Page 64 of Wretched Choices

“If I knew, I would tell you. I may ask for it in a year or five, or even twenty years from now. Who knows?”

I look at him and contemplate whether this is a good idea. Unfortunately, I don’t have a choice in this. However, the choice I do have is to keep what I’m building for me and the family.

I give him my hand, sealing the deal. One of his men places glasses of brown drinks before us.

Rocco takes a sip and leans back in his seat. “Now, let’s talk strategy. I have weapons on standby and a ship that is ready to sail wherever you need. But my men tell me that Ruggeri is not expecting you.”

I run a hand through my hair. “No, he isn’t. I didn’t want him to have time to sabotage my plan. Not to mention that only a few people know what my plan is.”

“So, how are you going to do this?”

“I’ll take four of your best men that are at my disposal and that’s it. I want to go to him first thing tomorrow. We’ll sail out early. I don’t want him to see us coming. Let it be a surprise for him.”

The scent of fresh, salty ocean and the breeze on my skin makes me relax for the time being. But the sight in front of me is filling my chest with unknown feelings.

The wind playing with her hair, the sun kissing her skin. Her almost white dress flutters as we sail into the sea. She is leaning on the railing, her hand around the metal as she gazes deep into the distance. Barefoot, I take small steps until I reach her. I place my hand beside hers and stand with my front against her back. I could feel the tension in her body as soon as I touched her. I place a kiss on her neck, her body shivering.

“You’re anxious,” I murmur into her skin.

“I’m scared.” She lets out a shaky breath.

I place my chin on her shoulder, facing the sea before us. “I will not let anything happen to you. I promised you before and I’m saying it again. You are safe with me.”

“I know.”

I kiss her shoulder and neck, causing goosebumps. “We have a couple of hours before we arrive. How about we get something to eat and relax a little on the deck? I promise I will help you forget all things that worry you, even if it’s only for a while.”

She turns in my arms, raising her chin. “And how do you plan to do that?”

I smirk and lower my face until my lips graze hers, not kissing, just touching. “I can think of many ways. You can choose what you want. My fingers or my mouth,” I say and lick her lips with my tongue before devouring her lips.

I take her hand and pull her toward the table on the deck where I have organized coffee, pastries, jam, and cream that my cousin’s housekeeper prepared for us.

“I haven’t eaten this for years.” Isabella’s voice is low and sad as she motions to the cornetti and brioche. “My mother used to make them. I used to stand by her side and help her.” She takes apiece into her hand and nibbles. “After I ran away, I stayed away from everything that reminded me of home.”

“I’m sorry being here is making you feel bad. However, you know I need this alliance.”

She shot me an annoyed look and put her pastries on the plate before pushing them to the side. “I know why I’m here, Salvatore. You made your wants clear, and I made my choices, so there are no regrets here.” She leans on the chair and turns her head toward the ocean.

I scoot closer to her and grab her chin, turning her head toward me. “Listen to me carefully because this is the only time I will say this. All you said is the truth. My interests are...werewhat mattered, but don’t you ever think I will put my interests above your discomfort or your life. I promised to protect you, and I will.” I trace my finger across her cheek. “Tell me you understand.”

She shakes her head. “Why? Why would you do that? What if my father has an ulterior motive and he baited you to come here? You don’t know my father. He wouldn’t be where he is if he wasn’t who he is. Evil, cruel, and self-absorbed.”

I pull her onto my lap and firmly keep her there with my hold on her hips Her hands rest on my chest. “I don’t care who your father is, and I don’t like it when you doubt me. I’m a man who keeps his promises.”

Her voice shakes as she speaks. “I have doubts about what you will choose, Salvatore. It’s not like we’re each other’s ride or die. I’m not even your winning card in this game. I’m a joker you will use to get your win.”

“You’re wrong. You are not a joker. You are my queen. You want to know why?” She inhales and bites her lower lip. “Answer me?” I command her in a dangerously low voice.

“Why?”

“Because I can’t win without you. Without you, I will lose. You are the one holding power over me in this game.”

Her brown eyes search mine for answers to the questions she has. Questions about feelings I don’t know if I can answer. Not yet, and maybe I never will.

The tension and anticipation of what-if is making her anxious. Her usual wit and bark are nowhere to be seen, and I don’t like this version of my wife.

“How about you let me worry about your father? Our plan is to look very in love, and of course, show your loyalty to me. But first I need to make sure you carry a reminder of me for the time we spend there, so you know who you belong to.”

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