Page 67 of La Dolce Vita

He locked her down with his piercing gaze. She knew better than to question him. But this was different. It felt different. He wouldn’t leave her in the middle of the night and alone if it weren’t important. So, what could be more important than her and the kids? Especially now?

"If it's business then say it was. If it's something else, something I should know then tell me. I can't handle any more surprises, you understand me."

A smile lifted the corner of his mouth. "It was business.”

Mirabella shook her head at him.

He touched the side of her face. "Don't worry about me,Bella."

"How could I not? I know. I know. We have done this over and over again. I know who you are. I see what you are. I accept it. I swear to you I do. But I can only live with it when I know you are safe. Gio."

He took her face in his hands. He kissed her brow.

“Non posso vivere senza di te Gio--I can't live without you," she said.

“And you won’t have to. Ever. I can take care of you, of us. You know that right?"

"Who takes care of you now? I'm not blind. You are secretive. You aren't relying on Domi and the others. I feel that you are pushing yourself harder because of me."

“Dammi un bacio--give me a kiss.”

She closed her eyes, and he kissed her. And it was not‘the be a good girl for daddy; I'll see you after work'kiss. It was the kind of kiss that made a wife’s toes curl. The contact of his lips and tongue was gentle at first. A slow tease to lower her resistance and make her forget her anxiety. His hands smoothed down the side of her face before they both went around her waist and drew her close. She lifted her arms up this neck. Heat slid through her body from her mouth. Mirabella lifted her chin and parted her mouth wide to welcome his tongue as it swept in and swirled. He lifted her up to him, and she melted against his muscular frame. Mirabella smiled as the sun sealed them with warmth and her husband kissed her deeply.

She nearly wept when he released her.

"I want more babies with you. As manybambinias we can make. But I've learned not to be selfish with your health,Bella. I've learned that in our marriage it will never be about what I want. It will be all about what is best for the both of us.”

“Okay,” she said.

He cupped her face once more. “You aren't well. Not yet. And until you are, you are my only focus. If I ever have to leave your side, leave our children in the middle of the night, you should always know it’s for us." He lifted her chin and kissed her. "Dominic will be here soon. He'll talk to us about this doctor. And I'll meet with her to decide if we need it at all."

She glanced back at the villa. It was two stories of stone and brick. The rooms were plenty, but she imagined they were small and close together.

"This is where Rocco and Zia first started a family?" she asked.

"You should ask her to tell you the story."

She glanced back at him. "How long will we stay here?"

"That's up to you, and me. Let’s talk about it at dinner."

"And America? When will we go to America?" she asked. "Especially if I have to do this therapy with this person."

"Working on it. Soon."

"Gio, it's important to my sister and me. Please don't delay it."

"I understand."

He stepped away from her and slid his hands into his pockets. Mirabella watched him as he stared toward the vineyard.

"I'm going to go pay Rocco a visit. You make sure everyone is comfortable, relax," he said.

"Want me to walk with you?" she asked.

"I won't be long," he said and started off. "Maybe some lunch. That will be nice. I'm sure Zia had some things brought in to fix."

She stood there with her arms crossed watching him walk down the hill to the vineyard. He paused and cast a sly look back over his shoulder. "Bella," he said in a soft manner that was still deeply heard across the distance between them.

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