Page 107 of Sins of the Orchid

She wasn’t pleased with my answer, but there was something resembling pride in her eyes. Getting up, she tilted her head. Just like the queen she was.

“I will see you next week then, Amore.”

She strode away without another word. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until a heavy sigh left me once she disappeared from my view. My head snapped to him. The cold, dark expression was gone, and my eyes lowered to my hand still covering his.

I slowly pulled my hand away. “Well, that went well,” I muttered with disbelief. “You hid your surprise well. I just about had a heart attack.”

“Why?” He seemed genuinely surprised. I shrugged, at a loss for words. Legally, nobody could tell me who I could or couldn’t see. “You are her only grandchild. And she loves you.”

Smiling, I nodded. That she certainly did. “I know you don’t like her much, but she is actually very fun. Just a tiny bit overprotective.”

“Understandable,” he said. “But you always hold your own well.”

I shook my head, not believing he was sincere. “Are you making fun of me?”

“I’m dead serious,” he retorted dryly. “Though, I wonder how fast she’ll tell your father.”

“She won’t,” I told him. “She’d rather keep it from him than share it with him.”

It was true. She’d never give ammunition to Dad to push me away from her. She’d find a way to use this to pull me away from him. She had been dreaming of the day I’d leave the Cosa Nostra behind me, buried, and take my rightful place in the tower. Away from all the underground activities.

It seemed like a good time to bring up the conversation about telling my father and brothers. Except, it felt awkward to assume he’d want to make this a long-term relationship. I was never one to just give up on something I wanted so I went for it.

“Santi, I-I’ve been meaning to ask…” The words failed me. I didn’t want to seem too presumptuous that he’d want us to tell my father we were dating. I guess this was dating. From what I’d seen with my brothers and Adriano, men didn’t do clingy girlfriends. And somehow, I was certain Santi didn’t either. “I want to wait to tell Adriano about… ummm… about us… when he visits, but my family… I don’t want to lie to them. I want…”

I trailed off, unsure what words to use. It seemed telling my family would be a firm commitment and I wasn’t sure if that was his intention.

“We’ll tell your brothers and father then too,” he finished for me, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Are you in agreement with that?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

CHAPTER35

Amore

Days were flying. Way too fast! Santi had another two days left before our week was up. I got to know Santi more this week, and we settled into a routine. I’d wake up to the smell of coffee and his mother’s croissants. We’d spend the morning making plans for the day, kissing, cuddling. I loved Santi’s dominant side, but when he was soft, I melted. Then lunch time would roll around, and I’d make us sandwiches while he was catching up on his emails. Afternoons, we would roam the city or head to the beach. Though dinnertime was just the two of us at home, and both of us in the kitchen preparing food was my favorite time.

It was way past midnight, and for some reason, sleep wouldn’t find me. I couldn’t stop thinking about his upcoming departure. I didn’t want him to go. I released a deep sigh, knowing it was irrational. I turned over for the hundredth time and faced Santi’s sleeping form. I was usually the first one out and had no problems sleeping. In his sleep, he looked less intense, his features were more relaxed.

Reaching out, I couldn’t resist tracing my fingers over his lips. He was a light sleeper, so I was surprised he didn’t wake up. He’d had to handle some work calls early this morning, and from the sound of it, there was shit happening back home. I knew he was capable and could hold his own, but just the idea of him hurt rattled my bones.

Gosh, it was scary to love someone so much. Feeling only lust would be so much easier. But this squeezing in my chest each time I thought about something happening to Santi… that was unbearable.

There were so many thoughts swirling in my head. My gut feeling was telling me that Dad wouldn’t take the news of me dating Santi well. Eventually, he’d come around though. And then there was a lingering fear that Santi would wake up one day and call us a mistake. Or he’d opt for another woman, more appropriate by the rules of the Cosa Nostra. It would leave me in the same spot my mother was with Dad. Minus a child. No chance I’m going off birth control.

God, to be Santi’s forever. It sounded like heaven. To have a home together, knowing we’d both find our way back to it no matter how hard the day. Little Santis running around in our future. Making lifelong memories here in his villa. Flutters filled my chest, a buzz of warmth spread through me, and I breathed out a shuddering breath. I was so deep into Santi, there was no way out.

My fingers lightly brushed his dark hair off his forehead, tenderness swelling in my chest. I pushed my hands lightly through his soft strands when his eyes slowly opened.

“Sorry,” I whispered. “Go back to sleep.”

His hand came around my waist and pulled me closer, leaving our bodies flush.

“What’s wrong, Amore?” His voice was low, raspy, sleepy. “Don’t say nothing.”

“I can’t sleep,” I admitted softly.

With his free hand, he cupped my left cheek softly. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”