Page 66 of His to Break

EPILOGUE

Three months later

Vinnie

It’s hard to believe a man of Leo’s size could conceal himself effectively, but it turns out he’s damned good at hide and seek. We’ve played my favorite game regularly over the past few weeks as we’ve focused on making our marriage work.

A lot has happened since that night in the warehouse. Gio got out of the hospital a couple of weeks after he was shot and is making remarkable progress in his recovery. He’s planning a trip to Scotland, something he’s apparently wanted to do for some time. His brothers aren’t happy about it, but they’re willing to let him go in the hopes he’ll come back to them one day.

My father died two weeks after I last spoke to him. I’d be lying if I said I mourned his loss. Despite a bloody attempt by Jack Gallo to seize leadership of the Bianchi family, Daniele succeeded him. One of the first things he did was make peace with Antonio and his brothers. They won’t ever be friends, but at least they’re not trying to kill each other, something I’ll be eternally grateful for.

Things are good right now. At least, they would be if I could find my husband. As I walk through the apartment for the third time, looking for him, I curse under my breath. Usually I’m the one who hides. It’s incredibly arousing, waiting in some darkened corner for my husband to find me and do unspeakable things with his fingers and tongue.

Tonight, he insisted on a role reversal. I have no idea where the hell he’s got to, and it’s frustrating. It’s even more annoying because I have something I want to tell him tonight. I planned so share the news while we were indulging in a little foreplay.

Something moves in the corner of my eye, and I look toward the balcony. It’s supposed to be off-limits during these games. I once slipped out through the secret exit in the kitchen and hid in the stairwell while Leo searched for me for over an hour. When he found me, he was so worked up he spanked my butt raw and declared that hiding places should be confined to the apartment.

Since he’s nowhere else to be found, I walk across the room and slide the balcony door open. Immediately, my eye lands on him. He’s not supposed to be out here, but I can’t be mad about his cheating because he’s set up a picnic.

There’s a red blanket laid out at the center of the garden I created. Leo’s made a ring of lanterns around it to provide some light. A bottle of champagne is chilling in a metal bucket and the takeout containers tell me he’s ordered from my favorite burger joint. I have no clue how he got it in here without me realizing, but I’m thrilled that he did. My husband knows me so well. I love cheap food and expensive champagne.

“Come, sit.” Leo pats the space next to where he’s sitting on the blanket and I go to join him.

“What’s all this for?”

“Just wanted to treat my beautiful wife on our three-month anniversary.”

I don’t tease him about his newfound romantic streak because he still gets a little awkward about stuff like this. He’s easily hurt if he thinks I’m mocking his attempts to be a good husband.

“Well, this looks amazing, but are you sure you should be feeding me burgers?” I pat my stomach. “I think I’m getting fat.”

Without warning, Leo grabs me and pulls me over his lap. He spanks me three times, my yoga pants lessening the sting. Then he sets me back down and kisses my forehead.

“Never speak about yourself like that. You’re perfect.”

I purse my lips. It seems he didn’t take the hint. I sit back as he pours two glasses of champagne and passes one to me.

“To my gorgeous wife.”

I clink my glass against his and then set it down.

“Sorry, Leo, but I can’t drink that.”

“But it’s a Krug limited edition. I thought you liked it.”

I shrug. “Sorry, I can’t drink it right now.”

Leo looks downhearted. “Did I at least get the burger right?”

I open the carton. “Double cheeseburger with bacon.” It’s my favorite. “I could use the extra calories right now.”

There’s still no hint of realization from him, not a flicker. “I should have got a fucking t-shirt printed,” I mumble under my breath.

“What are you talking about?”

“Leo, think about it. I’ve said I’m putting on weight, yet I need extra calories. I can’t drink the champagne and I know you haven’t noticed, but I’ve cut down on coffee. Put all that together and what do you get?”

The infuriating male just shrugs. I feel upset now. How could he not have noticed the subtle changes in my body? My breasts are bigger. I’d have thought he’d pick up on that, at least.

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