Page 72 of His Vow
“Good,” I growl. “He fucking deserves to suffer under the full weight of the law after what he did last night.” In my head, I add,and for what he did to Lucia in the past.
“I agree, bro. Bruno always was and always will be an A-grade asshole. But this time he’s not getting away with it. He’s been arrested, and because they consider him a flight risk, they don’t intend on letting him go,” Nico chimes in for the first time.
Holding the phone away, I whisper, “He can’t hurt you anymore, sweetheart.” Luce doesn’t look up but snuggles in closer.
“Is there any update on Will?” I ask, not wanting to discuss my cousin anymore.
“All stitched up, and according to Parker, not very happy at having to stay in the hospital another night. The carabinieriwant them to stay around a few days in case they have any more questions, so I’ve arranged a villa for them.”
“Thanks. I owe those guys more than I could ever repay.” My throat closes around the words.
“We all do, brother,” Nico says.
I bury my face in Lucia’s hair, drawing in a deep breath. This is my reality; she’s here with me, safe. And I can’t let my mind dwell on what could have happened. Thank fuck for Will and Parker.
The sound of Gio clearing his throat comes through the speaker.
“Have you spoken to our father?” I croak out, still feeling emotional.
“I called him just after we spoke this morning. He’s sent out an email to the executives, calling for a virtual emergency board meeting tonight and stating that Bruno and his grandfather have been removed from the board, effective immediately.”
“We don’t know if Great-Uncle Paolo was involved, but it’s hard to believe he wasn’t, with Bruno being his grandson,” Nico adds.
“That should be an interesting meeting. Let’s do it together from my study, G.”
“And Nico too. I want to nominate him to the board,” Gio says.
I choke out a laugh, expecting to hear Nico joining me, but instead there’s silence on the other end of the line. “Nico, are you still there?”
“Still here, and I don’t appreciate the laughter,” he grumbles.
“You’re seriously interested?” I ask.
“Yep. I’ve learned more than I ever knew about the company over the last week, and I think I can help. In fact, I think you need me to sort the shit out at the Port of Naples.”
He’s not wrong. Nico’s connections might be dubious, but they were spot on with their information. “Well, I’d be very happy to have your help.” A smile stretches my cheeks wide. “And I can’t wait to see our father’s face when Gio nominates you and I second it.”
This time, Nico chuckles along with me. I think I can even hear Gio laughing.
“We’ve got some work here to prepare. And we’ll see you in a couple of hours,” Gio says.
“Thanks, guys. For everything.” I say the words knowing they fall short of how grateful I am to my brothers. But they know, and that’s what matters.
Luce lifts up to place her hands on my chest and rest her chin on them. Emerald-green eyes stare at me, and I soak up her gaze, flames of desire sparking to life in the depths. Blood pumps through my body, heating my skin. I’m on fire at every point where our bodies touch.
This is the woman I’ve always loved, who’s now my wife, the mother of our unborn child. And she owns me.
“I love you, Lucia Barbieri. Ti amo, amore mio.And after everything, I think it’s time I reminded you just how much.”
“Sei il mio tutto, tesoro mio. I’m all yours, big-guy.”
Her everything.I like the sound of that.
And we come together in a kiss that holds all the emotion of the last twenty-four hours, and all the love of forever.
Epilogue - Lucia
One Month Later, New York
