Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Every time I lay my hands on her, I want her to remember the moment. I want her to take what she needs because she loves it, be that pain or pleasure, not because she hates it. She was always the mafia princess meant to rule by my side, my beautiful, strong, invincible queen, and tonight, the whole world will know it. Let anyone try to touch what’s mine ever again, and I’ll impale their heads on spikes and plant them in front of my enemies’ doors.
Yes, a lot has happened, and tonight I’ll send out a strong message into the world, but before then, I want to be the first one to see my wife in her dress.
After dropping Tatiana and Noah off at home, I oversee the security at the prestigious hotel where the party will take place.
Reino and Ulysses are already on site. They’re in charge of the security arrangements and men stationed around the hotel. Drone pilots are on standby, waiting for my command. Snipers are in position. Undercover men and women, pretending to be guests, are scouting every floor of the hotel. Saverio’s men are surveilling the surroundings. He’s bringing Anya, so he’s not skimping on precautions either.
I have exactly ten minutes to shower and change when I arrive home. I go past the playroom first. Tatiana and I have decided to leave Noah at home with Emily and enough guards to protect them. All the big shots will be at the party tonight, and not all of them play nice. The testosterone will run high in the room. Competition is always fierce. Some feuds are never forgotten. Envy, gossip, and jealousy will be on the menu. The toxic environment is no place for a child.
Noah is already bathed and dressed in his pajamas, building a new Lego plane. Instead of following the instructions on the leaflet, he mixes bits and pieces of different sets and makes his own creation.
It’s not half bad.
When he grows up, problem solving will definitely be one of his strong skills. Patience too. He can struggle with his own designs for hours without getting agitated.
Flash sits next to him, studying each of Noah’s moves with a tilted head. Emily is keeping an eye on the dog, making sure he doesn’t gobble up any of the small pieces.
When Noah spots me, he abandons the plane and runs to me. “Daddy!”
Flash, inspired by the sudden excitement, follows on Noah’s heels and jumps up against my leg.
I lift Noah in my arms and bend down to scratch Flash’s chin. He sits down and watches me, one ear standing up and the other flopping down. Kent used to give him a treat when he got home. I make a mental note to carry some in my pocket.
Noah hugs me. “Do you want to build Legos with me?”
I put him on his feet. “I would’ve loved to, but I’m taking your mom to a party.”
“I know. Mommy told me. Can I come?”
“It’s only for adults, but we can grab some pizza this weekend.”
“Can Emily come?”
I look at Emily, who smiles. “If she wants to.”
“And Jazz?”
“Sure.”
He continues with excitement. “And Reino? He kicks the ball really far, but not as far as you. And Ulysses? He’s the best goalie. Ted too!”
Raising a brow, I ruffle his hair. “Maybe we should just grill burgers in the backyard. That way, you can invite everyone.”
His eyes grow round. “Can we?” He looks at Flash. “Can he have a burger?”
“That may upset his stomach, but he can definitely join us to play.” Going down on my haunches, I grip Noah’s shoulder. “Your mom and I have never been on a holiday together. I was thinking the three of us and Flash could go. Would you like that?”
“Yes! Did you hear that, Flash?” He gives me a high five. “Can we go to Disney World?”
I chuckle. “I was thinking the mountains, but we can talk about it.”
Emily gets to her feet. “It’s bedtime, Noah. Say goodnight to your dad so that he and your mom can get ready for the party. We don’t want them to be late.”
Noah mumbles a halfhearted goodnight and drags his feet. Only Flash seems excited about going upstairs.
“Thanks, Emily.”
Her smile is soft. “You’re good for him, but he’s good for you too.” She pauses. “What’s going to happen, Dante?”
“With what?”
“When she remembers?”
I stiffen. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Emily doesn’t meet my gaze. She goes after Noah without replying.
Taking the stairs two by two, I make my way to my bedroom. It’s strange, but I still think of it as mine, as if I’m somehow coercing Tatiana in being here. Maybe letting her live in ignorance is a way of coercion. I can tell myself I’m following Dr. Chad’s advice as much as I like, but it doesn’t change the fact that, like Emily, I both wish for and dread the day my wife’s memory returns.