Page 77 of Sins of Bliss
Shifting in my chair, I nod. “Ask me anything.”
My heart rate accelerates, nerves surfacing as I anticipate what his question may be.
It doesn’t matter that I’d never lie about the answer. Makes no difference that I intend to lay all my cards on the table when it comes to the Lucchettis, so they feel comfortable and confident in their son's marriage. I’m still utterly terrified that I’ll somehow word vomit myself into a lie.
All I want is for the Lucchettis to see me as the woman their son loves, and not reduce me to a product of my last name.
I love my family, but I see the errors of their ways, and it’s not how I want to live my life.
Scooting forward, he picks my hand up and wraps it between both of his, patting it as he looks me straight in the eyes and asks, “Do you truly love my son, Vinnie?”
Blowing out the breath held in my lungs, I answer him without hesitation and can feel tears welling up as emotion overtakes my body. “More than the moon loves the sun as he chases her through the days. I haveneverloved anyone the way I love your son, Mr. Lucchetti.”
His eyes search mine for several seconds, and I hold my head firm, never breaking our gaze. For a moment, I wonder if he doesn’t believe me, and I start to feel a wave of petrified nausea tumble in my stomach.
Suddenly, he stands, pulling me to my feet as well from the grasp he still has on my hand. Before I realize what’s happening, he pulls me into his arms in a tight hug, and I instantly relax, trying not to be obvious when I take another deep breath to steady myself. But it’s no use, because instant tears start to flow the moment his next words pierce through my soul.
“Please, Vinnie. You’re family now. Feel free to call me Papà.”
Chapter 26
Sly
My fingertips trail up and down the smooth skin of Vincenza's arm as we lay in bed after a night of lovemaking.
Leaving my family’s home left us both excited and appreciative of our future together. Dinner with them couldn’t have gone better if I planned it.
The way my family welcomed Vincenza warmed my heart and provided further confirmation, and validation that I’ve made the right decisions in not only my life, but with the path I’ve chosen, and the amazing woman to spend my forever with.
Still, unease has settled deep in my bones and will not leave. Tomorrow looms over us like a thundercloud, and I know the concern I feel, my wife feels tenfold.
“Tomorrow won’t go as well as tonight did,” I warn her, although I know my words aren’t needed.
She knows. With every fiber of her being, she knows.
Vinnie sighs, curling into my body further. Her leg is draped over mine, and the small curvature of her body conforms so perfectly against me, only reminding me further how well we fit.
“I’m not afraid anymore.”
“Perhaps your father is ready to put the past behind him, as mine has. Luciano did say he is working with the polizia to keep the St. Jeans from pressing charges against me.”
“Joseph is still a loose cannon, though. Now, more than ever. You killed his best friend.”
“I killed the man who was physically abusing the love of my life. I would do it again, to anyone who dares think they can even look at you wrong. I should have stopped him sooner.”
“Don’t do that. I purposely kept you in the dark. I believedhewould killyou. He was having you followed and leaving me photos like breadcrumbs.”
“It seems as though we’ve both made mistakes and underestimated each other, amore mio. Never again. We are a team, and there will be no secrets between us.”
Shivering, she inches closer, even though there is no space between us. “I’m worried Joseph will try to retaliate. August had been his friend for years, and now his plans of taking over our father’s businesses are exposed. Father is furious.”
“I will keep you safe, Vincenza. You have nothing to stress about.”
“It’s not me I can’t stop fretting over.”
Tightening my hold on her, I kiss the tip of her nose. “You worry about me too much.”
“It’s my job now.”
