Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
Her brow furrowed. “You’re lying. You’re only saying these things to get me down to dinner.”
She'd soon find out just how mistaken she was if she didn't start moving. “We both know I don’t need to lie to get you down to dinner. I’m way bigger and stronger than you. All I’d have to do is toss you over my shoulder and carry you into the dining room.”
She gasped as she clutched at the collar of her robe. “In my robe? You wouldn’t dare.”
The corner of my mouth lifted. “Are you sure about that?”
“Have I mentioned how impossible you are?”
“Once or twice.”
“You don’t love me.”
My gaze roamed over her beautiful face. “Don’t tell me what I can and cannot be. Whether or not you like it, I am in love with you.” I leaned forward as I wrapped my hand around the side of her neck and pulled her closer. “And… whether you like it or not… you’re in love with me.”
Her breath teased my lips as she whispered, “Don’t tell me what I am.”
She really was magnificent.
My mouth captured hers as my tongue swept inside, unable to resist tasting her another moment longer.
She let out the smallest of moans as her palms pressed against my chest.
When I finally relented, we were both breathless. Her lips were the color of dark, crushed berries which only complimented the bright blush high on her cheeks.
Running my mouth along her jaw, I nipped at her earlobe. “You have five minutes to get ready or I’m ripping this robe off you, fucking you senseless, and then carrying you buck naked down to dinner to meet my family with my come still drying on your thighs.”
“Oh. My. God!”
She stumbled off my lap and raced toward the pile of Aunt Gabbie’s clothes draped over the back of the nearby sofa. After grabbing a dress, she stormed over to the bathroom and called out before slamming the door, “You’re impossible.”
Ten minutes later we crossed the threshold into the parlor where most of my family were already gathered.
Ella hesitated and swayed backward.
I wrapped my arm tightly around her lower back. “I’m right here, baby.”
Then addressing my family, I said, “Everyone, I’d liked you to meet Antonella, my bride.”
Since I had already apprised Aunt Gabbie, who had arrived earlier from her villa on the Amalfi Coast, of the situation, I knew the rest of the family would be aware as well.
Amara and a heavily pregnant Milana rushed forward to hug Ella. “Welcome to the family!”
Bianca soon followed. “We heard you playing your cello the other night. You are amazing. I hope you’ll play for us later.”
As they did so, Cesare shook my hand. “Congrats, cousin.”
Enzo patted me on the shoulder and said with a wink, “Glad you came to your senses.”
Uncle Barone pulled me in for a bear hug. “Marriage is going to suit you just fine.”
Cesare smirked. “Yeah, it’s a shame you won’t be joining us in blissful matrimony any time soon, Papa.”
Amara gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. “Don’t you start, or I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Uncle Barone lifted her off her feet and swung her around as she laughed. “Good. You should be ashamed of yourself, forcing me to live in sin like this.”
After he set her down, he pointed a finger at Cesare. “Although, low blow.”
Cesare wrapped his arm around Milana’s shoulders from behind. “You deserve it for not watching over this one more closely while I was gone.”
Milana leaned her head back onto his shoulder. “I had project proposals to complete, and Bianca was waiting on my approval of the marketing campaign graphics for the San Benedetto del Tronto development.”
Bianca chimed in. “Oh no, you don’t. Don’t drag me into this. I saw what Cesare did to Matteo’s office.”
I frowned as I turned to Cesare. “What the hell did you do to my office?”
Cesare shrugged. “I Milana-proofed it.”
Amara threw her head back as she laughed wholeheartedly. “He took the door off.”
“What the fuck, Cesare!”
Cesare pointed to Uncle Barone. “Don’t blame me! Talk to your unobservant uncle over there. Two weeks. Two full weeks she was sneaking into your office right under his nose.”
Before Uncle Barone could defend himself, Aunt Gabbie swept into the parlor holding a pitcher of prampolini with Alfonso following closely behind carrying a large silver tray with empty glasses, sliced oranges, and a crystal ice bucket.
She pointed to Enzo. “Darling, clear off that table so Alfonso can put the tray down.” Then she pointed to Cesare. “Go back into the kitchen and tell Rosa I forgot the Cedrata soda.” Then she nodded to Uncle Barone. “Come take this pitcher from me and pour. If I do it, I’ll just make a mess of things.”
As the men all hopped to obey her commands and the women approached to help fix the red wine and vermouth apertivi, I took advantage of the moment of distraction to look down at Ella.