Page 103 of Useless Love

His mouth covers mine until we’re both moaning, falling into the moment of being together again—no more lies, misunderstandings, or secrets between us. He may have popped my cherry on our wedding night, but here, in this uncomfortable SUV, we’re finally joining together as husband and wife.

Carmine

When I’m finished making love to my beautiful wife—who nearly killed me by leaving and starting our marriage with so many lies—I sit in the back of the SUV and hold her. She’s crying again, maybe wracked with more remorse. But I’m going to fucking forgive her. My princess is gentle and sensitive, and since I’ve met the real Arianna, I understand how my princess was manipulated.

I’m forgiving my princess but that doesn’t mean I forgive her fucking sister. I’ll be watching my back with that one.

I stroke her hair as she starts to quiet, then I kiss her cheek. “We’re going back to my house.”

“No, I can’t,” she says.

“You are my wife. At least that’s not a fucking lie. I’m not letting you stay at the penthouse. Someone shot your father and we don’t know who. Besides, you belong with me.”

“There are plenty of guards at the penthouse. I’ll be safe.”

“I don’t give a flying fuck about guards. You’re only safe with me. I have the right to take you whenever, wherever. I’ll walk out there and fight them with my last breath.”

She looks up at me, shaking her head. “Please let me stay by my father’s side.”

“No.”

“I can’t be away from him; this is my fault.”

“It’s not your fault. Men like us have a lot of enemies, but I swear I’ll do everything I can to find the bastard who hurt him and get justice.”

“Carmine, please let me go to him.”

I sigh. Maybe it would be safest if my wife stayed with her family. They have more guards and I shouldn’t let my pride get in the way of keeping Gaia safe. The Gaudinos are outnumbered if a war does break out, and I don’t want anything happening to her.

I just hope it’s not a mistake leaving her with her family. If something happens to my beautiful wife…

“Fine,” I say, giving in. ”But turn on your fucking phone and share your location with me. I need to know where you are at all times. Don’t ever worry me again.”

She hugs me, then I lift her hand, seeing my ring in its rightful place. I show her the gold band around my finger. “We’re a team. Remember that. Also…” I touch her stomach. “My baby could be growing inside you. If not, it will be soon enough. And I’ll give my life to protect both of you.”

Tears are in her eyes again, so I kiss them away. She throws her arms around me, and I feel that tender feeling again in the middle of my chest, the one I’ve been trying to voice. I also feel at peace, something I haven’t felt since waking up and finding her missing.

I’ll burn the rest of the world down to keep this woman safe in my arms.

I love her.

CHAPTER 30 — NOT ON MY WATCH

Arianna

Something doesn’t smell right, and it’s stinky up the entire penthouse. I don’t like how Uncle has made himself at home so quickly. He’s using father’s office, barking orders to my father’s men, and he’s even sitting in Father’s chair at the dining table. He’s even trying to challenge who should run the family, continually saying that Nico, “Is just a child.”

That may be true, but my father’s papers are very clear on who now controls the organization. I called Father’s lawyer to confirm. When I informed Uncle, he was pissed, throwing a tantrum. But when our guards pointed guns at him, he quickly calmed down.

Thankfully, Nico has been listening to me when I’ve been telling him what we need. I told him to order our men to look into what Uncle has been up to and who he was in contact with leading up to the attack on Father. I even want to know who he fucks and even where he takes a shit. Everything. Per my order, Nico also has one of our most faithful men following Uncle Agosti’s every move, in secret of course.

I’m hanging out in my room strategizing, when Nico enters. He stands in the doorway with his arms crossed. “I’ve been doing what you’ve told me, so are you going to tell me what’s going on with Uncle?”

I roll my eyes. “If I knew what was going on, why would I need your help? ”

Our gaze collides, and Nico warns, “Don’t bullshit me, Ari. What are your suspicions?”

I shrug. Seems Nico put two and two together. “I have no proof that Agostini isn’t helping us.”

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