He rubbed my back slowly, soothingly. “I know you’re strong and your own woman and all that. And believe me, Dolcetta, I respect you like you have no idea, but you’ve got to let me do something.” He kissed the side of my head, letting his lips linger on my temple. “I can’t let my woman be upset like that and not intervene; you’re asking too much of me here.”
I froze and moved my head a little to look into his beautiful brown eyes full of concern.
“Your woman?” I asked tentatively. I really liked the sound of that.
He let out a long sentence in Italian that was just a series of insults before looking heavenward.
“Not really the way I wanted to discuss this.”
“Discuss what?”
“Us. I came up to ask you to go away with me this weekend so we can talk about our relationship.”
I looked at him with suspicion. “Have you talked to Cassie?” She was so dead.
He frowned. “No… Have you?”
“No?”
He let out a little chuckle. “These two I swear.”
I let out a small laugh again and rested my head back against the crook of his neck.
“What do you say? Are we going away? I’d understand if you didn't want to, after that reminder.”
“No, I do, actually even more now.”
He let go of his hold of me and I felt the loss. I wanted to stay in his arms forever. He pulled me away a little and rested his hands on my shoulders.
“Good, it’s settled. Now, what’s his name?”
I bit my bottom lip. I was not sure that unleashing Dom on Jake was a good idea.
“I won’t kill him.”
I shook my head. “No, I know. Well, no, I don't know, but I didn't think you would. Not that it matters. Jake's not worth our time or the trouble.”
“Dolcetta, it’s not trouble; it's a duty and a pleasure. No one gets to upset you, do you understand?”
I smiled up at him and rested my hand on his cheek. “How is it you make me feel that special? That cherished?”
“Because it’s what you deserve. Give me his name, Dolcetta. I could find out, but I want you to give me approval.”
“No killing?”
“No killing,” he confirmed with a sharp nod. “Maybe just a little mauling,” he added with a cheeky grin.
“Jake Warner.”
“Brava.” He leaned in to peck my lips. “Be ready tomorrow at four. Pack light. I don’t plan on us getting out of bed much.”
“You’re incorrigible,” I chastised him, slapping at his chest playfully.
He grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. “No,sono innamorato,” he said with a wink before exiting the room with a deep laugh.
Domenico Romano, killing machine, Mafia knight… but most of all, the man I was falling in love with.
Chapter Thirteen