Page 136 of Disarming Caine

“Did it work? Did it turn you on?”

Her laughter spluttered out, rapidly evolving into a full laugh we shared. “You are ridiculous, Antonio Ferraro!”

“And yet still you love me, sì?” I began to raise my right arm to brush the hair behind her ear, by instinct, but a stabbing pain overcame me and black spots crowded my vision. My eyes slid shut as I breathed deeply to center myself. I’d need stronger drugs if I was to make it through two more days together.

“I was afraid I’d lost you for good.” Her hand left my chest and brushed along my cheek, to the hair above my ear. She pushed up from her position to take my lips with hers, and we kissed gently. “I love you, and you’re not allowed to leave me.”

“So, you’re willing to discuss the trip to Vegas?” My wink caused her face to flush and her eyes to roll.

“Stop! I’m being serious!”

More than anything, I wanted to tell her I was being serious as well. The ring was at the hotel though, and she wouldn’t believe me without it. This was the delicate dance required to win Samantha’s heart, and the music would have to continue until we found ourselves another perfect moment.

“You were amazing tonight, bella.”

“If he hadn’t been wearing that vest…” She sucked in a ragged breath, unable to say the obvious—that she would have killed her old friend to save us.

“But he was. And you and I made it out of there.”

Samantha sniffled. “Stronger together, right?”

“We are.” Squeezing her with my good arm, I said, “We’ll be here some time longer. How about we get some sleep?”

She kissed my cheek and wrapped around me, settling her head on my chest. “Maybe we could convince them you need to stay another night and we could just rest?”

I inhaled her fresh citrus scent, letting it wash over me, letting it replace the antiseptic smell of the hospital room. My hand stroked her back, soothing her. “No, bella, we’ve not yet made love in the wine cellar. I need to get you home.”

“You don’t have a wine cellar.” Her face was hidden from me, but I could hear the frown in her words.

“I have a nook where the wine is kept.”

“Oh my god.” She yawned, her head becoming heavier. “You forget you were just shot?”

“I’ve had worse.”

“I know.” Her breathing slowed and I gave up on the teasing. Instead, I rubbed her back and hummed a gentle melody until she was asleep.

Protect everyone she cared about—that was her motto—and worry about herself later. That would become my job; being the one who looked out for her while she looked out for everyone else. And right now, that meant rest, so she would have at least the hours until they discharged me.

For all the adventure of my visit, the highs and the lows, our relationship was stronger and we were safe. I could return to Napoli, knowing she would be alright, confident in her love for me, and with the knowledge Nathan Miller was no threat to us.

As I kissed her head one more time, the door inched open slowly. Light spilled through the crack, and Cassandra poked her head in. Before she could disappear, I waved her over. She paused, staring into the room, not moving. It was likely too dark for her to see.

“Cassandra, come in,” I whispered.

She walked softly, making no noise, stopping at the side of the bed. “I got here as soon as I got the message. Nathan let me in.”

As she raised a hand to place it on Samantha, I said, “She’s sleeping.”

“Is she alright?” Her voice trembled the same way her sister’s did. “Nathan said they—”

“She’s strong. She’ll be alright. The drug they used will be out of her system in a few days, and the skin around her neck will heal quickly.”

“And he said you were shot?” She touched my hand on Samantha’s back. “Protecting her? I—I can’t thank you—”

“I’ll be fine.” I squeezed Cassandra’s hand and her eyes lifted to mine. “But I have a big favor to ask of you.”

Chapter 50