Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 63564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
“What a surprise…” I clutched my chest, seeing all these amazing people gathered around for us. “Your family is so wonderful.”
Conway looked down at me, his eyes narrowing in fondness. He pressed his forehead to mine and whispered so only I could hear. “Now they’re your family too.”
The Barsettis knew how to drink wine and celebrate. The fun didn’t die down until after midnight, so Conway and I didn’t get into bed until one in the morning. Now that this ring was on my finger, I had no intention of taking it off. I dropped my clothes on the ground and got into bed.
Conway did the same, stripping down until he was just in his skin. He got into bed beside me, and despite how late it was, he was hard like sex was still on his mind. He dragged me to the center of the bed before he spread my thighs with his knees. “The ring looks good on you.”
“It feels good too.”
“I was thinking we could get married soon. Something small on the terrace.”
I hadn’t been engaged for a day, so I hadn’t thought about the wedding. But it didn’t make sense to wait, not when I had so few people in my life. It would just be his family and a few friends. “The sooner, the better. I don’t want to look like a cow in my wedding dress.”
He glared at me.
“You know what I mean.”
“That’s not why I want to get married soon. I just want to be married.”
My hands ran up his chest, and I locked my ankles together around his back. “Me too.”
“I want you to wear your ring tomorrow. I’m going to announce our engagement and the baby.”
After the festivities of the day, the show hadn’t even crossed my mind. “Is that why you asked me today?”
The corner of his mouth rose in a smile. “Yes. I want to tell the world you’re mine. What would be a better time to do that?”
“Sounds possessive to me.”
“So what if it is?” he challenged. His eyes darkened in a sexy way, brooding and powerful.
Conway had always been possessive of me, but now it was at a more intense level. I loved this man with all my heart, and it felt wonderful knowing he felt the same way. He wasn’t afraid to tell me how much he loved me, to wear his heart on his sleeve. He was the only man I’d ever been with, and I was the only woman he’d ever loved. “That’s fine with me.”
20
Vanessa
After the show ended, Conway and Sapphire spent most of their time in their bedroom.
Getting nasty.
I felt like I was encroaching on this special time, so I decided to pack my bags and return to my apartment in Milan. It had been nice recovering in my brother’s beautiful home, and Dante did an excellent job taking care of me, but I was feeling a lot better.
It was time to return to class and catch up on everything I missed before we got to winter break.
My arm was pretty much back to normal. It was a little shaky when I moved it, but I needed to get it back to its previous strength if I wanted to keep painting. I wasn’t on the painkillers anymore, and now the gauze was gone from my arm. All that was left was a nasty scar.
I placed all my things by the door then broke the news to my brother and future sister-in-law over lunch. “I’m heading back home. I’m back on my feet and ready to return to class. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me.”
“You’re leaving?” Sapphire asked incredulously. “But you’ve only been here for a few weeks. You can’t go.”
“Look, I’m fine.” I sat across from them at the table, my salad only half eaten. “Really. You guys should enjoy this time together anyway. When’s the wedding?”
“Don’t change the subject,” Sapphire said. “You should stay with us until you’re a hundred percent.”
“I am,” I said. “I need to catch up on the time I missed from class. I haven’t been to my apartment in forever…there’s stuff I need to do.”
“You’re really going to stay there?” my brother asked in surprise. “After what happened?”
“I’m not letting some dead psychopath chase me out of my home,” I said. “It’s a great apartment. It’s walking distance from everything, and it’s a nice neighborhood. Besides, I hate moving anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Conway asked. “Because—”
“I’m fine,” I said. “I’m not just trying to be a tough cookie.”
Conway finally stopped pressing me.
“Besides, this is a special time for you guys,” I said. “I want you to enjoy each other without worrying about me.”
“But we love having you here,” Sapphire said. “Honestly.”
Conway shrugged.
“Ignore him,” Sapphire said. “He loves you.”
I smiled at my brother. “I know he does, even though he rarely shows it.”