Page 101 of DeLucas After Dark

Until we left, I was keeping him in sight. Massimo walked up just in time.

“I need you to hold it down here while I go to Italy to see what the call I received a few moments ago was about.”

“And him?” He nodded toward Tammaro.

“He’s going back with me. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow.” I turned and both of my brothers followed me back inside.

When we entered, Cara was here talking to Simone.

“Beni!” Cara came over and hugged me quickly. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope you’re ready for what I overheard.” She mumbled.

“What did you–”

“Beni! Think you can handle a Christmas wedding?” Martina yelled out.

A lot of the guests had gone. We’d been in the backyard, so we’d missed their departure. Only two of my cousins, Mrs. Flowers, Cara, Denny, Simone, and my siblings, were in attendance. In the kitchen, Martina was making plates for some of my men.

“How’d you know it was me and I hadn’t said anything?” I yelled back at her.

“Easy, I felt Simone light up and that could only be because you came back in.”

I chuckled. “Good save.”

“Why, thank you.”

“Whatever Simone wants.” I shrugged. We could have gotten married tomorrow if she wanted. She was already my wife. It didn’t require a big ass party to announce it.

“Really?” Simone asked. “It’s my favorite holiday and–”

“What … ever… you… want.” I said to her directly. “You said yes. Whatever you want now is already yours.”

She smiled, unable to get up because Amina was asleep on her lap. I went over and kissed her before sitting next to her.

“Hey, I’m Cara.” She said to Tammaro.

“I’m Ro.” They shook hands but didn’t immediately let go. Their eyes stayed on one another as if they both wanted to say something but didn’t.

“Simone, baby, I think it’s time for me to go.” Mrs. Flowers chimed in.

“Okay. I’ll see if Denny can take us. Beni, I can meet you back at–” Simone said but was immediately cut off by her mother.

“I’d rather Beni take me. You wanted to talk to Martina some more, and Amina is holding you captive.”

“I can do that. It’ll give me time to get some air.” I didn’t know what was up, but obviously she wanted to talk to me about something.

Why else would she want me to go with her instead of having the familiarity of Simone. We’d have to get used to one another anyway, so digging in was the only option. Some alone time would be good for us. Besides, we’d talked the other day at dinner, and it went well. Today was amazing, and I saw no reason for any of the conversations between us to go badly.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you back here soon.” Simone smiled.

I leaned down and gave her a kiss. “I love you.”

Simone nodded. “So much, Beast.”

The exchange was quiet, something reserved for the two of us.

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