Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Excitement bubbles in my chest, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Dario
When Eden opens her front door, my lips part as I’m struck in the heart by how beautiful she looks.
Christ, I’m lucky.
I stand rooted to the spot, taking in every inch of her. The dress fits her like a glove, accentuating her curves.
Finally I manage to murmur, “You look breathtaking, Tesoro.”
The happiest smile I’ve ever seen brightens up her face. “Yeah?”
I nod as I take a step forward, and wrapping my arm around her waist, I tug her against my body.
“I’m at a loss for words,” I admit before I press a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth, being careful not to smudge her lipstick.
The eyeshadow she’s wearing makes the gray in her eyes look more prominent.
“Have I mentioned you have beautiful eyes?” I ask.
She shakes her head as she rubs her palms up and down my biceps.
“They’re stunning, Tesoro.”
“Thanks.” She pulls back and looks at the tuxedo I’m wearing. “You look way too handsome, Mr. La Rosa.”
“Thank you.” I nod toward the stairs. “Let’s go.”
Taking Eden’s hand, I link our fingers, and when we leave the building, I notice one of Frankie’s men.
When he gives us a chin lift, Eden mutters, “Don’t mind him. He claims he’s keeping the street clean. I think something’s about to go down. That’s why they’re all over the neighborhood.”
“Yeah?” I murmur as I glance around us.
She squeezes my hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
I let out a burst of laughter, and finding her fucking adorable, I wrap her in a tight hug before I open the R8’s passenger door.
When the engine roars to life, Frankie’s man grins with approval. To make the man’s day, I floor the gas, and we shoot down the street.
Eden’s laughter fills the car, her nails digging into my thigh.
I slow down until I’m no longer breaking the speed limit and place my hand on top of hers.
This feels right.
The only thing that would make things perfect is if Eden moved in with me.
“Are you excited for tonight?” she asks.
“Yes. Besides everyone working hard to make tonight possible, I can’t wait to introduce you to all of my friends.”
AKA the other heads of the Cosa Nostra.
She smooths her free hand over her dress. “I’m glad I look my best. I hope they like me.”
“They’ll love you.”
Eden might not know it yet, but as my girlfriend, she’s one of the most protected women in New York.
I bring the R8 to a stop in front of the ballet company, where a red carpet has been rolled up.
The two men who’ve been hired as valets open our doors, and when we climb out of the vehicle, cameras start flashing.
Eden dips her head low as she hurries to my side. I wrap my arm around her lower back and hold her close as we walk from reporter to reporter.
“Is it true the show is sold out?” one asks as flashes blind us.
“Yes,” I answer, a professional smile on my face.
“Who’s the woman by your side,” another reporter shouts over the crowd.
Pride fills my chest as I say, “My girlfriend, Eden Taylor.”
When a reporter calls out, “Is the ballet company a front for money laundering?” I usher Eden into the building before the fucker can give away that I’m Cosa Nostra.
“Wow. That wasn’t intense at all,” she murmurs by my side while a nervous expression tightens her features.
“Luckily, it doesn’t happen often,” I say as I lead her to the waiting area outside the auditorium.
Seeing Renzo, Skylar, Angelo, and Vittoria, I walk to them.
It takes a moment to introduce Eden to my friends and their better halves, then I say, “Thanks for coming.”
Angelo nods. “Damiano said he might be a couple of minutes late.”
“Evening, everyone,” Franco says behind us.
I turn around and shake his hand, then quickly introduce him and Samantha to Eden, who’s glued to my side, her eyes darting between my friends.
Meeting them all at once can be a bit intimidating.
A server offers us a flute of champagne, which Samantha and Vittoria decline because they’re both pregnant.
“I love your dress,” Skylar tells Eden.
“Thank you,” my woman answers, a smile tugging at her red lips. “You all look beautiful too.”
“If I didn’t force Skylar to change, she would’ve come in her chef’s uniform,” Renzo mutters.
“Oh, right. We were at your restaurant a while back,” Eden mentions. “The food was great.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Seeing how my friends are trying to make Eden feel comfortable makes me love them so much more.
People part like the sea, then I see the reason why. Damiano walks toward us with a thunderous expression darkening his face.
When he reaches us, I mutter, “Can you please smile? You’re scaring my guests.”
He scowls at me, then says, “We’re meeting at my place after the show. There’s shit we have to discuss.”