Page 105 of Corrupt Crown

For a moment, I think she’s about to ask me about Aurelia or even Alessio. My wife has formed close bonds with all of my siblings in the months since Conti’s death, so I’m not at all expecting the words that come out of Elodie’s mouth on a whisper.

“I’m late.”

My heart jumps, and I spin her about, the cakepan in her hands clattering to the countertop. Her face is filled with uncertainty as she watches me with stormy eyes, until I palm her cheeks and cover her mouth with mine.

I pour every ounce of love and ardor into the kiss before pulling back with a smile that shines from my eyes. “Another baby?”

She blinks several times before nodding hesitantly. “I—I think so.” Then she shakes her head. “But it’s too soon. Emilia is still so small, and there’s so much going on withla famiglia?—”

I stop her spiral when I press my index finger over her lips. “And nothing matters aside from the familywehave made together,Stellina.”

My eyes flicker between hers as my love for her grows exponentially, and I silently thank whatever divine being brought her into existence before I remove my finger from her lips, dusting mine across them lightly.

“I am yours, and you are mine. And nothing else matters.”

Then I close my lips over hers, taking her mouth in a languid kiss, showing her with actions the truth behind my words.

The truth that has always and will always reside within my heart.

Sempre e per sempre.