has spent their life caged, Bambolina. I didn’t ask for this life, it was decided for me. And I’ve made my peace with that, I have. But sometimes... sometimes I need to push back.”
“So fighting is your way of retaining some control?”
“I guess you could say that.”
“I don’t like the idea of you getting hurt.” Arianne leaned closer, brushing her nose along mine.
“It comes with the territory.”
“What will life be like, for us, I mean?” Her voice wavered. “Will I be expected to stay at home and raise a houseful of babies?”
Laughter bubbled in my chest. “While that image does all kinds of crazy things to me,” I grinned, my heart so fucking full I wanted to drag her to the bedroom and make a start, “I will always support your dreams, Arianne.”
I wasn’t my father. I didn’t intend on ruling my household with an iron fist. I wanted Arianne to flourish. I wanted her to be happy.
“I think I want to help people, like at the VCTI.”
“You have a big heart.”
“But babies,” she whispered against the corner of my mouth, “you want that one day?”
“I want everything with you, amore mio. But we’re young, we have time.”
Arianne was quiet but the contented sigh that spilled from her lips gave me reassurance she wasn’t stewing on our conversation.
“I was thinking,” she said after a couple of minutes. “Can Alessia come visit?”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The fewer people coming to and from the cabin, the better. At least, for now.”
“Okay.”
“You’re not going to fight me on it?”
“I trust you Nicco.” She smiled. “I trust you to keep me safe.”
“It’s all I want,” I replied, ghosting my lips over hers.
Until my very last breath.
Chapter 22
Arianne
“Hmm, morning.” I snuggled closer to Nicco. He was still asleep, strands of hair falling over his eyes a little.
I watched him, smiling to myself at how perfect the moment was. Because this time, I wouldn’t have to say goodbye.
After Enzo had left us, we’d spent the night curled up on the sectional watching movies. Luis had stayed, but he’d made himself scarce.
I loved it out here, away from everything and everyone, where we could be together without judgment or scrutiny.
I knew it wasn’t real. I knew our bubble would soon come to an end. But I intended on savoring every second we had together.
“I can feel you staring,” Nicco murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
“That’s because I am staring.” I painted circles on his chest, ghosting my fingers over his scars.
He snagged my wrist, bringing my hand to his lips, sending a shiver up my spine. “Good morning, Bambolina.”
“Good morning.”
“I could get used to this,” he shifted onto his back, fixing his stormy eyes on mine.
“I was thinking the same thing. It’s so peaceful out here.”
“We’d have to get rid of the bodyguard though.” His mouth curved with amusement.
“And change the locks. I wouldn’t want Enzo strolling in at any given time.” Dipping my head, I brushed my lips over his. “I need a girl’s minute and then I’ll make some coffee.”
“Okay.”
I climbed out of bed and pulled on Nicco’s oversized MU t-shirt. Enzo had bought us some extra clothes, but I was going to need my own things if we stayed here for any length of time.
It was strange.
I knew I was supposed to be worrying about everything: classes and my volunteer work at the VCTI, but it all seemed so insignificant given the circumstances.
After visiting the bathroom, I quickly brushed my teeth before heading for the kitchenette. Luis was already up and dressed, reading a newspaper.
“Good morning,” I said. “Coffee?”
“I wouldn’t say no to another.” He slid his mug toward me. “Did you sleep okay?”
“I did, thank you. What about you?”
“I got a couple of hours.”
“We’re safe out here, Luis.”
He smiled. “Old habits die hard, I guess. Is Nicco—”
“Right here.” He padded into the kitchen, stealing my breath. He’d pulled on some sweats but left his t-shirt off, the hard lines of his body rippling and flexing.
Nicco’s body was a sculpted work of art. Tanned skin pulled taut over cut muscles, broad shoulders and a narrowed waist that was defined by the delicious V disappearing into his sweatpants.
Luis cleared his throat, casting me an amused glance before giving Nicco a nod. “Morning.”
“Everything okay?”
“Everything’s quiet.”
“Good.” Nicco advanced on me, curving his hand around my neck and pressing his lips to my head. “I’m going to take a quick shower. You’ll be okay?”