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"So, when and where is the wedding?" she wants to know, when we dig into our desserts.

"We're not sure yet. Probably in a few months, we're thinking of the Maldives or Bora Bora, although Fiji sounds good, too."

Her mouth drops open, "You know neither the girls nor I can afford that flight."

"Well, it's a good thing then that Antonio has a private jet," I tease.

"Alright, where do I find me a mafia don?"

I laugh at her, but I know she's dead serious. I'm about to say some words of warning when the door opens and Antonio strides in, in all his glory. Elli's sharp inhale is hard to miss. A new feeling of possessiveness overcomes me, and I rise to greet my husband. He doesn't disappoint. His kiss is long and deep, taking me away for a few moments, until Elli clears her throat. "Get a room, you two."

"We do have a room," Antonio grins at her. That devastating grin of his makes my knees buckle, and I can only imagine how Elli feels right now. The expression on her face is priceless.

"Elli, this is Antonio, my hus—fiancée," I correct quickly, hoping Antonio's charms have dulled Elli's bullshit sensors.

Not so much luck. "Nice to meet you, Antonio the hus—fiancée." She holds out her hand.

Antonio shakes it, "I think I like your friend, passerotta."

"Oh dear, what does that mean?" Elli lets go of Antonio's hand to mock fan herself.

"It's a term of endearment. It means sparrow—long story," I wink at Elli.

"Are you ready?" Antonio pushes.

"Yes, I'll see you later?" I ask Elli, who hugs me tightly.

"You bet. Just don't disappear again."

"Not ever," I promise.

We havea couple of hours to kill before the doctor's appointment. I'd asked Scarlet if she wanted to get a bite to eat, but she had just had lunch with her friend. So I took her to my city penthouse. Living in the city isn't for me, but occasionally I'm forced to stay here, and this penthouse is better than a hotel.

"It's amazing," she says, staring out at the city sprawled below us. This view is pretty spectacular. It makes me feel like the king of this city. A savage king.

The entire top floor is mine, and most walls are glass. Nobody comes up here without my permission. A private elevator is the only way up and down, besides the helipad on top.

"Who all lives here?" Scarlet jokes. "Your entire army?"

"Ourarmy, once you start popping out those babies," I tease, stepping behind her and slinging my arms around her waist. My palm presses against her still flat stomach, and I imagine feeling a flutter. A never-before-experienced sense of contentment settles over me; this is as close to heaven as I will ever get. And it's all thanks to her. She leans back against me.

"I'm scared."

"I will always protect you," I promise.

"No, that's not what I'm scared of." She turns in my arm, facing me. "I don't know if I'll make a good mom."

Her eyes are watery, filled with desperation.

"Passerotta," I raise her chin with my thumb, "you'll make the greatest mother there ever was. I know it."

"Promise me, to never let me… let me…" she breaks off, but I know what she's asking, and it breaks my fucking heart. I wish I could bring that bitch who gave birth to this wonderful woman back to life, just so I can kill her slowly.

"You will never hurt our child, you couldn't." I will her to understand. "You are not that kind of person."

A soft smile plays at the corners of her eyes. "I'm being silly," she sniffs.

"You can always be whatever you need to be with me, passerotta."