Page 43 of Cherished Union

I don’t comment on that. Instead, I refocus on the conversation at hand. “If you really feel as though you’d be better off at school, then I’ll speak to Hayden, and we’ll come up with something.”

Her eyes widen and then her face splits into a bright smile. She throws herself at me, wrapping her arms around me and holding me tight. “Thank you, Addie,” she whispers.“Ti voglio bene, sorellina.”

I inhale deeply as tears prick at my eyes.“Anch'io ti amo, Vivi.”

“Am I interrupting?” Hayden questions.

I pull back from Vivi and turn to look at my handsome husband, who is wearing a tailored suit. His black hair is pulled back and he’s wearing an odd expression on his face.

“Niente affatto, mio caro marito. Stavamo solo parlando,”I say as I rise from the sun lounger and walk toward him.

His eyes darken at my words, and I inwardly squeal. He loves when I speak in Italian. “Now in English, my dove,” he says, his words thick with lust.

I laugh. “Not at all, my dear husband. We were just talking,” I translate for him. “If you’re not busy, I’d love to talk with you.”

“Of course,” he replies instantly, his hand sliding around my waist. He drags me into his body, his lips briefly touching mine. He only does this in front of Vivi, never in front of his men. I love that he’s affectionate with me.

“Vivi’s grades have improved and she’s wanting to go to school,” I begin.

He nods. “That’s what we agreed,” he says.

I adore that he’s willing to do what she wants without a second thought. “I agree, but there’s something that you should know, and I want to start off by saying that I’m sorry I never told you before and that I will understand if you’re angry, but I thought it was best as you’ve been really busy.”

“Addie, spit it out.” His voice has taken on a darker edge, and I know he’s not going to like what I have to say.

“In the past month, I’ve been getting constant calls from my parents. They want Vivi back, and I won’t let that happen. She’s finally happy here, Hayden, and she’s opened up to me—" I shake my head, unable to say the words.

“He hurt her too, didn’t he?” he says through clenched teeth. “I’m going to fucking kill him.”

I press my hands against his chest. “No, not Vivi, he hurt Dario. Vivi overheard and witnessed it all. I hate him so much, Hayden,” I breathe. “How did I not know this was going on?”

His hand around my waist tightens. “You didn’t know, Addie. Had you have, you’d have gotten her out of there.” His eyes bore into mine. “Saying that, the moment that ass started calling you, you should have told me.”

I nod. “I know, I just didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he had gotten to me. But with Vivi wanting to go to school, I can’t run the risk of them getting to her. They’re harassing her too.” She’s been getting calls and messages from them both too. It’s getting tiresome.

He sighs heavily. “No more secrets.” I nod instantly. “Good, and don’t worry about your parents. I’ll sort them out.”

I rest my head against his chest. “Thank you,” I whisper. “You’ve made my sister happy, and you’ve made me happy. I think our marriage will be a good one, even if it’s not filled with love. You’re such a good man, Hayden. I’m so lucky to have you.”

I’m not sure what would have happened if I hadn’t been promised to him and gotten married. Mine and Vivi’s lives would be much different than they are now.

“Addie,” he says thickly.

I hide my smile. That’s the tone he gets when he wants to fuck me but can’t because Vivi’s around.

“Yes?” I reply innocently.

“Don’t worry, Dove, I’ll tan your ass tonight,” he promises me.

I shiver in delight. There’s nothing I love more than when Hayden gets kinky in the bedroom with me.

“I look forward to it.”

He presses his lips against mine. It’s chaste, but hard. I feel the tingle on my lips once he pulls away from me. “I’ll make sure that Vivi can go to school. I’ll have Cody look into which ones are the best and you can decide which to send her to.”

My heart swells at his words.

“Also, I know you and Vivi were worried about who she’s promised to, and I can assure you that it’s not happening. She’s no longer under your father’s control. It’s up to me to set a union up, and that’s not something I’m willing to do. Viviana is free to pick whomever she wants to marry—to an extent.”

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