Page 89 of His Vicious Desire

The next two weeks unravel in a sweet, hazy, dream-like state that has me wondering if I’m going to wake up any moment.Every night, I fall asleep in his arms.Every morning, he kisses me awake.Sometimes he pulls me into the shower with him, other mornings he hands me a cup of coffee because he has to leave, but breakfast is waiting for me when I get up.

Gaetano is achingly sweet.The way he takes care of me is even better than last time.He tugs me into his lap constantly.Whether he’s reading or watching television, he wants me in his arms.

For the first time, I’m completely free to be exactly what I am.I had no idea I was even doing it until Gaetano called me on it.It was over something so simple, too, only he wouldn’t let me dismiss it.

“What sounds good for lunch?I have some leftover ground beef or chicken breast.”He asks when the television show we’re watching is in a boring part.

I shrug as I flash him a smile.“Whichever you want is fine.I’m hungry enough, I’ll eat whatever.”

His eyes narrow.“Don’t do that.Neither of those things appeal to you.Do you want to order in?We can.”

Shocked he could read me so clearly, I don’t know how to respond.

“You faked a smile while you did it.I told you, whatever you want, you’re going to get it.”

“It’s not a big deal.We have food at home.I’m happy?—”

“No, you aren’t.You aren’t happy.I want you to have what you want to have.You don’t have to please me for me to be happy.Tell me what you want.”

My stomach is twisting.How does he know me so well?“Sushi, but you don’t like sushi.”

An eyebrow goes up.“I don’t like sushi.However, I can either find something else around it or I can try it.”

I sag into him.“Thank you, the place I like it from most, they have steaks there too.”

“Then I’ll get me a steak.What you don’t do is lie to me.Be honest with me and we’ll figure it out.

“Sorry, I’m use to saying whatever I think Sandro wants to make him happy,” I admit.

“Because you’re afraid he’ll…”

“Resent me even more than he has to already.”

“Why do you think he resents you?”

It’s annoying the way I can’t stop the tears from appearing.“Because he had to take care of me.When I knew he’d rather not.”

“I know for a fact that’s a lie.He cares about you and wants you to be happy.It’s why he took care of you.”

I shake my head.Of course, he’s going to say that.

“Your father was going to ship you off to a boarding school.Sandro said no fucking way.He hated the idea of you off in a school where you knew no one.If he didn’t want to take care of you, he had an out, and he didn’t take it.Instead, he fought with your father to keep you.”

“I didn’t know that,” I murmur as I consider what he’s telling me.

“It’s true.You don’t have to become whatever you think I want.I only want you.And I only want you to be happy.”Black is soft, clear, and won’t let me hide.

“Okay, yes.”

“Good girl.”

How the hell did I get so lucky to find him?I wondered as he called in take-out from the sushi restaurant.

It feels like it’s time.I’m almost positive, but I need to know for sure, and I want Gaetano here with me when I find out.Which is why I wait until he comes home before I show it to him.

His eyes go big.“Pregnant?”

I nod.“I feel…different.”

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