Page 100 of Dangerous Devotion

“Look at that,” Matt teased, “you’ve got your wife’s support even when she’s unconscious.”

The others chimed in with their agreement, creating a moment of unity that filled me with an unexpected sense of peace. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, I knew that, together, we could conquer everything. And with Jemma by my side, I was a better man—a stronger man than ever before.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Istepped off the plane and scanned the line of men and vehicles parked on the tarmac until my eyes landed on Gabe. My oldest friend stood tall and imposing next to the second car in the fleet of sleek, black SUVs, his face a mask of cool professionalism.

I waited until Jemma stepped off, as well, took her hand in mine, and we approached Gabe together.

“Welcome to Italy,” Gabe said, his voice gruff but sincere. He pulled me into a brief, tight hug before turning to Jemma.

He pulled off his sunglasses, and the flicker of warmth in his eyes surprised me.

Then he opened his arms, and Jemma stepped right into his embrace.

My chest tightened. Wait a minute, why, how? Fuck, of course. I forced myself to relax. He was her brother-in-law. Gabe had known her before I did. I really needed to get over myself. Needed to learn to ignore that spear of jealousy every time one of my friends and family hugged her.

Jemma exchanged pleasantries with Gabe, her easy smile conveying how happy she was to see him. “You’re with me,” Gabe said and led Jemma to his vehicle. He helped her into the back, and she slid into the middle.

Gabe took the wheel.

I intended to slide into the backseat with her and claim my seat, but Matt pushed me aside. “Sorry, big brother.” He grinned, not looking sorry at all as he claimed the seat next to my wife. “You snooze, you lose.”

Dom, who had rounded the car, chuckled as he got in on the other side, effectively sandwiching Jemma between them—leaving no space for me. “We need to debrief Jemma on Italian etiquette,” he said with a wink.

I narrowed my eyes at them, but Jemma’s laugh dispelled my irritation. “It’s fine, Vince,” she said, her green eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’m sure I’m safe without you glued to me for a few minutes.”

Gabe cleared his throat—probably suppressing a chuckle— and stared at me from behind the wheel. “You riding shotgun or what?”

With a resigned sigh, I slid into the passenger seat next to Gabe. As we pulled away from the airstrip, I couldn’t help but glance in the rearview mirror, watching Jemma animatedly chatting with Dom and Matt.

“So,” Gabe said, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

I nodded, completely preoccupied with the conversation going on in the back.

I gritted my teeth, my knuckles turning white as I gripped the armrest, the sound of Jemma’s laughter mingled withMatt and Dom’s voices grating on my nerves. I should be the one sitting next to her, not them.

Gabe’s voice pulled me from my brooding. “So, how was the flight?”

“Fine,” I grunted, my eyes fixed on the rearview mirror.

“Ah, I see.” Gabe chuckled. “Too busy watching your wife to catch up with an old friend?”

I shot him a glare, but he just smirked.

In the backseat, Matt leaned closer to Jemma. “So, you met Gabe’s brother, Cristo, right? Who do you think looks better: me or him?”

My jaw clenched. I was about to turn around and tell Matt to shut up when Dom chimed in.

“Oh, come on, Matt. As if your ugly mutt could ever compete with anyone,” Dom said, then turned to Jemma with a wink and laid his hand on her thigh. “But in all honesty, I’m the hottest, right.”

Jemma laughed, a sound that usually delighted me but now only fueled my irritation. “You’re definitely the hottest.”

Dom grinned.

I turned around and narrowed my eyes when our gazes met. The seriousness in his expression didn’t match his playful tone as he continued, which set my teeth on edge. He hadn’t removed his hand from her thigh either. “What are your thoughts on threesomes?”

I could feel Gabe’s head snap to me.

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