.”
“What can I do for you, sister?” Renzo’s grinning at her.
I manage to extract myself. “She’s here for me. Ready to get to work?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Stefania’s wearing old, faded jeans and a beat-up t-shirt.
Renzo looks surprised. “Where are you two going?”
“Stef’s going to help me in the garden.”
He barks out a shocked laugh. “You’re kidding me. Seriously?”
“I’m insulted,” Stefania says, looking at her fingernails. They’re perfectly manicured. “I’m a very hard worker.”
“No, you aren’t.” Renzo points at me. “You did this, didn’t you?”
“She’s bored,” I say with a shrug. It’s summer, which means she’s between semesters at UPenn. Since she can’t get a job, she’s stuck around here with me. I’m honestly surprised it took me this long to convince her to come help me out in the garden.
“I’m going to regret this,” Stefania says as I walk over and pat her on the arm.
“You won’t. You’re helping your poor, pregnant sister dig around in the dirt.”
“Make sure she doesn’t work too hard,” Renzo says.
“Which one? Me or Stef?” I wink at him when he laughs again. “See you later.”