34

Finally, they come to sit at the table, and as I take a bite, I’m peppered with questions. “Where in Russia are you from? Who are your parents? Have they given their blessing for the wedding? We don’t have much time to prepare. Will your mother come help with the arrangements?”

My eyes dart to Armani, and it has him answering, “I’ll take care of the wedding preparations once I’m back from work.”

Mrs. De Santis’ eyes widen like saucers. “Work? You’re leaving again?

But you just got home!”

Armani shrugs. “When Luca gives an order, I have to carry it out. You know this.”

“But…” Mrs. De Santis starts to argue. Armani shakes his head.

A frown settles on her face, then she mumbles, “Luca could at least give me time with my son before sending him away again.”

Armani helps himself to another croissant, and I make a mental note to learn how to make them.

“I have to leave after breakfast. Please check in on Tiana while I’m gone,” he says before devouring the pastry.

God, even the way he chews is hot.

Both women nod, and Mrs. De Santis answers, “We’ll take good care of her.”

Even though I feel out of place, I’m thankful for the warm welcome I’m given.

Mrs. De Santis’ eyes settle on me, then she says, “We’ll look for a wedding dress while Armani is away at work.”

“Thank you.” The cappuccino is too sweet, but I drink every last drop. “Where will the ceremony be held?” Mrs. De Santis asks.

“It will be intimate with only our close loved ones,” Armani answers. “We can have it in my place in the courtyard.”

“How many people?” Mrs. De Santis demands to know before looking at me. “We’ll cook and bake all of Friday.”

“Seven,” Armani answers. “That’s excluding Tiana, me, and whoever’s officiating the marriage, but don’t worry about cooking, Mamma, I’ll book a restaurant for the celebration.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll speak with Father Moretti,” Mrs. De Santis says. “He baptized you, he can marry you.”

The moment we’re done eating, Armani stands up. “I’m sorry the visit is so short, but I must take care of urgent business.”

Mrs. De Santis waves a hand in the air. “You forget I was married to your father for thirty years. I’m used to it.”

When Zia Giada starts to clear the table, I notice she’s been quiet and wonder if she’s just as shy as I am.

“Don’t get hurt,” Mrs. De Santis tells Armani.

“I won’t.” He hugs his mother and aunt, and I quickly do the same before we leave the house.

The breakfast felt rushed, and I didn’t actually get to talk to the women, but I’m sure I’ll spend time with them over the next three days.

“I’m sorry the visit was so quick,” Armani says as if he’s reading my thoughts.

“I understand you have to get to work.”

His hand slips into mine, and he gives it a squeeze. “There will be plenty of time for you to get to know my family.”

We take a different route home, and soon Armani points out a bakery, a couple of cafés, a deli, and a store where I can get the basics. He also shows me which direction to go to reach a general shopping area.

I’ll explore Venice later this afternoon.

When we get home, Armani heads straight for the bedroom, where he takes a black suit from the closet.

Instantly, I turn around and head for the kitchen to give him some privacy.

I open the fridge, and seeing it’s practically empty, I take my phone from my pocket to make a shopping list.

I inspect the cupboards again, adding more things to my list. When I’m sure Armani’s had enough time to change into the suit, I head back to the bedroom to show him what we need.

The moment I enter the room, my mouth drops open, and my eyes widen. There’s an array of weapons on the bed, and Armani’s checking a set of knives.

Reality sets in hard and fast, sending a tremor through my body.

He’s been so kind to me that I’ve forgotten he’s an enforcer for the mafia. He gets paid to hurt people who owe the mafia money.

He straps on an armored vest with pockets and slits for his guns and knives before he shrugs on his jacket to conceal everything.

And just like that, he’s gone from the perfect gentleman to a ruthless mafioso.

When he glances at me, I step closer, clasping my phone in my hands. “I made a shopping list for you to look at.”

A frown mars his forehead, then he pulls his wallet out and hands me a black credit card. “Charge anything you need to the card.”

I nod, then ask, “What’s the monthly amount for food and cleaning supplies?”

“Try to keep the expenses below ten thousand.”

My eyebrows draw together. “We’re just two people. Our food will never be that much.”

Armani comes to stand in front of me, and somehow he feels taller with all the weapons strapped to him.

“The ten thousand is for whatever you need, bella. It’s yours to spend on anything you want.”

I blink a couple of times before his words sink in.

He’s giving me an allowance?

I’ll never spend that much, but I’m still grateful for the gesture. Standing on my tiptoes, I press a kiss to his cheek, but before I can pull away, his arm wraps around me.

“I’m leaving for three days, bella. Say goodbye like you’ll actually miss me.”

Resting my hands on his shoulders, I push up and press my mouth to his. Armani tilts his head, and when my tongue peeks out, I feel him smile before he takes control and kisses the living hell out of me.

He devours me with so much need it makes my mind cloud over. Our rushing breaths mingle, and an intense longing for more than just a kiss, pools between my legs.

When Armani lifts his head, his eyes are dark with lust, and I think it’s safe for me to hope he can love me one day. After all, attraction is the start of love, isn’t it?

“I won’t be able to call,” he says as he lets go of me. “But I should be home in three days. If there’s any trouble, call Misha or Alek.”

I nod. “Please stay safe.” My eyes lock on his. “I really want to marry you on Saturday.”

So I’m not forced to marry someone else.

The corner of his mouth lifts. “That’s why I’m doing this job. It’s my payment to get you as my wife.”

What?

Armani kisses my lips once more, then says, “It’s time for me to go. I’ll see you soon, bella.”

He grabs a bag off the bed, and I follow him to the courtyard and out the doors, then watch as he climbs into the boat.

When the engine roars to life, Armani takes one last look at me before steering the boat down the waterway.

My eyes follow him until he disappears around a bend.

Keep Armani safe, and bring him back to me.