Page 68 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

It was a cold, late fall night and we had just gotten home from a large party our family and friends had for us, since we never had a traditional wedding or reception. It was fun, but people in large quantities exhausted me now. I was more of an introvert these days. I liked who I liked and was not interested in crowds of people any longer.

Sofia was on the back porch, looking out at the night, sipping on a cup of hot tea. The patio had a full outdoor kitchen and sizable seating area. It was a perfect area for entertaining those close to us or relaxing with our growing family. The yard displayed a peaceful view of a saltwater swimming pool with a grotto, waterfall, and fairy lights strung up between the trees.

After changing from a dapper, black pinstriped suit into grey sweatpants and a tank top, I stepped outside and closed the door behind me. Carrying her favorite soft, rose gold throw blanket, I draped it over her shoulders and pulled her back into my body.

“Happy anniversary, baby.” I reached around, holding a midnight blue ring box in front of her.

She spun around, mouth agape. “We’ve already exchanged gifts.”

I nodded and took her tea from her hands, placing it on the nearby coffee table. “I know but this is something I’ve had someone working on for a while.” She opened her mouth to speak but I lifted my free hand. “The wedding bands are fine, but they were given to us. I want you to have something special from me.”

She smiled. “You knowww the wedding band is just fineee.”

I leaned over, pressing his lips to her cheek. “Just look at it at least. If you don’t want it, I’ll return it.” A coy smile inched on my lips, I had no doubt she would fall in love with it. I opened the box slowly. The little LED light shone on the ring, revealing a deep blue, marquise cut diamond, flanked by two pear shaped diamonds on each side.

“Gavino, I—”

“Are my wife and you deserve everything.”

“It’s like a three-carat ring!”

“Four actually.”

Her mouth fell open once again. She was speechless.

Fighting me on buying anything for her was a losing battle. I was a generous man when it came to people I cared about, especially my family. I took the ring from the cushion and snapped the box closed, laying it on the table next to her tea. Taking her ring finger, I slid the ring snug next to her wedding band.

Tearing up, she admired it. “I love it.”

“I know.” I chuckled.

She snapped her gaze up to mine. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you.” I smirked. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I yanked her close to my body and snaked my arms around her waist. She reached around my shoulders and laced her fingers together behind my neck. The blanket fell off her, landing on the ground. She got ready to bend down to get it.

“Leave it. I’ll wash it.”

She smiled. “I know that look.”

I pressed my lips to hers. “We finally have time to ourselves.”

“I need to check on Aria first.”

I slid my hand deep in my pocket and pulled out the baby monitor. “She’s asleep and I brought this out here in case.” I set it on an end table.

Gavino was always two steps ahead of me. I was the one who convinced him our new daughter did not need twenty-four-hour armed security standing watch in all four corners of her nursery. So, it came as no surprise to me when he bought a video surveillance monitor for Aria when she was born three months ago.

I stretched my neck, kissing him. He probed my mouth open with his tongue and controlled my lips. His intoxicating, signature cologne caused me to go weak in the knees. It was the scent that triggered the memory of our first night together; the night he laid me back on the island in the firehouse and forced my addiction to his touch.

He trailed his fingertips down my body, gripping my rear in his palms. Yanking me harder against him, he took my bottom lip between his teeth then sucked it hard before setting it free. Instantly, I rolled my tongue over where he just savored my throbbing lower lip. His enormous erection pushed hard against me, giving me a taste of what was to come. I loved how hard he always got within seconds. He was always ready to take control of me.

A sudden emptiness came over me as he backed away, staring at me with a teasing smirk. He sat on the outdoor sofa, undressing me with his gaze. It was not good enough for him. He wanted me naked. Since I had given birth not that long ago, Gavino and I had both been sex deprived until today.

“Get undressed.” He commanded.

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