Page 207 of Phantom Mine

Together.

The End

Epilogue

Valentina

Matteo likes to point out that I never do as he asks, but he’s just as bad as I am.

He was discharged from the hospital a few days ago, and only because he argued with Cassie so much that she agreed under very stringent orders that he ‘take it easy’ and ‘not attempt any strenuous activity’. He agreed and promptly ignored both orders the moment we got home.

I was naked beneath him within minutes of crossing the threshold, his eager hands roving over my body as his mouth pressed urgent kisses down my neck to my breasts. I’ll admit, I didn’t put up too much of a fight, deliriously excited as I was to feel his weight come down over me once more.

And now he’s driving us across the city on some kind of covert adventure he refuses to tell me anything about.

“Why won’t you tell me where we’re going?” I pout.

Matteo smiles fondly at me. He squeezes my thigh before resting his hand right above my knee.

“It’s a surprise.”

“I don’t need more presents Matteo, nothing except for you to listen to Cassie’s orders and actuallyrest.” My palm comes down to cover his hand. “The sooner you’re better, the sooner we can get back to searching for Adriana.” Sweetening the deal, I add, “The sooner we can start planning the wedding.”

While Matteo was convalescing, I had no choice but to put the search for Adri on hold. Staying by his side took all of my time and energy as I spent the majority of my days praying to a higher power for his recovery.

Matteo groans throatily and readjusts behind the wheel. “Any mention of you walking down the aisle to me makes me instantly hard.”

I giggle and he blows out a frustrated breath.

Before I know it, he’s pulling into an open parking spot on a quiet street in Fulham. I look through the passenger window and up at the row of houses. They’re picturesque and perfect, every flower bush adorning the windows trimmed to within a millimeter of its life. With just one look, I know this is an idyllic street on which to raise a family.

Matteo exits the car and comes around to my side. He has me well trained by now and I don’t try opening my door myself.

“Did you buy us a house?” I ask, as he takes my hand and pulls me out of the car. “Is that the surprise?”

Matteo laughs deeply, pulling me behind him to a house two doors down from where we parked. He rings the doorbell.

“This is one of my houses, but I didn’t buy it for us. I thought we’d do that together.”

I palm his cheek. “Good answer, my love.”

The door opens and a man in full combat gear waves us in. My heart rate immediately accelerates and my palms grow clammy. I recognize him. I don’t know his name, but he’s one of Matteo’s trusted guards. I look at my fiancé, getting progressively more worried by the minute.

Unlike me, Matteo is the embodiment of calm.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

Matteo flicks a silent glance at his guard who tips an answering chin towards the back of the house, but says nothing else.

“Come on, Len,” Matteo says. Placing a hand at the small of my back, he ushers me down the hall.

The house is much larger than I originally thought, more of a mansion than anything else. Beautiful tiled floors lead us into an open concept kitchen with the latest appliances and finishes. Off to the left is a dining table that could comfortably seat twelve. To the right, a kitchen that would make world renowned chefs jealous. Ahead of us, glass double doors that lead out into what looks like a private garden, a luxury in central London.

It’s beautiful but I’m not sure what I’m doing here. The deeper we go into the house, the more heavily armed guards appear. Matteo’s continued silence only worries me further.

I turn to look at him when he brings us to a stop in the doorway. “Matteo, you’re scaring me,” I admit softly. “Is this a good or a bad surprise?”

His face splits into a warm smile. “It’s a good one,cara mia. Something you’ve wanted for a long time.”

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