The cars.Right.“Thanks.”
“Come on.” He shifted and wound an arm around my waist, and we walked past several guards and up the stairs to the front door. “Let’s get inside.”
I welcomed the rush of warm air when we stepped into the foyer. Nico helped me with my coat as boisterous voices teased my ears. His hand was in mine, and I was holding it tightly before realizing I’d reached for him. It was a shock, but despite how little time we’d spent together, I’d grown to trust him.
My mind whirled with the revelation because it wasn’t easy for me to trust anyone. It made my decision about that night feel right.
Something smelled terrific, and my stomach growled. Nico grinned, squeezing my waist, and I laughed.
He chuckled. “I’m hungry too.”
We entered the kitchen, where several people were gathered around the island. The petite blonde with the Southern accent was Summer. Her husband, Luc, was at her side. Hailey was also there but not Trey. Two other people whom I hadn’t met but knew were also there: Nicole Caruso, who’d been married to the former Caruso boss, Anthony, and their son, Tony.
“Congratulations!”
The shout was loud. Nico’s arm remained around my stiff body. Everyone was gathered around what looked like mimosas in the making. Hailey handed one to me first, then Nico. Sofia, Enzo, and the others crowded around, taking flutes already poured and waiting.
Marco cleared his throat, and all the chatter stopped. With a slight pressure from Nico’s hand on my hip, we were facing his older brother, who had his flute raised toward us. El stood next to him.
“Welcome to the family, Mia.” Marco’s deep voice filled the space. “And, Nico, it’s about damn time.” He winked then slapped his brother on the back.
I drank deeply after the toast. There were so many people there, and it was such a different experience than I’d ever had. I was overwhelmed but loved every minute of it.
“Mia.” Lil’s light touch on my arm drew my focus to her. “I wanted to introduce you to my mother-in-law, Nicole, and her son, Tony.”
Nico’s arm fell away, and he whispered for me to come to the dining table after introductions as I followed her to the other side of the island. Everyone trickled into the other room and began sitting at the oversized table laden with food.
Lil and I stopped in front of a slightly older woman with blond hair that brushed her shoulders, surrounding a beautiful face with very slight laugh lines. Green eyes sparkled as she pulled me in for a hug—a real one. My eyes misted, and I fell a little in love with the charismatic woman. God, I missed Mom. This was the first genuine hug I’d had since she’d died.
“Well, aren’t you beautiful? I’ve got a good feeling about you, Sugar.” She drew back and held me at arm’s length. “And don’t you worry about a thing. We take care of our own.”
“I knew it was the right decision to come here. It was Summer’s acceptance, how everyone fought for her, that helped me decide to come to Nico.”
“It was the right decision.” Nicole beamed as she released me to pull a tall, lean man forward. “Mia, this is my handsome son, Tony.”
Tony took my hand in his and kissed its back, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mia.”
I withdrew my hand, and he laughed.
“You’re not his yet.” He turned and went over to the dining room table with a wink, where Nico watched him like a hawk.
Nicole’s throaty laugh tore my gaze from Nico. “Stirrin’ the pot wasn’t a bad idea.” She winked and then followed her son.
Lil nudged me. “Come on. Let’s go in there and save Tony from Nico’s murderous glare.”
Brunch was everything I’d never had in a family meal. It was official. I was addicted to the boisterous interaction. I loved everything about the families. And when it was time to leave, because I’d told Nico we needed some time alone rather than staying the rest of the day and night at Marco and El’s, I found myself battling nerves.
The drive to his condo wasn’t long, nor was the elevator ride to the top floor, which opened into the living room. He owned the building, but his primary living quarters were on the fourth floor. I’d taken note of the guards at the access to the underground parking lot, around the perimeter, and the two stationed at the elevator. It gave me a sense of reassurance. Once inside and in front of the large windows overlooking Lake Michigan, I understood why. The view was incredible.
My visual scan was quick, but I liked what I saw. The décor was flawless and seemed to fit Nico. A black feature wall was across from the kitchen where the TV was. A rug sectioned off the couches and coffee table, creating a more intimate area in the large open space. The kitchen cabinets were black, the counters a stunningly veined white with black.
Nico came to stand beside me, and I acutely felt his presence. It was time we talked.
I turned to face him, and he leaned against the large glass slider that separated us from the balcony and the freezing winter weather. He’d shed his coat and tie. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone. I wanted him to roll up his sleeves. And I was officially procrastinating. A small grin curved his lips, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking.
I’d stalled enough. “I want to renegotiate our terms for this marriage.” One of his eyebrows rose, and my heartbeat turned staccato against my ribs. Tangling my fingers in the soft tulle of my wedding dress, I held his gaze while he waited for me to continue. “We agreed to wait to consummate our marriage. And I appreciate that you were willing to go along with my request.”
He cupped the side of my face, brushing his thumb over my cheek. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Mia. There’s no pressure from me, especially since we’re just getting to know each other.”