Page 168 of Matteo
It was exactly where everyone had flocked to this afternoon, mere weeks after we left the island and our honeymoon-slash-kidnapping getaway.
Gianna and my brothers hugged us to death. So did Francesca. Our parents—mine and Matteo’s—were no better, and although there was a dark cloud that hung over all of us, I knew that we’d prevail. Our parents did it decades ago, and we would too.
After all, we were legacies of heathens too. We had one thing these evil men and women determined to restart these auctions didn’t have: the love and support from families and friends all over the world.
“It’s a good thing I picked a house with a large living room,” Matteo muttered, our fingers interlocked as our families filled the space. The large family room had two couches, two fireplaces, a large bar on one wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the opposite which led to the terrace and pool area.
Knowing our families, we ensured we had room to accommodate them all should they ever want to stay. Although, Matteo made it clear that he’d prefer they didn’t.
Every single family member had visited except for one. I understood why she couldn’t be here, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt. Despite everything, I’d hoped she’d make her way here after her release from the hospital. She didn’t; instead, she made her way to Ireland. My only consolation was that she’d be under the Callahan clan’s protection.
As if she read my thoughts, my younger sister left her spot at the bar and made her way over to me. Gianna’s eyes filled with tears as she handed me a note and my heart tripped over itself recognizing my twin’s writing.
I unfolded the letter and read.
“You okay, love?” Matteo’s voice pulled my attention to him as I fought the emotions squeezing my throat. All I could do was nod and show him the note. His eyes darted through the lines before his hold on me tightened. “She’ll come around, you’ll see.”
During the past few weeks, Matteo and I had finally found common ground and started working together—to eliminate organ trafficking, to protect our territories, and to make decisions together. He saw me as a person and his equal, not just the object of his obsession. He’d treated me like I was his queen, including me in his decisions, discussions, and worries during the day and at night.
He owned me in every possible way—physically and mentally—and I owned him. Together, we just fit.
We even got a tattoo together. Mine was on my spine, and said, “M&A. Strong alone, unstoppable together,” and no truer words had ever been written. Matteo’s tattoo had the same words but with flipped initials, and it circled his Roman numerals. The date of our first kiss.
“We’ll get through it all. Together.” My husband’s eyes locked with mine, and I couldn’t help but smile. He always knew what to say and how to make things better. Despite our rocky beginning.
“I love you, Matteo.”
He smiled and his hand wrapped around my neck as he pulled me over to him and pressed his mouth to mine. “You really do?”
“I really do.”
“Even though I pointed a gun at you?”
“Yes. You’re my life and…” My voice cracked with the emotions I felt for this man. “You’re my everything.”
“Good,” he grunted against my lips. “Because I love you too, and I’m never letting you go. I can’t live without you.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re too possessive.”
“I don’t care. Now say it again.”
“I love you, husband.” I sighed when his lips found mine in a kiss that made my pulse flutter every time.
“And I love you, wife.”
It was my turn to question him with a soft smile. “Even though I shot you?”
“Even so.”
EPILOGUE
MATTEO
One Year Later
The past year hadn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I’d learned that I could handle anything life had to throw at me as long as Ari was by my side.
And by my side she was.
