Page 53 of Now and Forever

“Did something happen?”

He nodded. “There was a shooting in the parking lot of one of the casinos on the river. My man thinks it was self-inflicted. Losing too much money, having a gun, and drinking too much can be a deadly combination. I need to confirm it’s not related to today’s disturbance with the bratva before my father jumps to conclusions.”

Feigning a smile, I nodded. “Will you be safe?”

“If the bratva eliminates me, Dante will take over the famiglia, and your obligation to this marriage will be over.”

My expression sagged. “Don’t say that.”

His features softened. “Then why ask? No one worries about my safety.”

“I do.”

Dario came closer until he was at the side of the bed. “This alliance isn’t going to fail. I’m safe. You are too. Both Giovanni and Armando will stay here.”

My pulse kicked up a notch. “Shouldn’t one of them go with you?”

Dario sat on the edge of the mattress and ran a strand of my hair through his fingers.

The combination of his cologne and masculine scent filled my senses. I had the urge to reach out and run my fingertips over his strong forearms. I’d never had access to a man like this, and my curiosity wasn’t the only thing aroused.

“The famiglia has honor,” Dario said. “We fight with honor. Not all organizations do. The bratva will look to hurt my father and me any way they can. They’re not above killing women and children.” His focus stayed for a moment on my hair before he lifted his large hand, gently cupping my cheek. “Word is spreading to those who didn’t know that we’ve married. Hurting you would do more than hurt me; it would harm the alliance with Roríguez.”

“Are you saying I’m in danger?”

“Not as long as you’re here.” He must have read my expression because he addressed my unspoken question. “You’re not a prisoner in this apartment. You’re free to come and go as long as either Armando or Giovanni is with you. While tensions are high, I’d prefer if you stayed put, but the choice is yours.”

I nodded. “I don’t exactly know anyone in Kansas City. I can stay here as long as you come back to me.”

Dario tipped his forehead to mine and took my hand. “That’s my plan.”

Stretching my neck, I brushed my lips on his. The darkness of his stare intensified as he pressed back, claiming my lips. I struggled to breathe as his tongue slipped into my mouth, sliding against mine. Beneath my silk nightgown, my nipples drew tight, goose bumps scattered over my arms and legs, and energy surged to my core.

When Dario pulled away, his gaze skirted over my breasts, no doubt seeing my physical reaction. “Let me know when you’re no longer sore.”

Warmth filled my cheeks. “A few moments ago, I didn’t care if I was sore or not.”

He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles. “Sleep. I should be back in a few hours.”

“I think I’ll read a little more.”

Dario looked at the book beside the bed, furrowing his brow. “Did you bring that book from California?”

“No. I found it in the library.” Was he upset that I was reading Josie’s books? “I was excited to see it,” I added, not ready to embark on that conversation. “It’s been on my to-be-read list for a long time.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he stood. “This is your home. Help yourself to whatever you want.” With that, he went back into his office. When he came out a few minutes later, his collar was still open, but his suit coat was in place.

“Stay safe,” I said, thinking about his first reaction to my concern.

Does he think I wanted our marriage to end before it has the chance to begin?

After Dario was gone, I tried to concentrate on the words on the page but soon gave up. It wasn’t easy to read about love when my husband was out possibly risking his life or maybe fucking someone who wasn’t sore. I didn’t want to have those thoughts, but that didn’t stop them from coming to mind.

Turning off the lights, I settled under the blankets.

Em was right—this marriage wasn’t about love. I was better off if I didn’t allow myself to think that way. Love was the thing of fairy tales, not arranged marriages. Even if love was unobtainable, I did want our marriage to work, and I didn’t want Dario hurt or worse. If he didn’t believe I wanted this marriage to work, it was my mission to make him believe.

Those were my thoughts as I slipped off to sleep.

---