Page 99 of His Tesoro

A satisfied little smirk bloomed across Matteo’s face at hearing my nickname for him. He played with my hair, his eyes closed and expression as serene as I’d ever seen it. The movie we’d put on played quietly in the background, forgotten. It was moments like this that I wished he wasn’t the Mafia Don and I wasn’t the Bratva princess. I wished we could just be Matteo and Sofiya.

“How was Mafia business today?”

His lips turned up in an almost-smile. “Fucking terrible. It took me away from you.”

“You sweet talker.” I cupped his face and kissed his cheek. “Oh, I was doing some reading today and I learned a new word.” I’d purchased some self-help books in addition to my growing horde of romance books. Personal growth and all that.

“What word is that?”

“Alexithymia.”

Matteo cocked his eyebrow.

“It’s when you struggle to feel and name your emotions. A lot of people who experience childhood trauma apparently have it.” I kept my voice neutral, like I was just sharing an interesting fact, but I couldn’t stop my eyes from flicking to his face and then back down to my hands.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. I just thought it was interesting.”

Matteo moved quickly, angling his body towards me and caging me so his body pinned me against the cushions.

“Are you trying to diagnose me, tesoro?”

I gazed up at him, keeping my eyes wide and innocent, but I couldn’t stop the slight twitch of my lips. “I would never do that, miliy.”

“Of course not,” he said, gripping my chin between his thumb and forefinger.

“Anyway, you’re very in touch with your emotions,” I deadpanned.

Matteo swore as his lips turned up in an unwilling smile. “Brat.”

“Your brat.” I pressed my lips to his, running my fingers through his hair and pulling him closer. I nipped his lip and pressed my tongue against his, loving the taste of him. He grasped my neck, but instead of deepening the kiss, he pulled away, leaving me cold. A hint of rejection worked through me.

“Don’t look at me like that, tesoro. You are irresistible. But I have to talk to you about something.” His serious tone made my stomach drop.

He twirled a piece of my hair around his finger. “We’ve arranged a dinner tomorrow. With your father. He’s coming into town.”

I froze, but my heart certainly didn’t. It sped up, as if knowing I would be within a few miles of my father soon. I knew it wasn’t realistic, but I’d hoped never to see him again.

“I know, tesoro.” He pulled me onto his lap, cradling me to his chest. “I don’t like it. But we need his support in this war with the Albanians. Arben has formed an alliance with someone, but I can’t figure out who. I should have been able to end this weeks ago.”

I hated the self-blame I saw in his eyes. “It’s not your fault.” I rested my head on his chest. I didn’t know the extent of what was happening, but if partnering with the Pakhan would help my husband destroy his enemies faster, I wouldn’t make it harder for him. “Do you want me to come to the dinner?”

He sighed and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “I won’t force you. But the wives will be in attendance.”

“My mama?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

There was no way for me to avoid it. My absence would be questioned, and Matteo’s authority with it. “I’ll come, then,” I whispered. “Where is it?”

His arms tightened around me. “My cousin’s restaurant. We’ll be the only ones there.”

“Is Mila coming?”

“I don’t think so.” At my dejected expression, he brushed his fingers across my cheek. “We’ll have her visit once this is all settled. Okay, tesoro?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I just miss her. And I’m afraid the Pakhan will do something to hurt her.”

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