Page 23 of DeLucas After Dark

I follow her, sated, docile, and on the verge of passing out. Cielo peers at me from the foot of the bed before deciding our entrance is not worth the effort to greet us.

As Sloane literally puts me to bed, she murmurs, “Who did you think you could take care of? You were more likely to fall asleep mid-stroke than finish me off.”

“That would have been fine. I can always take over where he leaves off.” The message on my wrist alerts me that we’ve woken Valentino.

Sloane and I look in his direction.

He yawns and sits up, becoming more alert as the seconds pass. “Tácito, do you have another shift today?”

I shake my head. “I have the day off.”

Sloane makes herself at home by crawling between us.

“Good, make sure you rest. Later, stop by my office. I have something to discuss.”

“Should I stop by as well? Sounds like this should be a family discussion.”

“Based on what?” he asks.

Sloane shrugs. “A feeling.”

“You realize Valentino and I discuss things that don’t always involve you.” I kiss her shoulder to take the sting out of my comment.

“You wish.” She rolls her eyes with a huff. “Fine, keep your secrets. I’ll find out eventually.”

Valentino takes her hand in his and raises it to his lips. “You need more sleep, principessa. Since you have no engagements until this afternoon, keep Tácito company.”

A yawn interrupts my glaring at Valentino, dampening the heat of my stare. I know he’s using Sloane to ensure I rest. I glance at our wife. She’s blinking a little too fast for someone who is alert and ready to start her day. Seems like Valentino is using me for the same reason.

“Fine, but I’m not doing so because I’m tired. With Tácito working such long hours, I’ll take every extra second I get.” Sloane cuddles beside me, taking my arm to wrap around her waist.

Like a magnet, the gentle swelling of her belly attracts my hold. I cup her firm roundness, feeling more deeply connected to her now that she and our unborn child rest easy within my arms. As exhaustion wins the battle it has raged all night, I slip into sleep wondering if Valentino will subject me to another lecture on my extra shifts.

* * *

City Hall bustles with aides running through the halls, tour guides ushering visitors, and everyday people doing their jobs. The energy thrums against me, attacking the bleariness I woke up with and am still fighting off. After eight hours of sleep, I should be alert instead of feeling like I’ve been hit by a hi-speed train.

I rush as best as I can to Valentino’s office.

His secretary, who’s on the phone, nods me. “I’m sending him in now.”

Inside, Trevor stands and closes a portfolio folder. “I’ll get right on this and compile a list of potential candidates who can cover the Christmas festivities on such short notice.”

“Thanks, Trevor. I should know by this afternoon if we’ll need to reach out to anyone.” Valentino presses against his chair and folds his hands over his stomach until Trevor leaves, closing the door behind him.

I drop into the chair opposite Valentino’s desk and tilt my head up to the ceiling with an audible breath. “I’m here. What is it you want me to keep from Sloane?”

Valentino’s glare bores into me, but we’re beyond me pretending for his pride’s sake. Still, I sit up to give him the attention he needs.

“We’re not keeping shit from Sloane, asshole.”

“Then what do you call the reason I’m here, pendejo?”

“Coordinating schedules.” Valentino rises from his chair and rounds his desk to sit before me. “Sansone asked me to represent his interests in Bari over Christmas.”

“Sloane will be devastated.”

Valentino folds his arms and frowns. “I don’t intend to go alone. That’s why you’re here.”

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