Page 75 of Diavolo

Alessandro's deep, accented voice traveled swiftly through the phone, "You did not call when you landed."

He said this somewhat accusingly.

"I didn't want to bother you," she replied. "I thought you might be busy dealing with, um, more important matters."

Like illegal shipments of cocaine and rival members of the mafia.

"I will always want to know if my wife is safe and well," Alessandro scolded gently,"above all else."

My wife.

Elyse grimaced. "I'm not your wife yet."

How bold of him to tempt fate. The bastard put a ring on her finger, but he might still die on her. Nothing was set in stone. She'd probably continue obsessing over Alessandro's near-death activities untilherdying day.

"I already see you as my wife," he insisted, "in every way that matters."

Unconvinced, Elyse stayed silent for a beat. Alessandro seemed to pick up on her skepticism. "Do you doubt my words?"

"A little, yes."

Grumbling, he started, "You know..."

"What?"

He continued, "I once heard that, when we meet our soulmates, hearts do not pound. Nor do knees go weak. Instead, we will feel calm. No anxiety. Or agitation."

Elyse listened closely. "Really?"

"That was how I felt when I first met you.Calm. I was about to meet my maker, but, somehow, something inside me knew that you would not let me die. You were myangelo."

Her heart melted.

"You and your words," Elyse teased in an attempt to mask her weakness for him.

He chuckled sheepishly. "Sì, sì. Me and my words."

Elyse could hear the smile in his reply. It made her smile, too.

"Where are you now?" Alessandro inquired.

She sat down on the edge of his mattress. "I'm sitting on your bed, actually, in your room."

"Ourbed," he corrected, "inourroom."

Elyse laughed. "You're right. Sorry."

There was a short pause on his end. Then, quietly, he prodded, "Do you miss me?"

She hesitated before answering, "I... do."

"Say it.Per favore. I wish to hear it."

Another pause lulled between them. Elyse's emotions felt raw and naked when she admitted, "I miss you."

Alessandro seemed to be pleased with her response. "Good girl."

"You should've let me stay in Paris.With you."

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