Page 130 of Massimo

"Not yet." A shudder wracks through me.

He cups my face, staring deep into my eyes. "Would you like to know how I dream of Silvestro Mancini's death?"

"Yes," I whisper, falling into the darkness in his eyes.

"He'll be beaten and broken. His skin flayed. I'll drop him at your feet; at your mercy but you'll have none to give." His thumb rubs along my jaw, and I shiver. "You'll slide a knife into his heart. Then, while he still draws breath, I will cut off his head."

I stare at Massimo.

Not in shock. Not in disgust. Not in horror.

I stare at him in lust—and in love.

And in that moment, I willingly and completely accept his darkness as it melds with the dark of my own soul.

Chapter 54

Nova

"Dayum,girl.Youlooktruly and well fucked."

"Gemma!" I whirl around, my cheeks blazing. I glance sidelong at Jerome, and my embarrassment grows as I see him hide a quiet laugh. Turning back to the feisty woman, I narrow my eyes. "Yeah, okay. Pot meet kettle."

Her silky raven hair is mussed, and I'm sure those are bite marks on her neck before she gathers her hair over her shoulder to hide them. She rolls her eyes, but her cheeks pinken. Then her smile turns soft as she watches me.

I'm unsure why she's looking at me like that, but then it dawns on me…

I'm eating strawberries. Freely and without any thought, without anyone giving me permission. Without Massimo being with me as my quiet strength or to feed me.

No mental gymnastics to coerce myself or overcome my father's brutal training. I hadn't even given it a second thought before popping the berry into my mouth.

Tears spring to my eyes, and I can't force them back. I'm suddenly on the verge of breaking down and sobbing in the kitchen.

Gemma rushes toward me.

"Miss Nova," Jerome sounds panicked. "It's okay. You're making so much progress." He takes my hands and rubs them between his.

I shakemy head, trying to get words out. I half-laugh, half-cry. "I don't know why I'm so emotional."

"Because you're doing something your father never wanted you to—you're beating him. You're winning, my dear." Jerome's lined face softens with pride, and I feel a sudden urge to hug him.

Gemma wraps her arms around me from the side and squeezes me. "Yes. You're a fucking badass, Nova." When I scoff and shake my head, she squeezes me harder. "Yes, you fucking are. You beat him. Silvestro Mancini has no hold on you anymore."

I smile because I'm getting there. The healing I've experienced in this home is unfathomable. The connection and friendship—something I've never been allowed to have—the feeling of family… Again, something I haven't had since my mother was taken from me. I feel so blessed.

And I'll lose it all once Massimo destroys my father, and he lets me walk away.

Which makes me want to sob all over again, for real this time—not because of some weird flare of emotions, but because of the reminder that Massimo isn't truly mine.

Although, he's putting in a gallant effort of acting like it. It's been days since our marriage, and he's insatiable. I mean, I am too, so I'm not complaining.

During sex, Massimo talks about filling my pussy with his cum and me pregnant with his child. It must be some sort of sexual fetish or kink, because every morning, he personally gives me my pill.

Instead of acknowledging the hurt that fills me with taking that pill, I focus on the time I have with Massimo. Reveling in the pleasure and multiple orgasms he ensures I have. Loving how he seems to love to take care of me in all ways, not just during sex.

Suddenly, the back door to the kitchen slams open, and Gabe rushes in, looking panicked. "Marco and Vincenzo are here."

My heart leaps almost out of my chest. "I thought Vincenzo returned to Italy."

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