Page 115 of Mafia Darling

“Yes, because it is. Admit it, they’re perfect.”

Giving me the soft smile he reserved just for me, Fausto limped over and kissed me on the mouth. “I love them. I love you.”

“So, are you going to tell me what happened today?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Slowly, he began removing his jacket. “Because there is a code of silence, an unspoken rule that we don’t discuss what happens there.”

“But it’s me. We’re supposed to tell each other everything. And I’m La Donna.”

He threw me a surprised glance as he tossed his jacket onto the bed. “Who told you this?”

“Zia. Wasn't I supposed to know?”

The frown he wore was deep. “It makes you a target.”

He grunted, struggling with his shirt, and I began to help. “I’m already a target. Our life, remember.”

“My job is to protect you and our children. Promise me you’ll not take any unnecessary risks, especially while Enzo is still breathing.”

“I won’t—as long as you do the same.”

Putting a hand on my jaw, he tilted my face toward his. The look he gave me was full of adoration and reverence, and I wanted to melt into a puddle on the floor. He whispered, “My piccola monella, don’t you know that everything I do is for you? I will cheat and steal and kill for you. I will burn down the entire world to keep you safe.”

“I don’t need any of that. I just need you here, growing old with me.”

“And that’s exactly what you’ll get, even when you tire of me.”

“Never.” I pressed up on my toes and kissed him quickly. “I’ll never get tired of you.”

“Liar.”

I removed his shirt and smoothed my hands over his strong, warm shoulders. “What are you going to do about Enzo?”

“Kill him.”

“When?”

“He’s been hard to find, but I’m working on it.”

He unbuckled his belt and unzipped his trousers, and my eyes glazed over with memories and longing. Chuckling, Fausto shook his head, knowing exactly what I was thinking.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I can’t help it. You’ve conditioned me. Your pants come off and I lose my train of thought.”

“You are going to be the death of me, dolcezza.”

I took his hand and led him to the bathroom. “But you’ll love every second of it.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

Fausto

Four and a half years later

The door knob rattled, followed by a thump. More rattling.

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