Page 53 of His Broken Queen

“Good.”

“Where’s Gio?”

“He stayed behind. Something caught his eye at our meeting.”

“He met a woman?”

“We already knew her. She’s the daughter of Janero Malatesta, an extremely powerful and influential person in my line of work. He was good to me when I was a kid. Now he’s going to be even better to me as an adult. Because of him, we can go back to the states in a few days, and I can resume my business.”

“Just like that?”

“What are you asking me?”

“It seems like you would have to sell your soul to a man like that.” What did he promise in exchange for such a huge favor?

“It wasn’t cheap.” He took another long sip, closing his eyes and letting the alcohol do its job. “But whose soul is?”

“I hope it was worth it,” I mumbled. I wouldn’t bother asking him the details, because he wouldn’t tell me, and I probably didn’t want to know.

“I don’t do anything if it isn’t worth it.” He smirked. “Look what that alliance with your uncle cost me, but I would still say it was worth it.”

“Would you?”

“Why would you say that?” When he slammed the glass down on the table, some of the vodka spilled out. “I have never regretted marrying you, not even when…” He shook his head. “Never mind.”

“Not even when I betrayed you?” Would he ever truly forgive me for that? Maybe I didn’t deserve forgiveness.

“I wasn’t going to say that.”

“Then what were you going to say?”

“Not even when you said you didn’t want to have my child.” He finished his drink. “That hurt me more than your betrayal ever could.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” How could I explain this to him without making this whole misunderstanding worse? “I didn’t say I never wanted to have a baby with you.”

“I get it, Lu.” He gripped the neck of the bottle. “You’re right, this isn’t the time to have a baby, but hearing you say it somehow made me feel like I’m a failure. Less of a man because you don’t think I can protect our family.”

“I don’t think that. This has nothing to do with protecting me.”

“Tell me what you do think.” He poured another glass of vodka. “I need to know.”

“Maybe you should slow down.” I pointed to his glass. “You look like you’ve had enough today.” I had never seen him this drunk before. He didn’t relinquish control that easily.

“It’s been a long day and my shoulder hurts.” He pressed the glass to his lips and drank half of what he had poured into it. “Don’t avoid this conversation.”

“The honest truth is, I’m not ready to have a baby. I wantusfirst. If that sounds selfish, I’m sorry, but it’s how I feel. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You’re everything to me.”

“I want to have children with you.” He twisted his wedding band around his finger. “I know this isn’t the time. I’m sorry I acted the way I did. I have so much on my mind. It’s no excuse, but I blew what you said out of proportion and only heard what I thought you were saying. I should have stayed and listened.”

“Our relationship is still new, and I love us.” I reached across the table and took his hand. “You’re already an amazing husband. I can only imagine the fantastic father you’ll be when the time comes.”

“Come here.” He tugged on my arm until I got up and came to him. He guided me into his lap. “I’m a jerk.”

“Sometimes.” I buried my head in the crook of his neck. “But you’re my jerk.”

“I’ll help you get your prescription situated tomorrow.” He rubbed my back. “I speak the language here, so I’ll sort it out for you. We can get the doctor to transfer it here.”

“Thank you.” I kissed his jaw. “You said we could go home. How soon?”

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