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The wives go red, except for the Nonna’s in the chairs that are simply witnessing it all with wide eyes, lips pursed and judgement on their faces.
How dare they think themselves fit to judgemywife?
Italian is shouted by the wives, the Nonna’s unfazed as they make Sabrina get to the table to sit. Her eyes water and she blinks rapidly. “I'mfine,” she chuckles in that perfect Italian “It's just all this country air, I'm not used to it. Please, ladies, let's continue.”
I go to her, grabbing her by the elbow. “Absolutely not.”
“Maksim, really, it's just allergies and jet lag. I'm having fun.” But it doesn’t sound like she’s having fun. It sounds like she’s been interrogated all morning after sleeping maybe four hours.
I’m on the verge of saying ‘fuck them,’ but I help her stand and look back at the two generations of Italian and Sicilian women in my mother’s kitchen. “We let my wife rest today. If she feels better tomorrow, you can come. For now, make yourselves useful and make her a spezzatino.”Stew.
I shouldn't bark orders. But seeing Sabrina so pale and exhausted, trying to please them formysake makes me feel sick.
“Maksim,”
I look down at my overstimulated bride, and before she can open her lips again and protest, I bend and pick her up bridal-style, making sure to keep my hands over her clothes, and take her back to her room.Ourroom. There's no way in hell I'm letting her sleep alone. Not until I get a few things situated, so she's comfortable here and doesn't have another…fit.
I deposit her on the bed, take off the apron she put on to please the older generations, and tuck her in. “Stay here,” I say, but when I look down, she's already asleep, her cheeks rosy. My brows pin together, and I put my hand on her forehead. Christ, she's warm.
I go to my room and dial Niko.
“That was quick.”
I roll my eyes at him, even though he can't see me. “I need a few things. Also, how's the club?”
“Club's good. What do you need?”
“I need allergy medicine and… a weighted blanket. The heavier the better.”
“Done. What else?”
I sigh. “How was the rest of the wedding?”
“Fucking great. But her bodyguard disappeared at the same time you did.”
I quirk a brow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean he took her best friend’s car and tried to follow you out to the tarmac. Almost got shot by our guys. Had to tell them to stand down.”
“Have you seen him around?”
“No.”
I nod. “Alright. Keep an eye out.”
“Sdelayu.”Will do.He hangs up, and I go deal with the hens clucking in the kitchen who are very much so making a stew for my new, beautiful bride.
She wakes up just two hours later to eat, looking a little better, but I still give her the pills Niko was able to get delivered to me. No weighted blanket yet though, that will arrive tomorrow. I'm about to ask her if she's feeling better when my phone rings.
“Yeah?”
“Hey boss, sorry to call but Donahue is here again. Says he's got a search warrant this time.”
I roll my eyes. “You let him through, obviously.”
“Yeah. That's not the issue. It's that Harley girl - she's freaking out. Tried to climb up the wall and get into the ceiling.”
“What the fuck?”