Page 102 of Of Vows and Betrayal

I look at him silently. “Your husband called me when he heard your call.”

“Where is my hus—Javier?”

“Hard to say?” He smirks. “He’s in the car being restrained by two of my men. He wanted to barge in here, all guns blazing. Called me shouting that his wife was in danger.” He rolls his eyes. “So much drama for nothing. Don’t worry about Fabrizio. The Gambinos will stay away from you.”

I don’t listen anymore as I rush to the back alley.

When I reach the alley, I see the black car parked with its doors open. Two men, both large and imposing, are holding Javier back. His face is a mask of fury, his muscles straining against their grip.

“Javier!” I call out, my voice trembling with relief and fear.

He looks up, his expression softening slightly when he sees me. “Phee, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say, rushing over to him. “Let him go,” I tell the men, my voice firmer than I feel.

They exchange a glance but release him. Javier steps forward, pulling me into a tight embrace. I can feel his heart pounding against my chest, and I hold on to him, letting the tension of the moment drain away.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers into my hair. “I thought—when I heard?—”

“I know,” I say, pulling back to look into his eyes. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

Lucchese saunters into the alley, his eyes dancing with amusement as he takes in the scene. “See? All good now. No need for heroics.”

Javier’s glare could cut steel, but he remains silent, his jaw clenched tightly. His arm wraps around me, the strength of his hold both protective and grounding. I lean into him, my racing heart gradually slowing as the tension begins to melt away.

“I appreciate your help, Lucchese,” I say, trying to keep my tone diplomatic. “But we’ve got it from here.”

Lucchese gives a curt nod before stepping back, his shadow lingering like a specter in the alley. As he retreats, the world shrinks to just Javier and me. Javier’s hands cradle my cheeks, his intense gaze softening, filled with an unspoken promise. His thumb sweeps gently across my skin, wiping away a tear I hadn’t realized had escaped.

“I’m fine,” I whisper, my voice trembling slightly with the emotion of the moment.

He smiles, a tender warmth in his gaze that makes my heart swell. His lips are soft and warm against mine, moving slowly, savoring the moment. His hands rest gently on my cheeks, his touch featherlight, as if afraid I might break. The world fades away, leaving only the warmth of his kiss and the steady beat of his heart against mine. It’s a kiss of love, protection, and a promise that he will always be there for me.

I melt into him, my hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the strong, steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His lips move with gentle pressure, coaxing and comforting, making me feel safe and cherished. It’s a kiss that reassures me and tells me that everything will be alright as long as we’re together.

When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine, and we’re both breathing a little heavier. His eyes search mine.

“I love you, Phee,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “And I’ll always protect you. Always.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, overwhelmed by the love I feel for this man, but I can’t say it, so instead, I rest my forehead against his chest, getting comforted by his scent.

We stand in the alley like that for far too long, but I feel so safe in his arms despite everything. I try to get out of his hold with a sigh, but he tightens his grip.

“I have to go back.” I caress his biceps back and forth.

“Do you?” He still doesn’t let go.

I let out a breathless chuckle. “Yes, I have a few orders, and a couple are important.”

He loosens his hold a little but doesn’t let me go. “I can help you if you want—stay around.”

I shake my head. “I’ll be okay. Fabrizio was not going to hurt me anyway and after Lucchese’s threat…” I cock my head to the side. “Do you think he’s actually skinned people before?”

Javier grimaces. “I would not put it past him, to be honest.”

“Jesus…” I grip his arms. “Go back to work. I’m fine, I swear.”

He sighs, brushes his lips on the top of my head, and finally lets me go. “See you tonight at home?”

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