Page 58 of Owned by the Italian Mafia Boss
“But I care about you.”
“I’m the exception,” she repeats happily.
I nod, smirking, playing with a piece of loose hair that frames her face; then, I become serious as I stare at the woman who has become my entire world in a very short time. “Yes. Yes, you are,” I state.
“I have to go. I can’t be late for my rescheduled test, Carmine.” She kisses my cheek before heading to the chair in the corner where her backpack sits. “You still can’t come?”
“I’m sorry, Sweetling. I can’t. I have business down at the docks that I have to be at. Victor will be going with you.”
“I don’t have to have someone with me, you know. I can take care of myself. I can call Christy to come to pick me up before class starts. It isn’t a big deal.”
“Absolutely not.” I throw on my blazer. “That isn’t up for discussion. I won’t risk your safety.”
“My safety is fine. You know, Ari could go with me. He’s healing, but he’s up and walking now. I’m sure he’d like to get out of the house.”
“No. I’ll never have anyone assigned to you that isn’t at one hundred percent strength. Plus, I don’t like how Ari speaks to you. He flirts. Even with warnings, he still manages to put his foot in his mouth.”
“He does it to get under your skin. He doesn’t mean a word of it. Can you imagine if he ever found anyone? I hope she doesn’t give him the time of day and gives him a run for his money.”
“Mmm, as you do me?” I slap her ass as we make our way out the door and walk down the hall. The smell of breakfast hits me instantly, and my stomach rumbles, but there’s no time to eat since I have derailed us from our schedule.
I had to have her again.
“Just like I do you.” She takes my hand as we enter the kitchen, and I watch our fingers curl in on each other. I never want to let go.
I’ve never held hands with anyone before. I don’t enjoy the attention.
But I do and I will for Delilah.
“How are you doing, Mrs. Milazzo?” Marie gathers Delilah in a hug, and I pause. I haven’t heard Delilah be called by her new last name yet, and a wild possessiveness swells inside me. “I packed your breakfast, snacks, and your lunch. I know you have a busy day today. Good luck with your exams. I’m sure you will do well.”
Ari groans from the barstool. He’s pale with dark circles under his eyes.
“Are you okay? Are you in a lot of pain?” I ask, concerned for my brother. We might fight, but we are family.
I love him.
Even if we never say it.
“I’m fine. The pain is bad today. I think I will go back, lie down and take that pain medicine. I’m trying not to take it, but I’m sore. I have a gnarly scar, though. I’m going to look so badass when I’m healed.”
“Only you would like a scar caused by a bullet and a hot poker.”
“Makes a good story for the ladies.” He tries to laugh but grimaces instead. “I hope all of you have a good day. If you don’t mind, I’ll be seeing myself out.”
“But, Mr. Ari, you need your strength. You only took a bite of toast. Sit down and eat. I’ll get your medicine. You shouldn’t take your pills on an empty stomach. I want half of that plate gone, Mr. Ari.”
Ari pouts, slouching in his seat. “Yes, ma’am.”
Matias chuckles, leaning back to watch his twin. “That woman has magical powers for us to listen so well.”
“Someone has to,” Delilah says, reaching into her bag and grabbing a blueberry muffin Marie packed for her.
“Are you ready, Mrs. Milazzo?” Victor peeks his head into the kitchen. “Good morning, Mr. Milazzo.”
In three strides, I’m standing in front of him, leaning in close so only he can hear. “If anything happens to my wife while she’s in your care, I will kill you, Victor.” I brush off a few pieces of lent on the lapels of his jacket. “I will torture you first like her missing or dead would torture me. If she comes back into my arms with one scratch, I’ll make sure you have two to match. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mr. Milazzo. I promise nothing will happen to her. I will make sure of it.”
