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“Thank you for today. It’s been something else completely,” I whispered as I started to drift off to sleep.

“I’d recreate it every day for the rest of your life if it meant I got to see you smile the way you did.” He kissed my temple, a moment that was so tender and loving. “Sweet dreams, my wife.”

27

We decidedto spend our final day in Sicily at a local beach. I wanted to stay at the one behind our house since it was private, but Ana wanted to explore a little. There was no point going against her, she always seemed to win. The thought of returning to reality wasn’t one I wanted. I would have rather stayed here with my wife, but I had responsibilities, unfortunately.

“Your drinks, man.” The bartender handed me the whiskey and cocktail I ordered.

“Cheers.” I thanked him and made my way back to where I left her. My eyes landed on her face as a small, possessive smile tugged at my lips.

But as I drew closer, I realised she wasn’t alone.

Who the fuck was this cunt?

Some jumped up little prick with hair as bright as the sun sat on my fucking lounger, leaning in too damn close to my wife. My blood ran cold then hot as my grip tightened on the glasses I held. I tried to control myself since we were in a public place.

My chest tightened as I noticed the smile that graced her face, only it wasn’t the one I’d grown used to over the last few days. No, this one was forced and didn’t even reach her eyes.

As I neared them, I could hear the fucker’s words, smooth and practiced, as he tried to charm her. “You know, you’re too beautiful to be alone on a beach like this,” he said, his gaze lingering on her lips. “Maybe I could keep you company?” And maybe I could gauge those eyes out of his air filled head. The bleach had obviously seeped into his brain if he thought he had any chance with my wife.

Her smile remained polite, but her body language shifted subtly. She crossed her arms, her gaze flicking towards the horizon. “And you should know I’m not alone,” she replied, her voice calm but firm. “My husband will be back in a minute.”

The bastard’s grin faltered, but he recovered quickly. “Husband, huh? Where is he, then? Doesn’t seem like he’s doing a very good job of keeping an eye on you.” He tapped his finger against his lips. “Or does he not exist? You could just be using the husband line to get rid of me.”

My jaw ticked instantly, my blood boiling as if it’d been set alight.Fuck this.I strode past his mates who were egging him on, not stopping until I reached my wife. I set the drinks down on a nearby table, my eyes burning into the prick’s head. My presence loomed behind him like a giant storm cloud.

The jumped-up twat turned, his smirk fading as he took in my imposing figure. “Oh, you must be the husband,” he said, his tone mocking. “Took you long enough.”

I didn’t say a word. There was none needed. I simply wrapped my hand around his neck, lifting him off the ground with a strength that bordered on terrifying. His eyes widened in shock, his hands clawing at my wrists as he struggled to breathe. My face was a mask of indifference, my voice a low, dangerous growl. “You talk to my wife again and I’ll bury you where no one will ever find you,” I threatened. “And trust me, I know plenty of places.”

The crowd around us went silent, watching the scene with a mix of fear and fascination. Ana rose to her feet, her eyes trying to capture my attention. She knew my temper, knew the darkness that lurked beneath the surface.

“Lorenzo,” she called out, her voice stern.

I kept the stranger suspended for a moment longer, my hands like iron around his throat. “Lorenzo, please,” Ana pleaded.

With a snarl, I dropped him, sending him stumbling back into the sand. The fucker coughed and spluttered, clutching his throat, his eyes wide with fear. “Mark my words, you little cunt, I’ll skin you alive if you come near my wife again.” I narrowed my eyes, watching as he scrambled to his feet and fled without a backward glance.

The beach erupted with murmurs, but I didn’t care. My gaze locked onto Ana as I closed the distance between us, my movements predatory. I stopped before her. “I’m sorry,” I whispered before grabbing her by the waist and pulling her against me with a force that left no doubts about my intentions.

My lips crashed down on hers in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was desperate, hungry, a declaration of ownership for anyone who dared to watch. My hands gripped her hips as I dug my fingers into her skin. I tilted her head back, deepening the kiss as her eyes fluttered closed, her body melting into mine. Her resistance crumbled under the weight of my need.

I tasted the salt of the sea on her lips, the heat of my anger mingling with the calming nature of my wife. My tongue invaded her mouth, claiming her with a ferocity that left her breathless. Her arms snaked around my neck, her fingers teasing my scalp as she kissed me back with equal fervour.

The world around us faded away—the crowd, the sun, the sand, all of it disappeared as we lost ourselves in each other. My hands moved up her back, my touch rough and reverent, as Ipressed myself closer, my body hard against hers. I could feel the throb of her heartbeat, the heat of her skin on mine, and the way she needed me.

I finally pulled away, my breath coming in ragged gasps, my eyes searching hers. “You’re mine,” I growled, my voice thick with possession. “Nobody else’s. Never forget that.”

Her lips curved into a small, submissive smile. “I could never forget.”

I pressed my lips to hers again, softer this time, but no less intense. Cupping her face, I let my thumbs brush over her cheeks as I held her gaze. “Let’s get out of here,” I murmured. “I’m sick of sharing you with others.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t my best idea, was it?” She asked, taking my hand.

“Sorry to say, but no, it wasn’t.”

We walked hand in hand along the sand, leaving the drinks and towels behind along with the whispers of the crowd. I didn’t give a shit about the gossip. All I cared about was this woman beside me. She was mine, and I’d make sure the world knew it.