His lips curl into a snarl. “Never even crossed my mind.”
I smile at him. “You are not him. Matteo Bianchi is dead and buried, Ales. He can’t hurt you. But you sure as hell can live your life knowing that your father would be disappointed that he couldn’t make a mini him. Unlike you; you’ve made a perfect replica of you.”
He crushes me to his body. “He’d be turning in his grave knowing that none of us followed in his footsteps, that we’d rather cut off our hands than harm those we love. He’d see that as a weakness.”
God, the man was a fucking dick. “Love is our greatest strength.”
“Momma, Daddy,” Anthony calls, and I giggle. Perfect timing.
“Tonight,” he says as he slants his lips against mine. “I’m going to fuck you until you’re unable to walk.”
My breath hitches at his words. “Later,” I promise him.
“You bet your ass, later, Mama.”
He kisses me once again before walking out of the kitchen and going to our son.
Never, not ever, have I been as happy as I am right now. I couldn’t imagine my life without Alessio.
I hope this feeling stays like this.
Chapter 22
Gabriella
“When are you coming out here?” Raylee asks. “I miss you and so do the kids. You can even bring Alessio with you.”
I roll my eyes. That’s my best friend’s not so subtle way of trying to pry at what’s happening between me and Ales. I’ve been here in New York for a week, and I haven’t told her or Ade what’s going on between Alessio and I. They’re constantly asking, but the truth of the matter is, I have no idea what’s going on. All I do know is that I love him, and I have let my guard down. Two things I never thought possible.
“I’ll organize something. It may not be before Ade’s due date, which means you’ll be here before I get out there.”
I hear her heavy sigh. “I hate that we’re so far apart.”
“I do too.” Ray-Ray and I have always been close. When I lived in Manchester, she did too. It’s where we met, and since that first day, we’ve been best friends. It didn’t take more than a week after Raylee and her mum moved to Spain before me and Mum followed behind, thanks to Dad wanting us somewhere no one would think to look for us. Moving to the States years agowas one of the hardest things I have ever done. Leaving Ray-Ray was awful, but thankfully, our friendship can stand the distance, and we’re still as close as ever.
“I’d better go. It’s late here and no doubt one, or even all my children will be up early, and with Malcolm working late, I’ll be the one to wake with them.”
I smile as I glance at the clock. It's a little before eight in the evening here, which means it’s close to two am where Raylee is. The woman does indeed need to get some sleep. “Go. I’ll speak to you tomorrow. Love you.”
“Love you too, Gabs,” she says, and the call ends.
I get up off the couch, my cell in hand, and get ready to check in on Anthony. Alessio called an hour ago. Something came up and he wanted to say goodnight to Anthony. I love that he takes that time to speak to our son, even when he’s busy at work. Ales is unlike both of our fathers. He’s making his son a priority, and I love him even more for doing so.
Tires squeal outside, and I frown. This is a residential apartment complex, mainly lived in by the members of the Famiglia. My gaze moves to the window, and I see two cars parked haphazardly out front. I swallow hard when I see multiple men exit the vehicles with their faces covered in balaclavas and guns in their hands.
Oh God. What the hell is going on?
I move through the apartment, unsure of what’s happening, but my instincts are telling me to protect my son. My hands tremble with fear as I can hear loud voices move through the stairwell outside of the apartment.
The men are coming.
My heart races, my stomach clenches, and I feel nausea roll through my body. Once I’m in Anthony’s room, I call Alessio.
The call rings and rings and rings. It feels like an eternity.
“Mama, I’m going to have to call you back—”
I hear the front door splintering, followed by loud shouts and curses.