Page 107 of Depraved

“It’s fine, old man. Your eyes are tired. That’s an old wound.” I frown, the memory flitting through my mind.

He laughs and continues to help me on with my shirt, and my brothers look at me solemnly, knowing that I didn’t just lose some skin and blood that day.

“If you don’t mind me asking…” Sal coaxes, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“It’s a gunshot wound,” I answer, staring ahead as I fasten the buttons up my chest.

The surprise on his face is evident by his wide eyes. “I hope they paid for that, Mr. Sovrano. Who would be stupid enough to shoot you?”

My face grows serious at the thought.

“My late wife.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Excuse me for a moment,” the old man says softly as he walks away to answer a ringing phone.

Luca doubles over laughing, and Dom spreads his arms, smiling at me like I’m crazy.

“What?” I bark, turning toward them.

Dom throws a shiny black dress shoe in my direction. “You dumb fuck. You said my late wife.”

I lift my leg, dodging the loafer, and shrug. “And? She is fucking late—she was supposed to be here twenty minutes ago to approve these damn outfits. I don’t even know why she’s making us do this again. The first time was perfect.”

Luca shakes his head, still laughing. “You’ve been speaking Italian too much—you said it like she’s dead not tardy, dick.”

I look at him and then start to laugh a deep rumble, just as she walks through the door. My laughter doubles as the tailor gives Sarah a sad nod as she walks by. Sarah looks at me confused, and Luca almost falls off the bench he’s sitting on from laughing too hard.

“What’s so funny?” she questions with light in her eyes.

“Nothing, Billy.” I deflect and reach for her just as she gets close enough. “Just a translation issue. Come here.”

My lips slip between hers as I pull her close and kiss her deep.

Sarah pushes against my chest and breaks our kiss, smiling before she opens her eyes. “You look handsome.”

My hands travel down to her ass and squeeze. “You look edible. Let’s do the honeymoon right now.” I look over my shoulder at my brothers and grin. “Get out.”

She rolls her eyes and slaps at my chest. “Technically, we’re already married, so…” She shrugs.

My eyes lock with hers. “I’ll give you anything you want. Tomorrow, I’ll stand up in that damn church and give you the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Then I’m going to take you away and make sure I give you the one thing you’ve always deserved.”

“What’s that?” she questions sweetly.

“Your own family.” I wink, rubbing a hand over her stomach, watching the happiness explode on her face.

Christmas Day.

“Keep your eyes closed,” I snap as Dante tries to pull my hands from covering his face as I ride piggyback toward our new dining room.

The house was my Christmas present along with the first family dinner we had last night on Christmas Eve.

“Just a little closer. A little closer.” Dante tilts his head, trying to bite at my hand, and I giggle. “Okay, stop.”

I let my hands fall as he lowers me to the ground. The moment my feet hit the floor, I run out in front of him and spread my arms in a “ta-da” motion.

“What is this…what did you do, Billy?” he asks, taking in the twenty small white boxes all over the table.

I can barely hold back my excitement as I explain. “I was struggling to figure out what to get you for Christmas.”