Page 98 of Caruso
He nods. “Anything for you, baby girl.”
I find Tommaso’s hand and squeeze it tightly and smile into his eyes as I whisper, “And then we could resume our swimming lesson, if you have time.”
“I’ll always have time for you, princess.”
Reaching up, I stroke his handsome face and whisper, “Can I stay with you tonight?”
His eyes gleam. “I would like nothing more.”
I sense acceptance from the others. This is still our night. They’ve had their time; now it’s Tommaso’s. Tomorrow, I will move to a different bed, whose I haven’t decided yet, but I’m aware it’s my choice and it always will be.
Chapter Forty-Six
Giorgio
I’m waiting for Taylor as the night clings on for one more hour. Soon to give way to the sun, who is due to make an appearance anytime soon.
This is the perfect way to begin our new life together. Taylor has brought meaning to our lives, and I hope we have done the same for her.
When she left for bed with Tommaso, it didn’t feel wrong. We had our moment with her; it was his time. But now it’s mine, and as the lady herself wanders out onto the terrace, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, my chest tightens as I consider the vision before me.
“Hey.” I whisper from my position against the wooden ledge I’m leaning on, as I gaze out on the darkness, loving how it calms my spirit.
I beckon her to join me, and as she leans against me, my arm reaches out, protecting her as I always will.
“Morning gorgeous.” I steal a kiss, loving how her lips eagerly feed off mine, not caring that the last man’s lips on her were my brothers. We share, we always have, and the toys of our childhood have become flesh and bone rather than metal and plastic.
“We’ll head to the stables in a minute. Two horses should be saddled up and ready to go.”
I turn to her and regard her anxious face.
“Have you ever ridden a horse before, angel?”
“No.”
I chuckle as I tighten my hold.
“Then perhaps we should teach you how to first before letting you loose in the wild.”
“We can’t go?” Her disappointment is evident, and I shake my head. “I didn’t say that. You’ll ride with me instead.”
“Oh.”
Her eyes light up, and I pull her closer, loving how she’s all mine for the next few hours.
“Come. We don’t want to miss it.”
My hand drops into hers, and as I lace our fingers together, my heart thumps hard inside me. This is so right.How can it be considered wrong? Taylor is the center of our world and always will be—if I have anything to do with it.
We head to the stables, the artificial lighting nestling in the bushes guiding our path, the moon preparing to give up and head somewhere else.
We are silent as we walk, appreciating the still air, and as we reach the stables my horse, Excalibur, waits with an impatient snicker and thumping of his hoof against the ground.
“Wow.” Taylor gasps when she regards the magnificent animal, and as I approach, he snickers into my outstretched hand.
“Meet the love of my life.” I wink and address my horse. “Excalibur, meet Taylor, the second most important woman in my life.”
“Asshole.” Taylor giggles and approaches my horse, her hand outstretched, showing no fear.
