Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Guilt settles over their faces as they both stare at me.
I scowl at Ryo. “Augusto married me so he could give me a better life, and he has been the most wonderful husband to me.” My expression darkens as I look at Augusto. “I told you how much I miss Ryo. He didn’t know I was happy. He heard I was forced to get married and came to rescue me.” A frustrated and tired sigh leaves me, and my shoulders sag. “You’re the two most important men in my life, and watching you rip each other apart is breaking my heart.”
Silence falls heavy over the kitchen as I catch my breath, but then they side-eye each other as if they’re enemies, and I scream, “Make peace right now!”
Reluctantly, they look at each other before they shake hands.
I know it’s not as easy as that, but it’s a start.
Augusto moves closer to me, and brushing his fingers over my throat, he shakes his head before he pulls me into a gentle hug. “I’m sorry, my love.”
I burrow closer to his chest and close my eyes, taking a minute so my chaotic emotions can settle.
His hand rubs up and down my back while he presses soft kisses to the side of my head. “Are you okay? How’s your head and throat?”
“Fine,” I mumble. “I just need a moment.”
“Sorry, Yuki,” I hear Ryo say. “I didn’t mean to hit you.”
I don’t leave the safety of Augusto’s arms as I glance at my brother. “It’s okay. I jumped in the way.”
Augusto looks at his dad from over my head. “I think everything is under control. I’ll handle the rest. Thanks for coming, Dad.”
“Just call if you need me.” As Mr. Vitale leaves the kitchen, I hear him say, “Lorenzo, pour them a drink and make sure Yuki doesn’t get hurt if they go at each other again.”
“Will do, Uncle Franco.”
When it’s just the three of us, I pull away from Augusto and gesture at the island. “Sit so we can talk.”
While the men take seats on opposite sides of the island, I begin making coffee. After I tasted whiskey last night, I’m never touching it again. It tasted like gasoline.
Soon, Lorenzo comes in with three drinks, and I tell him, “You can have mine. I’m having coffee.”
He hands a tumbler to each of the men and goes to stand by the window, so he can be nearby in case things get out of hand again.
Once I have my coffee, I take a seat between the men and sip on the warm beverage.
Augusto is the first to speak, saying, “Yuki isn’t going anywhere.”
Ryo drinks some of the whiskey, then asks, “Why should she stay with you?” He glances around the kitchen. “Once I take over from my father, I can give her a home, protection…whatever she needs.”
Making a scoffing sound, Augusto shakes his head. “Once? My protection and taking care of her every need isn’t a maybe. It’s a fucking priority, which I’m actively seeing to every fucking day.” He slams his tumbler down on the marble top and drops go flying into the air. “Try to take the woman I love from me. I fucking dare you.”
My eyes go wide as saucers as I gape at Augusto, and my tone is filled with stunned wonder as I gasp, “Woman you love?”
His gaze flicks to me, and instantly his features soften. Getting up, he closes the distance between us, and framing my face, he presses a tender kiss to my mouth before murmuring, “I love you, my little shapeshifter.”
A smile spreads over my face as I stare at him, my heart filling with more warmth than it’s able to contain.
Chapter 26
Augusto
I couldn’t give two flying fucks who’s listening. Seeing how happy my declaration is making Yuki, the tension in my body eases a little.
She’s all that matters.
I press another kiss to her mouth, savoring just having her back.
I didn’t lose her.
My soul shudders as I nip at her lips.
Yuki breaks the kiss, which is a good thing, because I’m a second away from devouring her.
“Sit.” She pats the stool beside her.
As I lower myself onto it, I glance at Ryo, who’s watching us with narrowed eyes.
I wrap my arm around my wife while keeping my sight focused on her brother.
“So, you’re the fucker who sent the shooter and set fire to my warehouse?” It’s not actually a question because I already know the answer.
Ryo moves his gaze to me. “Where’s Asuka? He never returned after delivering the message to you.”
“Dead,” I say in a low growl.
“That’s a pity.” Ryo drinks the last of his whiskey and lets out a sigh. “He was a good man.”
“I don’t give a shit.” My body tenses again. “You took a shot at me, damaged my business, and kidnapped my wife. The only reason I’m not killing you right now is Yuki.”