Page 92 of The Temptation

My wife’s exaggerated expressions, ridiculous dance moves, and full-body commitment have me barking out a laugh before I can stop myself. Her eyes meet mine for a split second before she twirls, her arms flailing as she nearly wipes out on the rug.

That is enough to do the trick, as Peach suddenly shrieks with laughter. Her whole face lights up like it’s the best thing she’s ever seen.

I should turn away and leave them to it, but I don’t.Instead, I lean a shoulder against the doorway, arms crossed, and let it play out in front of me as something weird and warm twists deep in my chest.

It’s stupid, really. Just a song and a few silly moves. But there’s so much life in this room—so much joy—and for a second, it makes my chest ache.

Because this isn’t what I’m used to. Lucia has zero fucks to give. She’s a loony, but she’smyfucking loony, and I wouldn’t change her even if I could. She’s fully prepared to make an absolute fool of herself if it means pulling a smile from an anxious little girl.

And as I stand here, the cold realisation hits me hard. This woman is not just mine, she’s the fun I didn’t know I was missing from my life.

Chapter 20

Romeo

I’m currently standing on the threshold of Lucia’s bedroom, watching her as she sleeps soundly beside Lil’ Peach. There is something about the sight that warms my cold heart, so much so that I actually pull out my phone and snap a quick pic.

I tell myself it’s simply because I’m going to send it to Dominic to ease any worry he might have about his niece. He needs to stay focused. However, the reality is, I took it for myself.

I pull up Dominic’s number and attach the photo to the thread before instantly removing it.

I click back to images, duplicate it, crop Lucia out of it, and add that one instead. I’m not comfortable with any man having a picture of my sleeping wife on their phone.

Me: The kid’s asleep.

A reply comes through a few minutes later.

Dom: K

Me: How are things there?

Dom: Quiet.

Me: Keep me updated.

Dom: K

Fucking“K”. Now I know where the kid gets it from. Talking to this man is like pulling teeth with a pair of tweezers. Slow, painful, and borderline impossible.

Another reply buzzes through a second later, and if I’d been holding out hope for some actual information, that expectation died a quick death as soon as I glanced down at the screen.

Dom: And thanks.

I shake my head as I slide the phone into my pocket and return my attention to Lucia. When I found my wife in my room the night of our wedding, I was adamant I didn’t want her in my bed. Yet, as I stand here, I now find myself wondering how I’m going to sleep tonight without her.

It’s something I need to get a grip on. This situation will be resolved sooner rather than later, and when that happens, we’ll return to our separate lives and homes.

I shake my head, retreat a step, and reach for the door handle. But before it can latch shut, I’m pushing it back open. My body moves before my mind catches up.

Without hesitation, I cross the room, scoop Lucia into my arms, and carry her to my bed.

Two days have passed since the second crew set out in search of Salvatori and his men. Peach was safely delivered to her babysitter yesterday, and Lucia and I have since returned to our bubble.

I was caught off guard when she teared up saying goodbye. She doted on that little girl the entire time she was here. I don’t even know if Lucia wants kids of her own, but after seeing her with Peach, I know she’d be an incredible mum. The kind of mother I wished I had when I was a kid.

Loving.

Kind.