Page 127 of Thorns of Death

“Are you thinking about college already?” Their blank expressions told me they weren’t. “You should. The college years are something that everyone should live through at least once.”

Enrico’s sardonic breath pulled my attention. “Do you know someone who’s done it twice?”

I shrugged. “I’ve heard of a few people who did it twice, yes. They had such a good time the first time around, they wanted to repeat it.”

“Or maybe they flunked, so they had to go back,” he challenged.

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. I’m just saying, it’s a good experience.” I narrowed my eyes on my husband. “Did you not go to college?”

“University, yes.”

“See,” I exclaimed. “Don’t tell me they weren’t the best years of your life.”

Enrico shrugged. “They were okay.”

My mouth dropped. “Just okay?”

His gaze found mine. “I’m almost scared to ask what you did during your college years to be so passionate about it.”

I grinned smugly. “You should be.” Ignoring the curiosity and challenge that flashed in Enrico’s eyes, I returned my attention to my stepsons. “If you tell me what you enjoy, we can set up some tours of campuses. It’s still too early, but it’d give you a taste of what it's all about.”

For the rest of the fifteen-minute ride, we made a list of universities in Italy, Europe, and in the States that seemed to be a good fit. The next three years would be busy.

The car came to a stop and a guard opened the door. He’d be the one staying, shadowing them all day, then bringing them home.

Enzo went to exit the car first. “Ciao, Isla.”

Before I realized what he was doing, he pecked my cheek. Amadeo was right behind him and did the same.

I blinked my eyes in confusion, then darted to meet my husband’s gaze. “What was that about?”

“They like you,” he murmured, pulling me closer to him. So close that I was almost on his lap. “You accepted them, so they are accepting you.”

I blinked. “Just like that.”

“Just like that,amore.”

Suddenly being a stepmom sounded a whole lot more enticing.

The car started moving again, and I sighed against him, inhaling that masculine, citrusy scent. “You smell like your gardens,” I murmured. “Lemons and the sea,so fucking good.”

His chest vibrated. “Women smell like gardens. Not men.”

I shrugged. “Maybe like earth, then. I don’t know. All I know is I like it.”

He pressed his lips against my temple. “I love your scent. Coconuts and sweets, mydolcezza.” I stifled a yawn. All the excitement over the last few days had caught up. “I have a surprise for you,” he said. “Unless you want to go home and rest?”

That instantly perked me up.

“I’m not tired. I want my surprise.” He grinned, shedding at least five years off his appearance. I couldn’t resist bringing my palm to his face. “You look so much younger when you smile. You should do it more.”

He turned his face and kissed the center of my palm. “With you I smile more than ever.”

Enrico

When Giulio finally pulled over, I threw open the door and got out.

I extended my hand and Isla peered at me through her thick, long lashes. “Is this where my surprise is?”