Page 45 of The Almost One

“Il Signor Mancini said you would be needing this for your camping trip today.”

The burst of laughter that escapes me is impossible to hold in, but I immediately feel bad because Stefano’s face is a picture of the confusion I felt moments ago.

“Sorry. Thank you, Stefano. I appreciate it, but I am already packed up. My rucksack is all I need.” I nod my head over to my new black bag sitting by the closet door. Fresh underwear, a sleeping bag, blanket, toiletries, snacks, and a few bottles of water are all I need.

He furrows his brows, seemingly still confused. “But… you are staying away tonight, si? Camping?”

“Yup. Under the stars,au natural.” I wag my eyebrows, delighting in the fact that his mouth parts and his eyes widen all at the same time, but only for a split second, because a huge grin spreads across his face when he realizes I’m joking about the au natural part.

He slowly shakes his head in amusement as he turns and leaves the room, taking the suitcase with him. Never one for too many words, Stefano only says what is necessary.

Once I’m showered and dressed in yoga pants and a comfy red off-the-shoulder top, I bound down the stairs with my rucksack. I’m surprised to find Marco already waiting for me, a wide smile on his face and too many bags for one person to carry sitting by the front door.

“Erm, you do know we’re only camping for one night, don’t you?” Placing my rucksack down, I snake my arms around Marco’s waist and stare into those beautiful steel-gray eyes.

“Si.Is this too much?” The genuine confusion on his face makes me want to ravage him right here and now. It’s not very often this big mafia boss man is in new territory, but it seems he’s about to land straight into it. His willingness to join me and my family in all things is something I never thought I’d get outside of Kai, but I do, and so much more.

“Baby, you’re always too much, but we make it work.” With a searing kiss, followed by a sultry wink, I spin on my heel, pick up my rucksack, and head to the front door. “Let’s go, Husband.”

“BabyandHusband. I could get used to the cute names. Although, I’m a little jealous that Everest gets something manly, like Bear.” He prowls toward me, grabbing my throat and pushing me to back up against the wall before planting his lips on mine. The urge to grind against him is strong, but we have plans with my family and I don’t want to be late.

I manage to pull away from him with a nip on his lower lip, smirking up at him as he raises a brow.

“Don’t get used to the cute names though, you’re still an asshole.” He loosens his grip and I duck under his strong arms in the direction of the door again. “Come on. Which Earth killer are we using today, Monster?”

* * *

The guys are off gathering wood for the campfire while Petal, Freya, and I relax in the ideal spot for one of the best views of Manhattan. It’s truly glorious with the sun setting; the light hitting buildings and casting shadows makes for a picturesque image. The Hudson practically glitters around the Statue of Liberty, and a wave of calm washes over me.

“How’s married life treating you then, Riv?” I’m surprised Freya is beginning a conversation with me. She’s been pretty quiet up to this point, and I’ve kind of left her to it.

“It’s great, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and we’re really happy.” I don’t know why I felt the need to tell her we’re really happy, I have nothing to prove, but I’m trying to be nice, I suppose. Engage in conversation with her like a grown-ass adult rather than hissing in her annoying face. “How areyoudoing?” Kai mentioned alternative treatments a few weeks ago, and she still doesn’t look quite right, so I have an inkling as to how she’s doing, but again, nice and polite.

“The doc thinks the new treatment is working, I should be raring to go again in a couple of months.” She doesn’t look in my direction as she speaks, just continues to look out at the beautiful skyline.

Petal is on her camp chair between us with her eyes closed, shoes and socks off so her bare feet can connect with the earth, and I know she’s listening to every word. I also know that what Freya is saying doesn’t sound completely true. Research is one of my things, I’ve always enjoyed it, so of course, I researched Freya’s condition and treatment options. The twelve-week course? True. What’s happening now? I’m not so sure. Unless she has liver failure, but I somehow doubt that.

“Oh, that’s good then. Glad it’s all going well.” I can only be polite to this woman for so long, and we’ve got all night to go yet. Whatever she’s hiding, I’m going to get to the bottom of it. I have a feeling she’s taking Kai for a ride.

“It means I can be your doula now that I’m well enough. I’m so excited to begin preparing.”

That gets Petal moving. Her eyes pop open and it looks like she’s taking a few subtle deep breaths before responding to that one. My reaction isn’t much better. If I had anything in my mouth, it would have made a quick exit.

“We’ve already found one, actually. A lovely lady named Lydia. Brad and Ginny recommended her, so we met up a few times and she’s perfect. Sorry Frey.” She speaks so calmly, injecting her usual sunshine into her words to help make light of the disappointing news she’s breaking. Petal excitedly told me all about Lydia a couple of weeks ago and I’m already looking forward to meeting her.

Freya visibly deflates and we sit in peaceful silence for a little while longer as the sun continues to get lower in the sky. I would have simply told her to go fuck herself, but this is where Petal and I differ. She and Ev are the light to my dark, the joy to my pain, and I’m damn proud of them both.

“You ladies finished gazing into space and ready to come jump over some fire?”

Heavy hands grip my shoulders, beginning to slowly massage at my muscles. It feels divine. I tip my head back to look up at Marco grinning above me. His stubbled face is as picturesque as the view in front of us and I smile right back at him, amazed at how he can make my clit tingle with just one look.

“We are.”

He leans down, gripping my chin to tilt my head back further to meet his mouth, and devours me in the sexiest Spiderman kiss in existence.

“Dude, that’s my sister.”

Marco pulls away from me with a smirk and I laugh at my brother’s disgust.

---