Page 48 of Dark Masquerade
“Nope.”
“Indio, please tell me you didn’t buy an island?”
Indio grinned. “No …just a villa on it. We need a holiday home, right?”
Elli started to laugh. “God, our adventures are a lot more expensive than they used to be.”
Indio shrugged good-naturedly. “Elli, I worked for the money I earned. I think what drove me to work so hard was the thought of one day being able to provide for you and our family, even when it seemed impossible for us to be together.”
Elli stroked his face. “Ourfamily,” she whispered, and he nodded.
“So …”
“So, I can’t wait. Something about hot weather makes me frisky.” She grinned and kissed him. “Come, husband, let’s go practice before we have to get ready for your coronation tonight.
Elli was trembling as she saw Indio walk on stage and shake hands with the man who was giving him the award. Ori Bartoli, her young infant daughter, Lucy, in her arms, nudged her. “You can cry now, Elli. It’s okay.”
Elli laughed, but her eyes were full of tears and her heart full of love for the man so shyly accepting the congratulations and gratitude of his city. He made a short speech, stumbling over some of the words, but when he looked out into the audience, he gazed at her, his eyes soft with love.
“And to my beautiful wife, my best friend, and my reason for being, Elli. I love you. Without you, none of this means anything.”
Elli did cry, then, and she saw Ori wiping away a tear too. Ori hugged her. “I’m so happy for both of you.”
There was a drinks reception afterward, and Indio and Elli sat, hands clasped, laughing with their friends. Indio kept being borne off to meet new people, but Elli didn’t mind. After so many years working incognito in the wilderness, it was time for Indio to take his spotlight.
Ori, wrestling with a wriggling child, stood. “Someone made a stinky,” she said to the amusement of her table. “I’m just going to change her diaper.”
“I’ll come help.” Elli stood, signaling to Indio where she was going. He grinned and mouthed, “Ti amo.”
She laughed and blew him a kiss. She went with Ori to the bathroom, followed at a discreet distance by her bodyguard, Mario. Ori grimaced as she dealt with her daughter’s diaper. “Why did I sign up for this again?”
Eli chuckled. “You’re a masochist. Haven’t you trained Maceo to do this?”
“Ha. I tried, but he immediately sold Dario out by telling him it was his job. Dario, as you can imagine, doesn’t want anything to do with dirty diapers.”
Elli chuckled, tickling Lucy’s belly. “She is so beautiful.”
Ori smiled. “I know, isn’t she? Your turn soon, maybe?”
“Maybe. We haven’t actually discussed children, but I know we’ll have a ton.” Elli blew a raspberry on Lucy’s stomach, making her giggle. Ori washed her hands.
“Would you mind just looking after her while I pee? I’m bursting.”
Elli immediately handed her a fresh diaper from the bag, and Ori laughed. “Ha ha. Won’t be a second.”
Elli picked Lucy up and bounced her. She was such a happy little baby. The door of the bathroom was pushed open and her bodyguard, Mario, appeared. His gun was drawn, a long silencer screwed to the barrel, and Elli turned in shock as he levelled it at her. “Mario, what the hell are you doing?”
Aldo pushed his way past Mario and smiled at her. “Your husband really should vet his employees more carefully. Hello, Elli. What a gorgeous baby.”
The toilet flushed, and Ori appeared, at first not seeing the men as she washed her hands, then as she looked up, her face was one of horror.
“Hello, Ori, lovely to see you. Your daughter is beautiful. Such a shame.”
Elli handed Lucy back to Ori and stepped in front of them. “No. Don’t hurt them, please Aldo …if you want me, I’ll come with you.”
“No, Elli,” Ori whispered, her voice breaking and her eyes riveted to the gun pointed at Elli. “Please, no.”
“It’s okay, Ori …” Elli was very calm. “I assume you’re here for me …so take me, Aldo. Do what you want with me, but leave them alone.”
