Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
The breakfast felt rushed, and I didn’t actually get to talk to the women, but I’m sure I’ll spend time with them over the next three days.
“I’m sorry the visit was so quick,” Armani says as if he’s reading my thoughts.
“I understand you have to get to work.”
His hand slips into mine, and he gives it a squeeze. “There will be plenty of time for you to get to know my family.”
We take a different route home, and soon Armani points out a bakery, a couple of cafés, a deli, and a store where I can get the basics. He also shows me which direction to go to reach a general shopping area.
I’ll explore Venice later this afternoon.
When we get home, Armani heads straight for the bedroom, where he takes a black suit from the closet.
Instantly, I turn around and head for the kitchen to give him some privacy.
I open the fridge, and seeing it’s practically empty, I take my phone from my pocket to make a shopping list.
I inspect the cupboards again, adding more things to my list. When I’m sure Armani’s had enough time to change into the suit, I head back to the bedroom to show him what we need.
The moment I enter the room, my mouth drops open, and my eyes widen. There’s an array of weapons on the bed, and Armani’s checking a set of knives.
Reality sets in hard and fast, sending a tremor through my body.
He’s been so kind to me that I’ve forgotten he’s an enforcer for the mafia. He gets paid to hurt people who owe the mafia money.
He straps on an armored vest with pockets and slits for his guns and knives before he shrugs on his jacket to conceal everything.
And just like that, he’s gone from the perfect gentleman to a ruthless mafioso.
When he glances at me, I step closer, clasping my phone in my hands. “I made a shopping list for you to look at.”
A frown mars his forehead, then he pulls his wallet out and hands me a black credit card. “Charge anything you need to the card.”
I nod, then ask, “What’s the monthly amount for food and cleaning supplies?”
“Try to keep the expenses below ten thousand.”
My eyebrows draw together. “We’re just two people. Our food will never be that much.”
Armani comes to stand in front of me, and somehow he feels taller with all the weapons strapped to him.
“The ten thousand is for whatever you need, bella. It’s yours to spend on anything you want.”
I blink a couple of times before his words sink in.
He’s giving me an allowance?
I’ll never spend that much, but I’m still grateful for the gesture. Standing on my tiptoes, I press a kiss to his cheek, but before I can pull away, his arm wraps around me.
“I’m leaving for three days, bella. Say goodbye like you’ll actually miss me.”
Resting my hands on his shoulders, I push up and press my mouth to his. Armani tilts his head, and when my tongue peeks out, I feel him smile before he takes control and kisses the living hell out of me.
He devours me with so much need it makes my mind cloud over. Our rushing breaths mingle, and an intense longing for more than just a kiss, pools between my legs.
When Armani lifts his head, his eyes are dark with lust, and I think it’s safe for me to hope he can love me one day. After all, attraction is the start of love, isn’t it?
“I won’t be able to call,” he says as he lets go of me. “But I should be home in three days. If there’s any trouble, call Misha or Alek.”
I nod. “Please stay safe.” My eyes lock on his. “I really want to marry you on Saturday.”
So I’m not forced to marry someone else.
The corner of his mouth lifts. “That’s why I’m doing this job. It’s my payment to get you as my wife.”
What?
Armani kisses my lips once more, then says, “It’s time for me to go. I’ll see you soon, bella.”
He grabs a bag off the bed, and I follow him to the courtyard and out the doors, then watch as he climbs into the boat.
When the engine roars to life, Armani takes one last look at me before steering the boat down the waterway.
My eyes follow him until he disappears around a bend.
Keep Armani safe, and bring him back to me.
Chapter 21
Armani
First on the list is Fontana. He’s been dealing drugs in Italy for the past year, thinking he could hide his business from the mafia.
Seventy-two hours.
I set the alarm on my phone before driving from Marghera to Bari, that’s on the other side of Italy. Fontana deals from a ‘Cash and Carry’ warehouse where everything is low priced. Except for the drugs, of course. You pay through your ass to get high.