Page 20 of Unforgettable Underboss

I notice a streak of red on his left bicep, and every other thought is wiped from my mind when I realize it’s blood.

“Oh my god, you’re hurt,” I tell him stupidly as if he doesn’t already know.

“It’s nothing. I had to find you first. To tell you I love you and somehow earn your trust enough to let me take you home.”

“You… love me?” Now IknowI’m hallucinating. Surely, he didn’t just say that.

“Yes. Shit, I forgot to start with that. I’m fucking this up,” he mutters to himself. “Valerie,” he says, focusing his mesmerizing eyes on mine. “I didn’t know I was capable of love, let alone the kind of love that runs so deep it hurts being away from you. I love your tender heart despite the world giving you every reason to be bitter and resentful. I admire your strength and the way you were able to leave your abusive situation. You approached me fearlessly, though I know you’ll fight me on that point.”

Despite the rush of conflicting emotions, I grin at his words. He knows me so well already.

“You may have been scared, but you stepped forward anyway. That’s the heart of a warrior, my brave angel.”

“Enrico,” I murmur. I’m about to launch myself into his arms when I remember his wound. “We need to get your arm looked at,” I say in a rush.

“Only if you come with me,” he counters, holding his hand out again.

“Anywhere,” I breathe, finally sliding my hand into his.

Enrico pulls me up from the bench and curls his good arm around my waist, hauling me against his chest. I stumble forward slightly, trying not to hiss in pain when I put weight on my sore ankle.

“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

“I fell earlier, but I’m fine. It’s nothing compared to you.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Seriously, you need to see a doctor.”

Enrico surprises me by grinning. “Yes, ma’am,” he answers with a nod. “I’ll have Doc Bianchi look at your ankle and anything else that hurts.” His features turn serious yet soft. “I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through. Everything I’ve put you through.”

“I’m the one who should be apologizing. I can’t believe you still…”

“Still, what?”

“Still want me. Even after I lied and put you at risk.”

“Look at me, Valerie.” He cups my cheek, tilting my head so we’re eye to eye. “I’m never letting you go again. We’ve been apart for an hour, and it’s been the most excruciating hour of my life. I love you, angel. Forever and always.”

I nod and then wrap my arms around his torso, burying my face into his chest. He holds me, stroking my back in a calming motion. “I love you, Enrico.”

“Thank you for loving me,” he whispers. “I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of our days.” His words sound almost like wedding vows. “Now, let’s get out of here, okay? I think we’ve earned a rest.”

Like the first day I ran into his arms, Enrico pulls his phone out and calls for a car to pick us up. This time, as he helps me into the backseat of the black sedan, we’re both on the same page. I’m not hiding anything from him, and he’s not skeptical of my motives. We’ve been stripped of the unknown and are free to simply be together.

Enrico presses a kiss to the top of my head as I snuggle up against him. “I can’t believe you’re mine,” he whispers. “I promise to always keep you safe.”

I believe him with my whole heart.

10

ENRICO

“Are you still planning on attending the Policeman’s Ball tomorrow night?” I ask Aurelio as we wrap up with Family business for the day.

Things have almost returned to normal around the compound since the raid six weeks ago. Valerie has officially moved in with me, bringing even more light and life to my world than I thought possible. We had a tense meeting with Aurelio the day after everything went down, but ultimately, he understood our situation.

“Ah, shit,” the Boss mutters, bringing me back to the moment. “Tomorrow night? How has it already been a year since the last one?” He shakes his head and curses under his breath. “I hate these things. Do you want to go instead?”

“I don’t think Valerie would be comfortable around the Las Vegas PD under the circumstances.” That’s an understatement. By aligning herself with the Caparellis, she’s made a lot of enemies. Of course, she’s also gained the protection of the most revered crime family.

Still, tensions are high now that an official federal investigation into the dirty dealings of the cops is underway. Parading my woman around a room full of officers wouldn’t be the most tactful of moves.

---