Page 88 of Beautiful Vows

"Where did that come from?" she pants.

I wish I could take her back to bed and lick her pussy until she's crying out for me to stop.

I go to kiss her again, but my eyes are drawn to the large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, where a news ticker scrolls across the bottom.

We turn and listen to the news reporter telling of the discovery of bodies and that more details will follow.

TWO KNOWN MAFIA MEN FOUND DEAD.

THE POLICE HAVE NO LEADS AT THE MOMENT

What the listeners won't ever find out is Dominic made a deal with one of his contacts in the police. His contact likes the monetary pay off he gets. He also likes that Dominic makes sure he gets re-voted.

Added to that, the police department will take the glory for the apparent apprehending of the mafia men in a gunfight that led to their deaths.

The one caveat Dominic insisted on was that they stopped raiding Cade's and Rafe's club, and keep all the de Luca family safe from arrest—and also keep out of the Syndicate's way.

It's the perfect deal for the police commissioner. A way for the locals to think the police are getting on top of crime for a change, and the perfect way for the Irish mobs and other crime families to receive a simple message about the Syndicate's new direction.

“… We will provide more details on this evening’s news.” The reporter's voice fills the room, detailing the discovery of the two bodies and promising more information to come.

I can't help but smirk slightly, knowing the full story will never make it to the airwaves.

I smile at Lia, cupping her face in my hands and gazing into her eyes, as I feel a surge of emotion that threatens to overwhelm me.

"I love you," I begin, my voice soft but intense, "but it's so much more than that. You've changed everything for me. Before you, my world was darkness. But you brought light into every dark corner."

I take a deep breath, struggling to find words adequate enough to express the depth of my feelings.

"You're not just going to be the mother of my children or my partner or my wife. You're everything. Because for five years, you're the reason I woke up every morning with hope. You're not just the woman I'm madly in love with, you're my home." She smiles as my thumb traces across her cheekbone. "Aurelia de Luca."

"Aurelia de Luca-Moretti," she states.

I laugh lightly. "You make me aspire to be better, to do better. Because deep down, I'm simply a man who's found his better half."

Tears glisten in her eyes as I lean in and press a soft kiss to her forehead before meeting her eyes again. "I promise you, Lia, that every day for the rest of our lives, I'll strive to be worthy of the love and trust you've given me."

"I love you," she breathes. "How do I follow that?"

"Just tell me you'll always be mine."

"I always have been."

I smile. "And despite you being my boss, I will challenge you. For your sake."

"You can't help yourself." Lia's eyes meet mine, but she's not angry. They are only sparkling with love. "You're slipping back into your possessive ways."

"You know I won't change."

She gives me a knowing look before pressing her hand on her belly. "Ooh. That was a kick."

My heart beats wildly. It's not the first time I've felt the life underneath my palm, but every time is like the first time. I love it. "Can I?"

She takes my hand and places it where she felt the kick. My hand gently caresses her belly. My heart pounds, feeling the slight movement beneath. "I can't wait to meet them," I murmur, my voice heavy with emotion.

"Me too." I glance over Lia's shoulder. Cade watches from the doorway as he eats a slice of toast.

We all feel the same way about her.

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