Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
She gives me a pleading look. “Please.”
My hand stills on her lower back, and I nudge her to the side of the dining area. Lights hang from all the trees, lending a mystical feel to the grounds of St. Monach’s.
“I tripped fourteen times,” Tiana mutters before she takes another sip of her wine.
“It’s because you were nervous.” I move my arm around her shoulders and smile inwardly when Tiana leans into my side.
I think it’s safe to say she’s okay with me touching her.
I steer Tiana down a path that leads to a waterfall. The soft glow of the lamposts gives enough light for us to see where we’re walking, and soon the rushing sound of water fills the air.
“It’s so pretty here,” Tiana whispers as if she doesn’t want to disturb the night.
Taking the glass of wine from her hand, I set our drinks down on a bench.
The music is faint in the background as I step closer to her. A nervous expression tightens her features, her eyes growing wide.
Christ, nothing in this life could’ve prepared me for this woman. Everything about her draws me in like a moth to a flame.
Honestly, I expected to marry an Italian woman. A mafia princess like Aurora or Abbie. Not once did I think someone like Tiana existed in our world.
Misha did well to protect his sister. At twenty-one, she’s still innocent, which is rare if you’re raised in the bratva.
Slowly I pull her into my arms, and when she realizes I’m going to dance with her, a smile breaks through her nervousness.
I wonder if she’s ever been kissed. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t. Misha said she’s never dated because he wouldn’t allow a man near her.
The thought that this woman might be untouched has a possessive feeling, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, roar in my chest.
Tiana’s tongue peeks out to wet her lips, then she asks, “Do you like working for the mafia?”
“My grandfather and father worked for the Cotronis, so it was always a given I’d follow in their footsteps.”
Tiana tilts her head, her eyes searching mine. “You didn’t answer my question.”
With my hand pressing against her lower back, I pull her closer until she’s forced to rest her cheek against my chest.
“I’m loyal to the mafia. I can’t tell you whether I like or hate working for la famiglia as emotions don’t play a role in my work.”
I’m lying to her, but she asked a question I don’t dare answer. You don’t work for the mafia because you like it – you do it because you’re bound to them until death.
My grandfather died in a bombing, and my father was gunned down by an enemy. One day my time will come, and I can only hope my death will be quick.
Letting go of Tiana, I say, “Let’s head back.”
I pick up our glasses and down the rest of my whiskey while handing Tiana her wine.
Walking toward the area where the celebration is in full swing as the guests enjoy themselves, I look at the castle that’s been my home for over three years.
Christ, I’m ready to be done with my training. I want to get back to my own life in Venice – with Tiana as my wife.
Chapter 5
Tiana
On the flight back to Russia, I kept replaying the weekend over in my mind.
I really enjoyed the two days. I got to meet Aurora, and I think with time, we’ll become friends.
I’m glad Misha’s happy.
But the person occupying my thoughts is Armani. He was nothing but polite and protective toward me.
Is it possible to form a crush on someone so quickly?
There’s a fluttering in my stomach when I relive dancing with him. Feeling his strong arms and solid body guiding me across the dance floor was something from a movie or dream.
Whenever his intense brown eyes met mine, there was a tightening sensation in my chest as if the space was too small to contain my heart.
God, I can spend hours going over every detail of him. His piercing gaze that felt like it could look into my soul. His sculpted face. His five o’clock shadow. The way his muscled body fills a suit. The strength I felt in his arms.
What caught my attention the most was the way he carried himself. It’s hard to put into words. Armani came across as coolheaded, aloof, and calculative, as if every step he took was planned and every word he said had purpose.
It gave me the impression that nothing can catch him by surprise, and he’s always in total control of his surroundings.
It’s hard to explain.
In a nutshell, Armani De Santis impressed me like no man has before. He’s a perfect mixture of a gentleman and a dangerous mafia enforcer.
“I think the cupcake batter is ready,” Mrs. Aslanhov says, startling me out of my thoughts.