“I’ll be leaving men in Chicago to keep an eye on her,” I returned. “Will that be a problem?”
“Not as long as their sole purpose is to keep an eye on your girl, but I don’t want her harmed. Until the time comes and you take her to Ibiza, she is to live a happy and peaceful life.” I nodded my agreement, because the entire purpose of her security was to keep her safe and untouched by the sins of my world.
Or the greedy hands of teenage boys who might think to take what was mine.
“What are your intentions for her when you take her? Will you release her when you’ve had your way?” he asked, wringing his hands thoughtfully. Everything I knew about Matteo told me he would never allow me to take Isa if she was to be anything but a permanent fixture in my life.
“She’ll be my wife,” I answered, knowing the answer would placate him. I hadn’t made the decision prior to speaking the words aloud, but something in them felt like the truest words I’d ever spoken.
“And you’ll treat her well?” Matteo asked. I bit my bottom lip as I considered my answer. I couldn’t say that I would ever treat a womanwell. I was too much of a ruthless bastard for that, but understanding crossed Matteo’s face. “You won’t abuse her?”
“No. I won’t abuse her, though I imagine there may be times when my definition of that word differs from hers,” I chuckled.
Matteo glanced at his wife through the window where she played with his children. “Yes, I imagine there will be. I suspect you and I may have different definitions as well.”
I nodded as I glanced out the window, the sudden desire for a child of my own overtaking me as I watched his entire world giggle outside.
I suspected he was right.