Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
My tone is firm, zero doubt. “Yes.”
He lets out a soft chuckle. “I have to admit, I’m impressed with how fast you locked her down. Wish Remo would take a page out of your book.”
“Valentina needed time,” I stand up for my brother. “If it were up to Remo, they would’ve been married ages ago.”
“You’re right.” He’s quiet for a moment, then says, “Tell me about my daughter-in-law. What made you lose your mind over her?”
“Everything.” I lean back against the couch and look up at the oak tree, the leaves stirring in the wind. “It feels like I’ve finally found the other half of my soul. Like she’s always been there.” My tone grows softer. “Her beauty, her eyes, her smile and tears…” I inhale deeply. “She’s a work of art I just had to have, a craving so fucking deep it will never be sated.”
Dad nods, understanding every word. “I get it. That instant obsession just takes over, and you lose all control to a wisp of a woman who forever owns your heart.”
“Yes.”
Mom and Laurie walk back into the living room, and when my wife spots Dad, her lips part in shock.
“Hi, Mr. Rizzo,” she greets, her tone filled with respect.
“Angelo.” He climbs to his feet, and when he walks to Laurie and gives her a sideways hug, I can see how much it means to her. “I’m sorry to hear about your friend. Life can be cruel at the best of times.”
“Thank you,” she whispers before letting out a shaky breath.
Dad leans his head to the side to catch her eyes, and with a serious expression, he says, “You’re a part of this family now, Laurie. We support each other through difficult times, and when shit gets tough, it’s movie night and popcorn.”
“I’ll get the snacks while you all fight about which movie to watch.” I stand up, and passing Laurie, I brush my fingers against hers before leaving her with my parents.
“Where’s Big Ricky?” Tiny asks. “The romantic bastard will want a say in which movie we pick.”
“I’m here,” I hear Big Ricky mutter.
“Pa said there’s food?” Little Ricky asks.
I chuckle as I open the pantry door, and as I start pulling out packets of chips, pretzels, and corn kernels, Little Ricky comes to help.
“I heard what happened,” he whispers. “How’s boss lady holding up?”
“She’s devastated.” We set everything down on the island, and while I pop the kernels, I inform Little Ricky about our travel plans so he can get a group of men ready to accompany us.
Chapter 22
Laurie
My emotions are all over the place, swinging like a pendulum between grieving Elise and feeling overwhelmingly blessed because I’m surrounded by so much support.
From Tori loving on me like a mother hen to Angelo giving me that quick hug, it’s as if they’ve just decided they’re adopting me, which is a soothing balm to my crushed heart.
“No, we’ve watched The Lake House a million times,” Tiny complains. “Pick something with action for a change.”
“Action, my left butt cheek,” Big Ricky grumbles while flipping through the selection of movies on Adriano’s massive TV. “How about My Best Friend’s Wedding?”
“Ugh.” Angelo groans. “Don’t torture us with that one.”
“Come on,” Big Ricky grumbles. “You’re killing me. What about The Notebook?”
“I will smother you in this bowl of popcorn if you put that on again,” Adriano suddenly says, and my head snaps in his direction.
He’s taken off his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. The sight of his tattoos and the veins running down his forearm makes butterflies erupt into flight inside me.
When he turns around and I see the gun tucked into the back of his pants, I don’t react the same as yesterday.
That’s when I realize I’m not scared of him anymore.
While he and Little Ricky cover the coffee table with snacks, I glance at everyone who’s here because of me.
Tori is sitting beside me, and Angelo is to her left, rubbing his thumb over the beautiful wedding band and engagement ring on her finger.
I glance down at my own hand, seeing the initials A & L in a perfect swirl across the gold wedding ring, then I take in the massive diamond that Adriano pushed onto my finger without so much as blinking an eye about the ginormous price tag.
The other jewelry. The expensive, but absolutely beautiful clothes and accessories.
The hugs and kisses, and undivided attention he’s given me.
The spicy moment we shared earlier. I had zero time to process everything Adriano made me feel, the sheer size of his erection, or how scorching hot he looked as he came down my throat.
But out of everything that’s happened since Adriano took my life by storm, what stood out most was how he came thundering through that bedroom door to get to me. How he grabbed hold of me, giving me a safe place to deal with the shock of losing Elise.