Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Up ahead, the gate is open, and at first I’m surprised there’s no one there manning it. That’s when I see the row of black SUVs on the other side and Vitaly standing in front of them shooting the guard.
When the guard falls to the ground, Vitaly turns his weapon on our truck. Then he sees it’s me, and relief floods his face. He comes over to the side of the truck, but before he can say anything, the explosion happens.
It’s much louder than I imagined it would be, and Vitaly’s expression changes to one of delight. “That’s your handiwork, I take it?”
“Is Pru okay?” Nolia asks, and Vitaly nods.
“She’s fine. And so is your father.” Nolia sags with relief, and I feel the same. “Get Nolia back to my house,” Vitaly says and then nods in the direction of the estate. “We’ll take care of this.”
I’m torn between staying and fighting with him and getting Nolia to safety. As if he can understand my dilemma, he pats me on the arm.
“Several of the other houses have joined to take this place down. They were eager to put an end to what Renzo and Marco created. Don’t worry, we’ve got this.”
“You’re sure?” I ask him, and he nods.
With his assurance I drive out of the gates and see the rows of people waiting to get in. Reaching over, I pull Nolia against my side and kiss the top of her head.
“It’s over,” I say and hold her a little tighter. “We made it, amore.”
Chapter Sixteen
NOLIA
"What do you think Vitaly meant when he said my father is fine?" I wring my fingers together, still unsure what to make of his part in all of this. My mind is reeling from everything that has happened over the past few hours.
“If he said he’s fine, that’s what he means.” Luca’s hand is resting on my thigh, and he gives it a small squeeze to try and reassure me.
“I found a hidden room in his closet,” I admit. I don’t want to keep anything from Luca. Not after what we’ve been through. “He’s not who I thought he was.”
“Hey.” Luca pulls over, and the second he stops, he pulls me into his lap. “Parents try to protect their kids. Does your dad have secrets? Yeah, he does. But I think he hid them to protect you. There could also be some guilt and shame in there too.”
“Yeah, maybe.” I can see my father doing it for that exact reason. It matches some of the things he said over breakfast the other day.
“He’s made mistakes, but I think he’s always tried to do what he could to protect you.”
“He loves me.” I know that much, for sure.
“You’re impossible not to love, Nolia.” I suck in a breath. Is he saying what I think he is? “Yes, amore. I love you. When everything went to shit, I knew I needed to get word to Vitaly, but nothing was more important than getting to you.”
“Really?” This time, I don’t fight the tears that start to form in my eyes. I always try to hide my emotions, but with Luca, I want to show him everything.
What he’s saying is bigger than love. In this world, you always put the head boss above everyone. Your allegiance is to them first and then your own family. I never understood that, but it’s how everyone operates.
“Yes, really.” His hand cups the back of my neck. “You will always come before any other. You’ll be my wife, the mother of my children, my amore.” He pulls me into him, pressing his mouth to mine.
When I part my lips, he tastes me, and for a few moments, we forget about everything else. It’s only us as the rest of the world slips away.
“Nolia,” he groans against my mouth. “We should stop.”
“Should being the key word.” I smile as I lean back, sliding my hands up his chest and around his neck.
He came for me like I knew he would. Then he destroyed the men who sought to hurt me. I could see the fury in his eyes as he struck, and the satisfaction was palpable as their bodies hit the floor.
“Tonight,” he promises.
“Tonight,” I agree. “But I want you to know that I love you too.” Luca drops his forehead to mine. “And that I want to be your wife, the mother of your children, your amore.” I could very well already be the mother of his child. Only time will tell.
“You’ll be all those things and so much more.” Luca gives me one more hard, possessive kiss before putting me back in my seat.
When he gets back onto the road, he reaches over and takes my hand into his. All the nerves and worries inside of me settle because I know that whatever I face with my father, Luca will be by my side through it all.