Page 52 of Now and Forever

“My father owns a winery in Southern California,” I said, offering Cesare the glass to refill. “I’ve been wine tasting since I was old enough to verbalize the flavors.”

Cesare bowed before filling both glasses with a respectable pour. After he left, Dario reached for one glass and I the other. His smile was sincere. “Catalina, I hope to spend each day learning more and more about you.”

“You didn’t know about my father’s winery?”

He shook his head. “I’ve seen his portfolio. I must have missed that.”

I lowered my voice. “I think, officially, it’s in my mother’s name.”

“Progressive,” Dario replied, lifting an eyebrow.

“Or perhaps, diversification.”

Dario scoffed. “You have a unique knowledge set.”

“My father is a top lieutenant. I was sheltered but not oblivious.”

ChapterFifteen

Catalina

That night after dinner, we returned to our apartment. The lights throughout the apartment were dimmed and everything was quiet. I learned earlier in the day that Contessa’s bedroom suite was on the first floor. There was also a bunk room of sorts where guards could stay if they were required overnight.

Tonight, was one of those nights.

Giovanni and Armando said good night as Dario and I went up the stairs. It wasn’t until we both headed toward the primary bedroom that I realized this would be the first time we were together in the suite since I arrived.

“I need to check a few things in my office,” he said, leaving me in the bedroom as he made his way to the private office within the suite.

It was difficult to fathom that last night had been our wedding night. Only twenty-four hours ago we came together for the first time. The butterflies that sparked my nerves then were back in a gentler form.

Slipping into the bathroom, I readied myself for bed, removing the dress and putting on a silk nightgown with spaghetti straps, the bottom hem falling to just above my knees. It was less scant than the teddy I’d received at my shower, the one I’d worn for only a few minutes yesterday morning.

Opening the door, I expected to find Dario in the bedroom. Sadly, the room was empty and the bed untouched. His office door was closed with a line of light coming from below. I wasn’t exactly expecting sex; however, after our dinner, I was hoping for more of his time.

I settled into the bed on the side with my bedside stand and began reading a book I’d found in the library. I was three chapters in when I heard Dario’s office door open. This was my husband after a long day. His suit coat was gone as was his tie. His holster was still present. The pressed white shirt was wrinkled, and he had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Suddenly, I remembered something.

Dario’s eyes opened wide at the sight of me. “I thought you might be asleep.”

Closing the book and placing it on the bedside stand, I shook my head. “I was hoping to stay awake until you came to bed.” I pressed ahead with my recent thought. “Weren’t you wearing jeans when you left this afternoon?”

Dario looked down at himself and back to me. “I changed in my office at the club.”

Questions came to mind.

Why did he change?

The warnings I’d been given came back to me, especially Em’s.‘Don’t fool yourself. He’s not taking a wife to love.’

Was Dario already with another woman at the club? Were there whores there ready to please the boss whenever he demanded?

Dario’s lips pressed together. “I figured you would be sore.”

“I am,” I admitted. “Not too sore to talk.”

Dario inhaled as he ran his hand over his hair, further mussing his mane. A dark shadow of stubble covered his usually clean-shaven jaw. He exuded power and masculinity with his mere presence.

“I’ve had a change of plans. I have to go out.”

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