“I’d like that piece to be somewhere special in the house. Wherever, even if you just put it in our bedroom.”

“Are you serious?”

“Tesoro, I am always serious. I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

“Oh God, the explosion,” I sob. “Everything I had was in my art studio in the back of the house.”

“Do not worry. Your studio is safe. Your father said he knew they meant the world to you. My men will collect everything tomorrow. That part of the house was clear of the fire, so they haven’t been damaged. It was only in the main front living area.”

“That’s really good. I’d been so worried about you two that I’d completely forgotten about them.”

“Thank you, Aria.” He squeezes my hand and then continues to eat. I do the same because I am pretty damn hungry and the smell is incredible. By the time we’re done stuffing our faces, I sit back and sigh.

“I think I overate. I’m stuffed.”

“You needed it. You haven’t eaten most of the day.”

“How did you know that?”

“I asked earlier.” I know he’s lying, but I let it go.

“You know you could have just talked to me to learn my likes and dislikes.”

“Yes, but you’ve seen what happens when I have you alone and close to me.” He takes my hand and gently massages my wrist with his thumb.

“We have very nice talks,” I offer.

“Smart ass.” I let out a yawn. “How about we watch some television and then go to bed?”

“Okay.” He hops up and grabs the remote from his dresser and turns on the television. He has it on a CSI marathon—the original CSI with William Peterson, my favorite. “How about this?”

“I do like this one—even if it’s a cop show.”

“If it makes you feel better, I used to watch Cops all the time as a teenager.” He shakes his head at me after I press my hand to my chest in shock.

“That’s funny. Oh, the irony,” I remark dramatically. A criminal loving a criminal-catching show.

“Do you have a good enough view from there?” he asks.

“Yes.” I’m totally lying, and he can read it. In a swift motion, he picks me up and sits me on the bed. “That’s much better.”

He sits on the edge of the bed, but from the looks of things, I have a feeling he’s not going to be joining me. Cupping my face, he asks, “Amore, are you going to be okay in here alone? I have to talk to my men. With everything that has happened, I have a mess to clean up.”

As much as I hate for him to leave me, I know that just because the threat is gone, it doesn’t mean their work is over. “Do what you have to do. I’ll be okay here. Just be safe, please, Domani.” He bends over and kisses my lips. We start off sweet and gentle, but before I know it, he has pinned me to the pillows and his mouth devours mine. His hands wander all over my body, skimming up my thighs, and then he pulls back. We’re both panting, filling our lungs with much-needed air. Straightening himself up, Domani adjusts his cock, which is clearly beyond hard in his joggers. “You have no idea how sexy you are.”

“I’m starting to see.” I lick my lips, teasing Domani and myself because I’m so damned aroused as well.

“That’s a bad girl. Keep that up, and you won’t be coming tonight.”

“Fine. I need to shower since someone left me a sticky mess, but I’m guessing you didn’t grab any of my clothes.”

“No. I didn’t, but your mom picked out some new clothes for your new life by my side. They’re in the closet on the right.” My eyes shoot open wide, shock and excitement written all over my face.

Climbing onto my knees, I throw my arms around his neck for a huge hug that he returns, lifting me off the bed. I kiss his cheek as he sets me back on the mattress. “You are a big surprise, Mr. Bianchi.”

“We’ve only just begun, Aria, but I must go.” He kisses me once more before he rushes from the room. As soon as the door shuts, I hop off the bed. I have to pee and shower, so I scurry into his impressive bathroom. I scope out his double sink and see he has my favorite soaps already stocked. He hasn’t left anything out. I dig through the cabinets and see female products for me. My mother must have given him a list or maybe she sent out one of her people to run around and get everything. Damn, I wonder why I bothered to pack in the first place.

Turning on the shower, I strip and test the water. It’s perfectly warm. The spray is so refreshing after all that’s happened today. As I’m washing my hair, I remember that the door’s not locked. I don’t feel comfortable with it unlocked, so I hurry up and rinse off. Stealing a large fluffy towel off the shelf, I wrap my body up and pull out another for my hair.


Tags: C.M. Steele Bianchi Crime Family Crime