Page 70 of The DeLuca Crime Family: Vol. 1

“Um, when I went to look at rings for you, I came across these rings. It just so happened, you had your guys repairing the wall from where the—um”—she blushed a deeper shade of red—“the bullet I shot you with had lodged.”

I started laughing and was extremely grateful to be pulling up to our house, so I could park the car and give in to the uproarious amusement bursting from me.

Once I’d caught my breath and wiped the tears from my eyes, I glanced at Carly to see her practically pouting in her seat as she watched me. I grabbed her cheeks and brought her face to mine for a hard kiss, before whispering against her mouth, “So damn cute.”

“If you don’t like it, we can?—”

I kissed her again to shut her up. “I love it, kitten.”

She beamed at me, and I gave her one more peck before exiting the car and going around to open her door.

I lookedaround the restaurant and lifted my chin in greeting when I spotted Anna and Nic already seated at a table near the back corner. It would afford more privacy, but also ensure our outing with the head of the DeLucas would be made public.

Nic stood as we approached and shook my hand before pulling Carly in for a hug. I scowled at him and kept a hold of her hand, turning it into a brotherly, one-armed embrace. Thestronzogrinned and sat back down next to his woman.

“Ciao, Anna.” I kissed her cheek, then took a seat on the opposite side of the table. I grinned at Nic’s disgruntled expression as he tucked his wife under his arm.

Carly walked to Anna and took her hand. “I’m sorry you got dragged into planning the wedding.”

Anna beamed at her and got to her feet, giving Carly a hug. “Trust me, I understand. I married a DeLuca, I know how they can make you crazy. At least, now we have each other to commiserate with.”

Nic growled and swatted her ass before hooking an arm around Anna’s waist and hauling her back into her seat, then placing a hand over her stomach, as though reminding me she was knocked up and practically marking his territory. I smirked at him until Carly replied, “Yes, those cavemen are like bad pennies, they just keep turning up.”

I scoffed. She loved it when I went all caveman on her and we both knew it. She dropped into her seat next to me and I put myhand on the back of her neck, guiding her head over so her ear met my lips. “That wasn’t very nice, kitty cat. Are you looking to be punished?”

She shivered and I smiled arrogantly, kissed the shell of her ear, and sat back, leaving my arm slung around her chair.

“How is my goddaughter?” I inquired. Nic’s little girl Sophia was the light of my life until Carly waltzed her way into my heart. Sophia had been sick, in and out of the hospital since she was very young. Recently though, the doctors were confident that she was permanently on the mend.

“Excited to be a big sister and very adamant that we givehera baby girl,” Nic laughed, warmth and affection coloring his tone as he spoke about his daughter.

Anna rolled her eyes. “Yes, the fluffy, white cat we gave her only distracted her from the pregnancy for so long.”

“I can’t believe I forgot you were expecting,” Carly interjected with a smile. “Congratulations! I hope we haven’t been working you too hard!”

Maybe it was my imagination, but I was pretty sure there was a strong hint of longing in her voice. Speaking of my caveman, he was anxious to satisfy that longing. I felt the same pull, the desire to see my woman round with our baby. I didn’t even know if she was pregnant yet and I was already fiercely protective of the two most precious people in my life.

A young, good-looking (if you like that preppy, boy band look), male waiter arrived at the table, bringing water and bread, then took our orders. His eyes danced appreciatively over Anna and Carly as he asked, “Is there anything else I can get for you?” A low growl of warning rumbled in my throat and I practically bared my teeth at the little shit. His eyes widened before he turned and scurried away.

I felt a pinch on my thigh and looked down at Carly to see her glaring at me. I shrugged, smiled, and kissed the tip of hernose. Glancing across the table, I saw much the same situation and I couldn’t help snickering, earning myself another pinch and a scowl from Carly.

“Retract your claws, kitten,” I whispered with a swift kiss to her soft lips.

She melted against me a little before seeming to remember where we were and straightening in her seat, turning forward and starting a conversation with Anna.

Nic asked after my brothers and before I could answer, Anna piped in, “You have brothers?”

I nodded. “Five. And they’re each a pain in the ass.”

“And single,” Carly interjected. There was something in her tone, and a gleam in Anna’s eyes that had me glancing between the two women suspiciously.

“Bellissima,” Nic cooed indulgently, yet firmly. “Not everyone is as happy to be tied down as I am. No matchmaking.” Anna looked a little crestfallen and I laughed.

With an evil grin, I reached across the table and patted her hand. “My mother would be eternally grateful if you could find all of her sons’ wives and give her grandbabies. You and Carly match-make to your hearts content.”

Nic looked at me incredulously. “Your brothers are going to kick your ass if they find out about this,compagno.”

I grinned. “Totally worth it.’

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