Page 25 of Broken Innocence
For my honeymoon.
Because I'm freaking married!
The giant diamond ring on my finger is still a shock. The ceremony and reception are a chaotic blip I've shoved behind me in favor of worrying about this trip. An international honeymoon where I’ll be totally alone with my new husband.
My mom couldn't stop gushing about it in a vain attempt to seem calm after learning of the groom switch and flying off the handle. That had been an awkward and uncomfortable hour while donning my wedding gown at the church. My dad had maintained a wary but supportive facade once he’d eased Mom’s concerns. Even if he disapproved of Luca, he'd never question the Don’s decision.
Luca scoffs. “Hell, no.”
A stricken expression courses over my features at his immediate denial. “You’ll abandon all of those families? My parents? Not everyone is like your father or Fabian.”
“They’ll be offered the option of joining Blackthorn or continuing on with their lives without a crime organization pulling the strings. We’ll provide a generous severance package,” he says with humor, like it’s a mere business acquisition versus the destruction of an entire way of life for people.
The BostonFamilyhas been active for decades. They’re a staple of the Italian-American community.
“I see…”
The pilot’s voice crackles over the cabin’s intercom system to let us know we’re about to land, and I take the opportunity to look out the window. Bright azure blinks up at me with every gentle wave of the Mediterranean Sea. Rocky cliffs rise towardthe sky. It’s blindingly beautiful, and a tingle of excitement kindles at the bottom of my spine.
I’ve only been out of the country once. My high school English class took a trip to London during spring break to learn about William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and dozens more British writers. It had been gray, rainy, and cold—the exact opposite of sunny Italy.
“Where exactly are we?” I ask, turning to meet Luca’s intense gaze.
“Sardinia. Torre delle Stelle. We’ll land at a private airstrip then have a thirty-minute drive to the villa. It’s right on the beach, so I hope you packed a swimsuit.” His eyes fall hungrily over my body, and instant heat flushes my cheeks.
Shrugging off the inconvenient attraction to my husband, I glance away, forcing myself to admire the gorgeous scenery below rather than Luca’s handsome features. “You’re better off asking Giulia. When I woke up yesterday, my suitcases were already packed.”
Giulia is one of several maids who clean and cook for the manor, and we literally met two days ago, but I guess that’s enough for her to pack for me—a total stranger. I’d peeked into the new luggage set, but at the sight of expensive silks and cozy cottons, an array of unfamiliar clothing, I’d zipped it right back up.
More evidence of Luca’s stalking made my belly tumble, and the longer I looked at the new wardrobe that’s most likely tailored perfectly to my size, the crazier the belly-tumbling got.
My stupid romantic heart even tried to join in.
And that’s the last thing I need to do…Fall in love with my stalker husband.
***
The click of the door opening then closing interrupts the peaceful lullaby of waves crashing along the shore below thebedroom balcony. I don’t turn around to see who entered. There's only one person it could be.
Luca.
My husband must be eager to consummate our marriage after waiting a day and a half. We spent the afternoon exploring the villa and beach before an elaborate dinner was served to us on the luxurious patio overlooking the sea. Luca kept close with a hand on my lower back to guide me or a kiss to my temple every so often.
Each gentle caress heightened my awareness of him, and now I suppose it’s time for the payoff.
A furnace of heat warms my back before two strong arms wrap around my waist. “Enjoying the view,carissima?” Luca’s low murmur vibrates along my spine.
“I might as well soak it in while I can.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll spend plenty of time exploring the island before returning home.”
Home.
He means Blackchapel Manor. Not the apartment I was so proud of. The one I barely got to enjoy.
His hands skim over my belly to rest beneath my breasts, cupping the heavy weights in his large palms, and causing my breath to hitch in my chest. The memory of our kiss from the other night storms to the forefront to remind me how skilled this man is when it comes to my body.
He drowns me in sensations I’ve never felt before.
