Page 110

He glanced over. “When do you plan to leave for New York?”

“In a few days. Fabiana’s arranging it.”

He rolled onto her. “I’m going to miss you.” He said, and she dropped back on the pillow. Giovanni eased down and under the covers forcing her thighs to part. His face went to her center, and she gasped loudly once his tongue pierced and thrust deeply. She dropped her hand on the top of his head covered by the sheet and thrust her pelvis upward. Pleasure rolled through her body like an electric tide, and she rolled her ass, enjoying the soft licks and nibbles he put down there. Maybe she could delay it a bit longer.

****

Mira knocked twice before sticking her head in to check on Catalina. She found her asleep in her bed. “Morning,” she whispered.

Catalina sat up.

“Today is your wedding day. How do you feel?”

“Excited,” Catalina stretched up out of the covers.

“I need you to come upstairs with me so I can fit you for your dress.”

The light of joy in Catalina’s face made Mira smile as well.

“My brother here?”

“He is.”

“You know he loves you.”

The statement hit her hard. Just a week ago Catalina rolled her eyes every time Giovanni touched Mira’s hand. Now she sat in the middle of the bed grinning at her.

“Where did you get that from?” Mira gave a nervous chuckle.

“He’s told you, hasn’t he? That’s how our men are. When they feel it, they say it.”

“Catalina…”

Throwing back the covers Catalina escaped the bed and approached her in her long cotton gown; Mira took note of the serious look on her face. “I know my brother. I saw how disappointed you were the past few days when he was gone. Don’t punish him for not being here. I can’t explain it other than to say, you have to understand that he does this sometimes. It’s about who he is.”

“We’re friends Catalina, and I do understand.”

“No. You’re more than that now. He introduced you to our family.” Catalina’s eye stretched. “Do you understand what it took for him to do that? What it means?”

“Let’s go try on the dress.” Mira turned for the door, but Catalina got in front of her again. “He can be a stubborn man I know, but he really is a good person, a kind person too. Giovanni does a lot of good things. Don’t you let anyone tell you different. He takes care of families, and he… he gives to the church, and he takes care of Lorenzo and me even when we disappoint him. He’s a good man. He deserves… someone to take care of him. I will have my husband and home of my own soon. He’ll be in this house with these men, and no one…” Her voice choked with emotion. “He’ll be alone.”

“This is between your brother and me. Our future is for us to decide, don’t worry over it.” Mira stroked her arm.

Catalina studied her for a moment. “It’s none of my business, but you must know that my brother is a catch. All the girls want him. You met Gabriella didn’t you? I saw her talk to you. She’s his ex, the only one he kept returning to. We all thought he would eventually marry her. And maybe Giovanni did too, until he met you.”

“I don’t want to hear this.”

“He dated her for three years and never brought her into our home. She attended family events outside of Sorrento with him, and she took me shopping in Paris. We went to New York together. He has given her gifts and…”

“Stop. It’s none of my business.”

“Bullshit!” Catalina snapped. “It is your business. These women will dig their nails into him and fight you hard to be at his side. You must stand firm in your feelings for him if it’s what you want. Gabriella is spitting mad. My brother dismissed her in front of her family. Three years and she’s done everything to win his heart, for nothing. He meets you for a few days and he brings you here to meet our family and me. He cares deeply for you. He sent a message. I think you’re the only one here that doesn’t know it.”

Mira sighed. She threw her hands up. “What do you want me to say?”

“If you decide to be his girlfriend you do it with the kind of loyalty and devotion that changes how you love a man like Gio. Don’t judge him harshly, and don’t make him feel guilty for who he is. You become part of this life. Don’t make him think you will be his if you don’t intend to stay. Giovanni deserves to be happy, and if you don’t want to be the one to do it, then let him know now.”

Mira opened her mouth to speak and Catalina hugged her. “He really is happier now with you. I see it. He’s a good man.”