tiny little ceremony three months ago. Xander walked me down the aisle and gave me away while my nieces threw rose petals along the way.
Being married isn’t much different to dating. Zane is still as possessive as ever, not letting me out of his sight unless he absolutely has to.
Tonight we’re doing our weekly Sunday dinner. Xander and Ella, Damon and Keira, and Ivan and Violet are here tonight.
Since getting to know my brothers, I’ve heard their stories of how they came to know their wives. I’ve also met their children and been told countless stories about how ruthless a father we shared.
They also shared some memories of our mother, the few nice ones they had anyway. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my mother was doing what she thought was best, that she did love me, but that she couldn’t handle a life on the run. It seems her life was ruined long before I came along, and even though she tried to run from it, in the end, she just couldn’t get away from her own demons.
Quinton rushes through the dining room, his baby sister hot on his heels, their squeals of joy cut through my thoughts. Xander reaches down and takes his daughter, Gia, into his arms.
She whines and pushes against him, trying to get away and to her brother, but he squeezes her a little tighter and peppers her adorable face with kisses before releasing her again. I can’t believe that’s going to be Zane and me soon.
“How is married life? I feel like I haven’t seen you guys in ages,” Violets asks, giving me a wink as she bounces her daughter on her knee.
“Yeah, I know. Zane has basically tied me to the bed,” I joke, well half-joke, since what I’ve said is partially true. Every night before bed, we make love. Sometimes it’s sweet, and other times, it’s raw and consuming. There is nothing in this world like the love he gives and shows me.
“I mean, it’s not like you’re lying.” Zane smirks and tugs me closer to him.
“Men.” Violet shakes her head. “I swear, they can never get enough. I told Ivan I need at least two years without getting pregnant again.”
I look over at Ivan, who is smiling like a fool. His love for Violet and his kids is profound. It’s crazy to think that she was once his prisoner. Then again, looking back on mine and Zane’s love story, we kind of came from the same thing.
“Doubt Ivan is going to let that happen,” Damon says, chuckling.
“Yeah, me too.” Violet rolls her eyes.
“When are you and Zane going to have a baby?” Keira, Damon’s wife asks, taking a sip of her wine. Her question makes my cheeks flame, and suddenly, I feel everyone’s eyes on me.
“Well, we actually had news to share with you all.”
“Oh, my gosh, yes!” Ella basically jumps out of her chair. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
I nod, unable to contain the smile that appears on my lips. “It’s still early, but there is definitely a little peanut in there.”
“Yes, mine,” Zane growls into my ear, his teeth nipping my lobe in a possessive way. I swear, since discovering we’re having a baby, he’s become even more possessive and controlling.
He’s currently working for Xander as a hitman. After we killed Matteo, we took over most of his territory. Xander asked me if I wanted to be in charge of it, but truthfully, I didn’t have any idea what I was doing, so I told him he could run it.
“I’m happy for you, Sister,” Xander exclaims, his eyes twinkling with joy. “We’re building an empire of little Rossi’s.”
“We sure are.” Ella giggles, looking up at her husband.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Violet narrows her gaze at her sister as if she can read her thoughts. Ella bites her bottom lip and looks like she’s going to explode with happiness.
“Well, we would never want to ruin this moment for Dove and Zane because we’re so very happy for you, but Xander and I are expecting again as well.”
“I’m so happy for you two!” I say, taking a sip of my orange juice. I’m beyond happy. I feel safe, secure, and protected, but above all, I feel loved. I feel as if I’ve finally found my home.
Xander snickers. “There is nothing quite as delicious looking as my wife’s belly, swollen with our child.” Ella’s face turns red as a tomato, and she shakes her head, dismissing his teasing.