Page 68 of Stolen Vows

I walked right into his trap, and I’m not even mad about it.

Mindful of my waning energy, I explore his body, ignoring the arousal growing in my veins, and take what I want.

His pleasure.

He stays true to his word and twists his fists in the sheets instead of grabbing my head as he floods my mouth.

I become the most powerful goddess in history with my brutal mafia boss lying helpless underneath me as he succumbs to my feminine wiles.

After cleaning himself and ferrying my toothbrush, toothpaste, and a glass of water back and forth from the bathroom, he tucks me under the covers for a nap and retreats to his office for an hour or two of work.When I wake, the evening sun streaks through the open curtains and pain squeezes the base of my skull.

Mario strides in with my next dose of NSAIDS and a bottle of water.He helps me through a quick shower and change of clothes before scooping me into a cradle hold.

“I’m sorry,mia moglie.I need to hold you,” he murmurs.

I open my mouth to tell him it’s fine, but he carries me out of the bedroom and down the hall.

“Where are we going?”I demand.

“We’re not leaving the house,” he promises as he carries me down the stairs.

My relief proves foolish when he steps into the living room.A woman wearing a flowery skirt and chic blazer rises from the couch.I swallow my hurt and aim accusatory eyes at my husband.

The woman steps toward us and extends her hand for me to shake.

Confusion spears through me, but I take her offer out of habit.

“It’s nice to meet you, Valentina.I’m Doctor Barker, New York City’s leading gynecologist, but you can call me Annie,” she says.

Her smile and straightforwardness disarm me, and even though I’ll never admit it, Mario’s efforts to get me the medical care I’ve never had endears me to him even more.

When I accept her presence and allow her to lead the conversation, answering her questions as honestly as possible, the worry creasing his brow lessens.

Which is enough for me to push through the home visit despite my discomfort.He sits on the couch with me in his arms as Annie takes my vitals and discusses options.

When she mentions birth control as an initial management option while we conduct tests, I dismiss the idea, but Mario shocks me by agreeing with the doctor.

A million worries plague me at once.He cups my chin and pulls me out of my spiral with a pointed look.

“I want babies with you,paperotta, but not until you’re ready.You’re still young, and I’m in no rush.Capisci?”

I sigh, nod, rest my head on his shoulder, and fill my fist with the front of his shirt.

He’s mine.

I’m never letting him go.Ever.

Chapter 18

Mario Luciano

She clings to my shirtas I ascend the stairs and sighs as I stride down the hall.

“What’s wrong,amore mio?”I ask.

She shakes her head and hides a yawn behind her hand before responding.

“Just tired.I can’t believe it’s been ten days since we got married.It’s never taken me this long to recover before.”