Page 128 of Savage Vow (Mafia Marriages 3)

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Aurielo

That kiss. Damn. Talk about sparks flying.

I had no idea Karina had a jealous streak inside of her.

I’m proud of Karina, standing up to Etta. Not many women would do that, especially to the don’s family. Etta is practically a mafia princess. She’s a spoiled rich kid who never changed. Just got older.

One day Etta will run her family’s empire. She’s the heir to the Bianchi fortune. And merging our families together would end the war.

But I never loved Etta. And her wandering eye only secured the fact that I would be second to her, if not third.

I don’t come in second, ever.

With Karina, the tension between us is different. It’s hotter. Wilder. She’s spicy and raw, without a cruel bone in her body. There’s a toughness to Karina that’s sexy, but an innocence that makes my cock hard with one look at her.

Etta has retreated with her head hung. She’s not used to being rejected.

Karina never has to worry about me rejecting her, cheating on her, or frankly, even wanting to look at another woman. The fire that burns bright is solely for her.

The kiss made me realize what I’ve been missing, the passion and desire. There was never anything more than ravishing sex with Etta.

While Karina and I haven’t exactly opened up entirely to one another, I believe we still can. There’s hope for a future with us together. And not just because we’re wed.

Her fingers run through my hair, making my head foggy with wanton thoughts as our lips are fused together again—this time, the kiss isn’t fueled by jealousy or rage on her part. Etta has disappeared across the restaurant.

“I truly am sorry, Aurielo,” Karina whispers. She leans her forehead against mine. My heart pitter-patters in my chest. The way she stares at me and says my name makes my stomach somersault.

I’ve never been in love, but if this is what the first stirrings of butterflies feel like, I’m terrified of what falling head over heels will mean.

“What for?” I ask, pulling back just slightly. My stomach does a flop. She’s not going to suggest leaving with Ashton, is she? I can’t take the thought of being away from my family.

Her fingers run along the nape of my neck. Her touch is soft and gentle, soothing as she caresses my skin. “I was scared. Terrified after the man pointed a gun at you, at me,” she whispers. “I thought running away with Ashton was the right choice, but he’s your son.”

“Do you still think I’m a monster?” I’m afraid of the answer that she’ll give me, but I ask, nonetheless.

“You do things that I don’t agree with,” Karina says. She doesn’t hide her disappointment at what I do. It’s a part of who I am, and she has to know that I’d never hurt her or our son. “But your love for Ashton is real. I trust that you won’t let him become a villain when he grows up.”

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips. “Is that what you think of me? That I’m a villain?” I’ve murdered men, but not out of desire.

Necessity.

The waitress brings our food to the table, and Karina climbs off my lap and returns to her chair seated across from me. Already I miss her warmth, the feel of her fingers against my scalp and in my hair. My lips still tingle from when we kissed moments ago.

“Everything looks good,” Karina whispers, reaching for her cloth napkin to put on her lap.

I’m hungry for dessert, but it will have to wait until we get home. The sooner, the better.

* * *

After we finish dinner, the drive back to the house takes forever. My hand is in hers, keeping her close, our fingers tangling together while I keep my other hand on the steering wheel.

My attention is mostly focused on the road.

“I had fun tonight. Thank you for taking me out,” Karina whispers. Her voice is soft, fragile. She’s staring at me.

I cast a quick glance and smile in her direction but return my attention to the road. It’s dark and late. There are a few drivers on the road already, and I’ve had enough wine to know any more, and I’d have had trouble staying in my lane.

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