That simple movement strikes a chord in me. How does she know? How does she know that I’m in a fucking knot on the inside? It’s like she can sense my heart.
“It’s nothing.”
She leans up and kisses me gently. “It’s something. I know when my husband is upset. Tell me. Maybe I can help.”
Fuck, I love it when she calls me that.
I stare down at her, my heart beating so loud I wonder if she can hear it. “Is this how you do it?”
“What?” She ghosts her lips over mine again.
“Kill me?”
She blinks. “What?”
“Killing me with kindness, angel. That’s what you’re doing.” I kiss her again, needing her warmth, her heat. Needing everything about her.
Because I’m about to walk into the most dangerous situation of my life, one I might not return from. But I’ll do it for her. I’ll do anything for my angel.
She sighs against my lips.
I want to rip her panties off and fuck away our troubles, just bury myself in her until they fade. And I will, but only after I’m honest with her.
With a sigh, I press my forehead to hers. “Your father wants to meet.”
Her eyes narrow. “Where?”
I kiss her. I can’t help myself. She asks the right question, her mind already at work.
“Carlino’s.”
“Oh, no. That’s where–”
“The Ferrignos were killed last year. Yes.”
Her eyes widen. “It’s not safe.”
“It’s not, but I won’t be going alone. I’m taking Gilly. Butcher will be here to keep an eye on the house.”
“You mean an eye on me?” she asks.
“Yes. You’re the most precious thing in the world. I won’t leave you unprotected.”
“Don’t go.” She cups my cheeks, her eyes going glassy with tears. “Please don’t go.”
“If I don’t, then your father will take it as an insult and put if before the families as reason enough for him to start a war with me.”
“I don’t care.” A tear slips free from her eye. “If you go there…”
I wipe her tear away with my thumb. “I’m coming back to you, angel. I always will.”
“He’s a bad man, Antonio,” she whispers. “I’m scared.”
I wipe another of her tears away. “I know.” I kiss her softly this time.
“I’m only going to hear him out, angel, try to get news of Bianca. Nothing more.”
“Please don’t go.”