Page 25 of Savage Hearts

“I’m sorry, but she’s hungry, and well, I didn’t figure you’d want me whipping out my tit to feed her.”

“It’s alright Cat. This is Beckett. Beckett, meet my sister Catarina.”

“We’ve met.” I smiled at her sister as I slipped the baby from her arms and carried her over to Celestina. I watched in utter fascination as she tugged her shirt up and pressed our daughter’s lips against her breast. Catarina laughed, drawing my attention to the door.

“As entertaining as this is, Massimo would like to speak to you.”

Celestina held our daughter against her chest and motioned toward the door. “Let’s go.”

I’d walk through hell two times over for the woman I had no intention of ever leaving again.

Just as I suspected, there were six men waiting in the living room.

“Let’s get this over with. I have more important things to deal with.”

“I hate this.” Celestina’s voice filled the silence, causing all eyes to turn to her. “I’ve ruined your plans yet again.” She cast a look at Madison, who shrugged.

“I’ve told you… it’s no big deal.”

“No big deal?” Celestina furrowed her brows. “You and Massimo have been put off too many times. You deserve your day at the altar.”

I watched as Madison shot Massimo a weird look. He simply nodded, and she grinned.

“It’s not a big deal because we’re already married.”

“What?” Catarina squealed, looking between Massimo and Madison. Celestina just stared, her mouth gaping open in shock. Catarina folded her arms across her chest and sighed. “What do you mean, you’re married?”

“We did it a few weeks ago. The big wedding will still happen in Italy later, but we couldn’t wait.”

“Wait. You’ve blown off every single one of us because of your loyalty to Nonna, so why now?”

“Go ahead, Madison.” Massimo stepped up to his wife and pressed his lips to hers. “Tell them.”

She faced the women and sighed. “We’re pregnant.”

The room erupted into shouts and cheers. The women engulfed her in a group hug while Massimo’s brothers thumped him on his back.

“Now you see why protecting them is a top priority?”

I nodded in agreement. “They were a top priority before your announcement.”

Massimo tipped his chin. “I know.”

Celestina stood watching the others talk, her eyes glancing down at our daughter. I could see the longing in her gaze as the men in her family wrapped their women in protective holds. I heard her whisper something to Emilia, making my heart miss a beat. Watching the pain she tried to hide nearly broke me again. I walked toward her and lifted her chin.

“I’m here and not going to leave. I’ll say it as many times as I need to for you to believe me.” I brushed my fingers over my baby’s head. “I want this… with you.”

“Becks needs you, Beckett. I can’t do this alone.” Her eyes welled with tears. “But I don’t know if I’m ready to let you in. I’m scared.”

“If you don’t mind, I’m taking her upstairs. We’ll come back down for dinner and figure out how to manage the rest.” No one stopped us as I turned Celestina around and led her and Emilia back up the steps and into her room.

“Becks?” I tilted my head and stared at the woman in front of me.

“Her uncles said she’s too tough to just be Emilia. They’ve been calling her Becks since we came home from the hospital.”

“Come sit.” I motioned to the bed. “Tell me everything, Celestina. I want to know what it was like for you.”

Sitting against the headboard, I motioned for her to join me. Celestina hesitated a moment but carefully crawled between my legs and leaned against me, holding our daughter. We spent the next few hours talking about what I’d missed and the agony I’d put her through. It was hard to hear the pain she’d endured, all because I tried to protect her. When she fell asleep in my arms, I knew with no doubt—this woman was mine to protect. Mine to hold. Mine forever.

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