Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 139(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
We have the same luxury as this at home, but it’s different because this will be mine soon, and it’s incredible. This home is where I’m supposed to raise a family. It’s surreal. That’s the word that I’ve been looking for since Domani stepped through my bedroom door, growling and demanding. Two years of peering through my imagination for that one moment in time when our eyes met through a doorway. It was a moment so long ago that I wonder if I’d just made it all up. I remember hearing my father say that he wasn’t even supposed to be there.
I slip into the closet, looking for the clothes, and everything I need is inside. My mother wasted no time filling it up with all my favorite things. I see other things that I wouldn’t have considered, but since I’m going to be a married woman, these pretty nighties are something I could get used to, especially with a husband who wants to devour me.
I grab one off the hanger and slide it over my head, and then pull a pair of panties out. Although I’m not sure what the point is, since they’ll be ruined the second I start thinking about him and his muscular body, passionate lips, and talented mouth.
As much as I’d prefer to go without undies, I’m afraid someone will come in. Shimmying them up my legs, I see my reflection in his floor-length mirror, and I look fucking sexy. Maybe I should change.
“Nah.” I climb back into bed and snuggle under the covers.
Chapter Six
Domani
Leaving the bedroom and, more importantly, Aria was a test of wills. If I didn’t have an empire to get under control, I would have stayed with my woman. I meet my men on the stairs. “Stay outside the door. Don’t go in there for any reason.”
“Yes, boss.” The door locks on its own, but that doesn’t mean she can’t open it from the inside and they could come in that way. My men don’t enter my bedroom for any reason, but when it comes to Aria, I don’t trust many. She’s beautiful, enchanting, and my only weak spot. If anyone wants to get at me, she’d be the target. It kills me to even consider something fucked up like that, but it’s the life we’re living.
Nero meets me at the bottom of the stairs. “How is she?”
“Good, but we have a lot to deal with right now so I can’t focus on my queen.”
“Very well. Our men have been taken to the funeral home. The company for the gate has been contacted, and I’m sure we can get them out tomorrow.” We walk to my office, closing the door behind us.
Walking over to my liquor cabinet, I pull out a bottle of bourbon. Waving it at him, he nods. I pour us a glass and then take a seat behind my desk. “I want it completely reinforced. What about the fires?”
“The fire department got it under control, but the damage was significant.”
“Have a crew come to level it out. We’ll add a helipad there instead. I thought it protected us, but it backfired.”
“Yes. We’re relocating any animals found alive?”
“Yes, of course. Either to the local zoos or to another forest preserve. I’m ruthless, but ecosystems matter.”
“Good. I’m going to see if we have room for any in the garden. My mother and Aria like animals.”
“You have your own Snow White.” He nudges me with his elbow.
“That I do. Have the families been contacted?” I question, returning to business. I want to get back to Aria as soon as humanly possible.
“We were waiting on you before we made the calls.”
Nodding, I add, “That’s good. It’s best that it comes from me.”
“That’s what we figured.”
“Give me all the numbers and contacts for each man.” He pulls out a piece of paper from his suit jacket.
“Niccolò sent it over about ten minutes ago. He wants you to call him when you get a chance. He’s pissed he wasn’t here to fight.”
“He’s always itching to prove himself more than just my accountant. He’s even working out now more and more.” I shake my head and down my glass. Nero stands and brings the bottle over to my desk. “Grazie.”
I pour myself another glass, drinking about half and topping it off again. “Take it easy. You’ve got a lot of calls to make.”
“That’s what I’m gonna need this for. Crying mothers I’m not prepared for.”
“I bet. You know…maybe Niccolò’s found a girl.”
“I wonder. I should ask him if there’s someone he’s interested in.”
“It would be nice. Then he might not be so damned uptight.” That’s my little brother for sure. Great at numbers, terrible with people. We love him, and he’s a tough bastard, but heaven help him if he has to speak to anyone. The man just hates talking at all costs.