Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,99
shocked looks were quickly followed by exclamations of joy and for the next few minutes, the entire group of people rushed forward, issuing words of congratulations.
For the first time, I realized just how important family was. I noticed Matteo’s mother, her smile an acknowledgement of exactly the way I felt. Happiness. Joy.
Life.
Only when the celebration calmed did I take Matteo aside, pulling both his hands into mine. “Do you love me, my husband?”
He looked at me warily. “What did you do?”
“I never did give you your wedding present.”
“A new car?” he asked, shaking his head. “You have given me more than you know.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Hmm... Yes, with my life.”
“Then come with me and don’t ask any questions.”
He looked at me warily but allowed me to take him toward my very favorite place, the greenhouse.
“Oh, now I see,” he said, swatting me on the bottom. “One wicked girl.”
“Go inside with an open heart and know I love you.” When he hesitated, I cupped his face. “Trust me.”
His smile faded, but he finally nodded, taking a deep breath before walking inside. I stayed behind him, keeping my distance and hiding in the shadows.
And for the first time, I prayed I’d done the right thing.
“Mother, what are you doing here?” Matteo asked, his voice holding an edge.
“We need to talk,” she said. In her hand was an envelope.
I could barely breathe, my heart skipping several beats.
“About what?” he demanded.
Her hand shaking, she reached out for him, exhaling when he pulled away. “I love you, my beautiful baby boy. You are very special to me.”
“Is that why you lied to me, Mother? Is that why you had an affair? Is that why you didn’t tell me about who my real father is?” There was so much pain in Matteo’s voice. “I don’t know what this shit is, but I’m not staying here.”
“Matteo, Joseph McGivney isn’t your father.”
“What? More lies?”
She faltered then stood to her full height. “I was wrong. I did have a brief affair with him. Your father and I were going through a miserable time. That was sinful and I’ve repented, even telling your father, but you are not Joseph’s son. He simply wanted you to be more than anything. He was a broken man, but one who adored me. I couldn’t fight the attraction, but I knew what we shared was wrong. When I ended it and he found out I was pregnant a couple months later, he assumed you were his child.”
“How can you be certain that I’m not?” Matteo asked, his tone softening.
I watched as she handed him the envelope. “Because I had a paternity test taken to make certain.”
His hand shaking, he finally turned the envelope over several times before opening the flap and pulling out the single piece of paper. When his entire body slumped again, a sob erupting from his throat, I knew he needed some time alone with his mother.
As I walked away, I crossed my fingers, unable to feel anything but sadness. To think he’d carried the burden was horrible, but my conversation with his mother had been very special, her tears confirming that she’d felt tremendous guilt as well. It was time for everyone to heal.
Time.
Time is a beautiful thing but when you’re waiting to see if your life is once again going to be turned upside down, it’s nothing but sheer torture.
Ten minutes passed.
Fifteen.
Twenty.
I knew I’d lost him to my deceit.
When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I stiffened.
When I felt arms wrap around me, I sagged, unable to stop the tears.
“You are the most incredible woman I have ever known. I love you, my very bad girl.” Matteo’s voice was entirely different, the sound joyful, as if the burden and guilt had been erased.
As well as the pain.
He shifted me around to face him, shaking his head and placing a single finger across my lips. “But if you do anything like that again, you won’t be able to sit for an entire week. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Tilting my head, I rose onto my tiptoes, allowing our lips to touch. “My beautiful husband.”
Sinner and saints.
The two would always be intertwined, both captivated by the real power.
Not greed or wealth.
Not influence of others.
By family.
And unforgettable love...
The End
Stormy Night Publications would like to thank you for your interest in our books.
If you liked this book (or even if you didn’t), we would really appreciate you leaving a review on the site where you purchased it. Reviews provide useful feedback for us and our