Page 77 of Twisted Vows

“I’m sorry, Fiero.”

When she breaks into soul-shattering sobs, an indescribable wave of panic washes over me. I massage her nape and guide her face up to mine with a finger under her chin.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,mia caramellina.”

“Oh, but I do. So many things, but mostly because of how I told you I’m pregnant.”

Katherine gasps. “You’rewhat?”

“She’s pregnant. Nine weeks. Healthy,” I say as I fish the ultrasound photos out of my back pocket and hand them to her. “Congrats,ZiaKatherine.”

Her stunned silence as she stares at the pictures matches my initial response to that bit of perfection. Emma twists her fingers into my shirt and gives me a frustrated shake.

“You’re making it worse! A baby is supposed to be something you announce while smiling and eating cake at a party with everyone happy and excited, not something revealed during trauma,” she cries.

I frame her dainty face with my scarred and tattooed hands and brush my thumbs through the tears wetting her cheeks.

“How are you still so gorgeous when you cry,mia caramellina?”

She tries to shake her head, but I refuse to let her go.

“Don’t fight me on this,amore mio. You’ll always be my gorgeous wife, and our baby will always be my pride and joy, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.Capisci?”

She searches my eyes with fresh tears slipping from her lashes, as though a dam broke inside her and years’ worth of emotions stream down her cheeks.

“Why?” she asks.

I drop my forehead to hers and answer with utmost certainty.

“I love you,mia caramellina.”

Her breasts heave against my chest as I wrap an arm around her back and tug her flush against me, slipping one hand to her nape to hold her right where I want her.

“I’ve told you before, and I’ll say it again. I don’t care who you are—Mia Rivera or Emma Lanza—you’re mine and I’m yours. Forever.”

She releases my shirt, reaches up, and sinks her nails into the flesh under my collar.

“I love you, too, Fiero.”

My world rights itself and revolves aroundmia caramellinaas I take her mouth with all the passion, worry, and certainty rushing through me. When a ruckus sounds from the back of the plane, I pull back. Emma’s hard nipples rub against my pecs through our clothes and her ragged breaths warm my collar as she offers me a brilliant smile.

Katherine’s lips tilt with awe and wonder as she quietly sniffles and looks between us and the ultrasound, almost as though she still can’t believe it.

“Good. It’s settled, then. We’re getting married again next week,” I announce.

Emma gives a watery laugh and presses her forehead against my sternum.

“You’re incorrigible,” she mumbles.

“For you? Always,” I whisper into her hair.

As unfamiliar voices announce the staircase’s arrival, I become a living shield in the cockpit doorframe, willing to take on the world if it means protecting my wife, child, and sister-in-law.

I’ll always devote my time and skills to Giorgio, Aurora, and Tristan. They’re family. My wife will no doubt take them under her wing, although it may take some time for her to open her heart to them.

But Emma ismine. Mine to worship, challenge, and adore. Mine to love and protect.

My wife. My lover. My future.

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