Page 104 of Savage Vow (Mafia Marriages 3)

She shakes her head no. “I don’t understand how you can marry me and not want someone who makes you feel whole.”

Is that what she thinks of marriage? That it will complete her. That’s a storybook ending.

Love like that isn’t real.

I don’t believe in fantasies or fairytales.

We make our destiny, and mine involved saving Karina’s life. I don’t regret my choices. Not even for a moment.

“My parents had an arranged marriage,” I whisper, staring at her as I pull my hand back and rest it beneath the pillow. “They grew to care for one another, and more importantly, he protected her.”

“Is that why you saved me?” Karina asks. “Because you’re a great big protector?”

I laugh at her remark and roll onto my back. “Honestly, I’ve never thought of myself like that. Being an interrogator for Alessandro, I don’t usually protect anyone except the secrets our family keeps.”

“And what secrets might those be?”

“Nice try.” She’s not getting anything juicy out of me. The secrets I keep will go with me to my grave.

* * *

It’s late by the time I fall asleep and morning roars its ugly head far before I’d like to wake up.

The alarm for Karina to wake blares, and I slam the damn thing off while she fumbles out of bed.

I don’t bother trying to go back to sleep. I sit up in bed, prop myself up with the extra pillows, the blanket at my waist, while I watch her meander around in the bedroom.

Karina grabs her clothes from the dresser and heads for the bathroom, shutting the door behind herself.

Just once, I’d like a show.

A striptease.

Anything to satisfy my aching desire that she’s stirred, especially this morning.

Will I ever get to see her naked again and trembling in my arms? Maybe if I play my cards right, but she’s been hesitant since the encounter in the basement.

I run my fingers through my hair. It was never my intention for her to witness what I do for a living. While it may not be a secret, knowing and seeing are two different things entirely.

I’ve scared her.

She probably thinks of me as a savage beast, an animal that enjoys torturing and humiliating scum-sucking low lives.

I don’t enjoy the work, but it pays handsomely, and I like my lavish lifestyle. Besides, working for Alessandro has its perks. I’d never have married Karina if I wasn’t an interrogator.

We probably wouldn’t have met again either.

The bathroom door squeaks open, and Karina steps out in jeans and a t-shirt. “You wear that to work?” I ask.

She looks sexy. I want to rip the clothes she just put on right off her.

“Yes, I change into my scrubs when I get on the unit,” Karina says. Her brow knits. “You’re only now noticing that I don’t wear my work clothes to work?”

I haven’t been observant lately. At least not in terms of what she wears. It’s not like I keep track of her outfits or wardrobe. I’ve been preoccupied with other matters.

“Give me a break, it’s early, and I’m exhausted.” It’s the truth.

She heads to the dresser, retrieves a pair of socks, and sits on the edge of the bed while she puts them on. “Can we go to the park as a family? Play ball? Do normal family things and maybe have dinner out?” Karina asks while she slips her socks on.

She’s asking a lot, but I don’t see the harm. If this is her olive branch, I’ll take it.

“I don’t see why not.” I’ll have to make sure Francesco isn’t busy, or another bodyguard can accompany us if we’re going off the compound. “How about I pick you up after work and bring Ashton? He should be done school about the same time.”

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