Franco
 
 I called Marcello and told him to have a car waiting outside with the keys in the ignition so I can take Samantha to the tattoo place. They’ll follow us in the G-Wagon.
 
 I should be meeting with Renzo and the others, but I can’t make myself leave Samantha. Not until I’m sure she’ll be okay.
 
 As I look at the woman who’s making me feel things I’ve never felt before, I pray to all that’s holy she falls in love with me.
 
 If I can make her love me, then she might accept it when she learns I’m her mystery man. I don’t know what I’ll do if she rejects me.
 
 I’ll probably kidnap her so she can’t leave me.
 
 I feel my phone vibrate and know it’s a signal from Marcello that everything is ready.
 
 “Let’s go, baby,” I say as I take her hand.
 
 When I pull her toward the window, she tugs against my hold. “I’m leaving through the front door. I’ll meet you outside.”
 
 Right.
 
 Not even thinking about what I’m doing, I wrap my other hand around the back of her neck and press a kiss to her mouth. Even though the balaclava is in the way, I can still feel her lips.
 
 Christ, I want this woman so bad I’ll do anything to make her mine.
 
 Love me back, Samantha.
 
 I let go of her and climb out the window so she can close it behind me.
 
 Heading down the fire escape, I jump to the ground and rush to where the Mercedes is parked. I glance up the street and see the G-Wagon, then climb behind the steering wheel.
 
 I don’t wait long before Samantha opens the passenger door and gets into the car.
 
 Starting the engine, I guide the vehicle into traffic, and as we drive to Dante’s tattoo place, I ask, “Are you feeling better?”
 
 Samatha shrugs and glances out the window. “It comes and goes.” She turns her gaze to me. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet.”
 
 Yeah, I don’t think so, either. She’s way too fucking calm. Either that or this woman is the strongest person I know.
 
 When I park the car behind the building where the tattoo parlor is, we get out of the Mercedes. I take Samantha’s hand and lead her to the back entrance.
 
 “Will you be okay with Dante touching you?” I ask.
 
 “Dante? Is he the tattoo artist?”
 
 “Yes.”
 
 “Only time will tell,” she murmurs before we go inside.
 
 Dante’s busy getting everything ready, and when he sees us, a grin spreads over his face.
 
 I informed him about Samantha and that he needs to be gentle with her. I also told him he can’t call me by my name around her, and I’ll be wearing a balaclava.
 
 “Did you close the store?” I ask.
 
 “Yes. No one will bother us.” He gets up from his stool and comes to shake my hand. “It’s been a while. How are you?”
 
 “Good.” I gesture to my woman. “This is Samantha.”
 
 He gives her a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you.” Pointing to the tattoo chair, he says, “Take a seat.”