Page 39 of Tainted Beginnings (Dark Syndicate 7)

The intimidation is clear. I know Kurt well enough to notice when he feels threatened. He’s exactly that now, and since he knows what battles to fight, he also knows when to fall back.

“Capisce,” Kurt replies.

He cuts me a hard look, then he leaves, and I feel free. Finally...

I look back at Nick, and I can’t resist skipping into his arms. He picks me up, spins me around, and kisses me, then sets me back down.

“You are one hell of a surprise,” I beam.

“Happy birthday, Bellezza. Ready to go?”

I laugh, and it’s great to feel like myself again. “Go where?”

“You heard me. Our flight to Florence leaves in an hour.”

I stare back at him in disbelief. “You’re serious? You’re actually serious?”

He cups my face. “I am, about everything.”

“Everything? Nick, you were talking about kids.” I laugh again, but damn does my heart ever hope with longing for the fantasy he just spoke of.

“I meant everything. I went back to L.A., and I couldn’t get you out of my head, then I realized I didn’t want to. I decided to come here to be with you, but I want more than just to make you mine. I want everything. We didn’t have the best beginning, and I never wanted to put you in danger, but if you’ll have me, I promise to treat you like my queen, love you forever, and keep you safe.”

Tears tip over my lids, and joy bubbles within me, making me feel whole.

“I want nothing more than to be with you, but only if you let me love you back.”

He gives me that sexy smile that dreams are made of and plants a kiss on my forehead.

“That sounds like a good deal to me.”

“Me too.”

Epilogue

Tennessee

One year later

Nick traces a line of kisses up my leg.

Under the moonlit Tuscan sky, he carries that Dark Knight vibe again.

“How do you taste sweeter than those cookies?” he teases, licking the inside of my thigh.

“Only to you.”

“It’s true, Bellezza, and I’m going to taste you everywhere.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

We got married this morning in the old vineyard. Today has been the best birthday I’ve ever had. All our friends and family were here to celebrate with us.

Even Mama looked like she’d finally decided to stop making my life hell. It hardly matters because I have the man of my dreams, and that’s all I care about.

Now Nick has me naked and sprawled out on a blanket. Every time he takes me to Italy, we do this. But this time, we’ll be making love under the stars as husband and wife.

He lowers his head to claim my lips, and I get lost in his kiss the way I did when we said, ‘I do.’

As we took our vows this morning, it felt like I was renewing my soul.

I knew I’d have forever with this man, and he would have me, too.

We’d belong to each other and create our own happily ever after.

* * *

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