Page 51 of Ruined in Vows

My jaw flexes, and I take a minute to mull things over. I don’t want her to leave Vegas with us on bad terms. So, despite how I feel, I bite down the anger and speak calmly.

“Okay. But it’s not going to happen, right?”

Allegra shakes her head. “No. I am hoping before then, we will find out who is responsible for this.” She looks at her brother, who I see nod out of the corner of my eye. “We believe it might be Riccardo. He is the only person who has something to gain out of this, so it would make sense for it to be him. The only problem is, we can’t find a connection between him and the Conti’s. But if there is one, then we will find it. I promise.”

Blowing out a breath, I pull her onto my lap, burying my face in her neck and breathing her in.

Ignoring the growl that comes from Nico, I press kisses against her jaw loving the way she melts into me.

“Yes, we will,principessa. Because I will be dead before I let you marry another man.”

Part Two

Chapter 31

One Month Later…

Allegra

Romeo wiggles in my arms, squealing in delight as we watch his mamma practice her ballet routine. Despite her prominent, round, pregnant belly, it doesn’t deter her dancing. She is a work of art, her body moving in ways that would be impossible for most people let alone a pregnant lady. But here my sister-in-law is, proving that nothing will stop her love of dance.

The music hits its crescendo, dramatic and intense. Ocean pushes up on her toes, spinning slowly, her body bending slightly at the waist. She looks so elegant; you can’t help but watch her. The music stops and at the same time, Ocean straightens, blowing out a breath.

She peeks over at me with pink tinged cheeks. “How was it?”

“You’re amazing,” I tell her honestly. “And this little guy is so proud of his mamma, aren’t you baby.” I coo, tickling his sides.

Romeo squeals as if to prove my point, making grabby hands at Ocean.

She chuckles, grabbing her water then making her way over to where we sit on the chaise couch. Just before she takes a seat beside us, a deep, masculine voice rumbles in the silence, startling us.

“Although that was very impressive, you should be taking it easy,Tesoro,” Nico drawls, pushing off the wall he was observing his wife from and eating up the distance between them.

Ocean blushes, her eyes filled with as much love as her husband’s as they stare at each other. “I can’t just do nothing. You know standing still drives me crazy,” she murmurs. Nico tsks, wrapping his arms around her body and pulling her in close.

I watch them. Longing surges inside me at their easy intimacy, their love. Though I am extremely happy for my brother, I can’t help but feel a little jealous that they get to be so open with their affection. I sigh at my errant thoughts. Here I am, all but moaning about circumstances, when really I should be grateful, that after all the pain I went through thinking Dante was dead, that he is alive. And soon he will be back here with me – exactly where he belongs.

Considering my impending wedding, I’m not sure how long our reunited bliss will last but I am going to make the most of it, regardless of what happens or comes next.

After all, nothing worth having comes easy. I should know that more than anyone.

“What time are you leaving?” I ask my brother, drawing his attention away from his wife.

He moves toward me, scooping up his son and nuzzling his neck. Romeo giggles, the sound so cute, it hits me right in the chest. I briefly wonder if Dante and I will get the chance to have children. He would be an amazing daddy.

“Now. I just came to say goodbye to my wife and son,” he murmurs, gently squeezing Romeo close to his chest.

I nod, guilt clogging my throat. I hate that Nico is in this position, but we have no other choice.

“Be safe,” I whisper.

He cocks a brow, smirking. “Do you have such little faith in me, little sister?”

My brother’s ego knows no bounds.

Chuckling, I shake my head. “No. But things can always go wrong.”

Ocean sucks in a harsh breath, and I inwardly slap myself. I shouldn’t be discussing this in front of her. She has been anxious enough about Nico leaving and the mission as it is. I don’t need to be adding fuel to the fire.

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