Page 122 of Thorns of Desire

My eyebrows furrowed. “That’s just it. I know it’s better she’s gone. I could have forgiven her for a lot, but hurting our baby…” A muscle tightened in his jaw and a glassy sheen covered his dark gaze. I knew he couldn’t forgive her for hurtingme, never mind our child. “It’s just… well, it could have ended differently.”

He nodded. “It could have, but ultimately, Alexandra chose wrong.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist. “I know, but somehow she brought me to you, so I’ll be grateful to her for that.”

He bent his head, his lips meeting mine. “I think destiny always had plans when it came to you and me. It was just biding its time.”

He picked me up, then slowly made his way back to the waiting car while I skimmed my lips over his stubble-covered jaw. “But the wait was so worth it.”

He smiled. “It certainly was, Mrs. Marchetti.”

EPILOGUE

MANUEL

One Year Later

Ientered the foyer with Umbrio at my back, relieved to be back in my castello and eager to see my loved ones.

“You’re awfully happy to be back home,” he remarked dryly. “You rushed us so much that we had to travel around the world in twelve hours.”

“Damn straight.” He was just cranky because we didn’t stay behind in China after our meeting so he could sample some of its fruits. “I have a wife and a baby I missed like hell while playing diplomacy.”

He chuckled. “As if Qian would risk pissing off his sister, or Danil for that matter.”

I let out a sardonic breath. “That’s where you’re wrong. The man would risk everyone’s wrath for Nicki.”

The aria registered and I followed the tunes through the house, Umbrio tracking along and nagging. I tuned him out and focused on the beautiful voice that belonged to my wife whosomehow managed to tear me apart with it and put me back together every single time.

Did it make me a wimp? Maybe. I didn’t give a flying fuck.

Another few steps and I found my wife and daughter among the vineyards and lemon trees.

I stopped abruptly, Umbrio almost running into me. Shooting him a glare, I made it clear if he let out a sound, I’d shoot him. He rolled his eyes and made himself scarce while I returned my attention to the most beautiful welcome-home sight a man could wish for.

Wearing a simple yellow dress and standing barefoot, Athena held our daughter, swaying her hips and rocking her to sleep while singing soft opera tunes. Valentina, our beautiful baby girl, stared at her mamma with such an innocent and trusting expression that it hit me right in the chest.

These two were my entire world and I’d wage a thousand wars to protect them and keep them both happy. Just as I promised my young wife.

And I knew she was happy.

In the past year of our marriage, I learned that when Athena sang arias, she was at her happiest. When she was anxious, she hummed. When she was mad, she got silent. But when she was furious, which only happened if someone threatened our baby girl or me, she set the world on fire.

Athena’s voice faltered and a smile spread over her face.

“My two favorite people in the whole wide world,” was my greeting.

“Look, Valentina,” she murmured as she rushed over to me, her bare feet silent against the grass. “Papà’s home.”

I met her halfway and wrapped my hand around her waist, bringing them both into my embrace. Pressing my mouth against hers, she opened up, letting me devour her. It didn’t matter how many times I’d had her, I never tired of her. I wascompletely addicted to her and under her spell, but she was under mine too.

“I missed you,” I rasped against her mouth.

“We missed you too.” Athena lowered her gaze to our daughter, a soft smile playing around her lips. “Didn’t we, Valentina?”

A soft coo sounded from our daughter and I bent my head, pressing a kiss on her little forehead.

“Papà missed you too, my little treasure.”