Page 81 of Wild Card

“You’re right. I can’t believe you’re mine. This is too good to be true.”

I know what he means. Running my hands through his thick black hair, I take a lingering look at this incredible man beneath me.

“Do you think your parents would be upset?” I ask softly.

“Would my parents be upset that I have a talented, clever, magnificent, stunning fairy princess as my partner? No, I don’t think they’d be upset. They’d be over the moon.”

“But my father,” I begin.

“Lorenzo sold my parents out, Beauty. Your father manipulated his stupidity and greed, but before I left to go speak to your father, Lorenzo told me he’d worked with your father to set up my parents.”

I gasp. “Oh my God, Gio.”

“Even if he hadn’t,” Gio, skims his hands down my sides. “Even if it was all your father, you’re nothing like him. Frankly I don’t know how you turned out so good—usually a dented pan makes a dented loaf, but not in this case. You’re perfect,” he kisses my throat, “and delicious.”

My father seems to have loomed large over both of our lives, but not anymore, and I welcome the change. I have so much more space for joy now, and I can’t wait to share it with Gio.

“You’re delicious,” I say before nibbling his square jaw. “And perfect. And did I mention that I love you?”

“Hmmm not sure. You probably should tell me again, just in case.”

“Love you, meatball.”

He laughs and piles my hair on top of my head. “I love you too, angel.”

I cuddle against him, giggling. I’ve never felt more loved, more at peace, than I do in this moment. It’s my best birthday by far, and I’m looking forward to celebrating many more together with this wonderful man.

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