“You called me ‘sir’ again, but I’d let you stab me,tesoro.I’d deserve it.” Then, he brings his hand up to his nose. “My torment will be smelling your cunt all day and wishing I’d never left home.”
Shocked laughter once I’ve translated it in my head, and he smiles. My heart feels light despite my throbbing clit. “Can I go to the meeting with you? I liked Frankie.”
“Of course, you would like that little sneak. But Carlo is leaving her with her bodyguard at the airport before their flight, and your sister and the twins will be here any minute.” The thought of Mad walking in now horrifies me. Nico chuckles over my expression. “Don’t worry. You look perfect.” I frown, suspecting that’s not entirely true.
“Nico, they’ve arrived.” I flinch from the interruption and hearing Ugo’s voice for the first time. It reminds me of an angry bear with a sore throat.
“Good. See them inside safely,” Nico clips, dismissing the bodyguard.
When he turns to face me again, his cold mask is back in place, but I know how to unmask him.
Reaching down, I grasp the hand that was in my jeans, pulling it up my mouth. His brow furrows until I start sucking on his thumb, staring deep into his smoldering eyes as I do. “You said you would train my lips,” I purr, amazed at my own brazenness. I love watching him crumble.
“Fucking Vicini, I’d offer him half my territory to stay with you right now,” he growls, making me smirk. “But your sister and the children...”
I nod, knowing he’s not about to offer up anything and our intimate moment is over.
“Replace Ersilia if she doesn’t suit you. Entertain whichever wives you like as often or as rarely as you wish so long as it doesn’t cause discord in the Trio. The choice is yours. But the new phone and the guards are non-negotiable. Your safety and the children are too important to me. Is that better?”
I draw my finger up to my chin, pretending to ponder the matter seriously. “It’s a start.”
Once he leaves for his meeting, I decide to reach out to Frankie, wanting to speak to a married woman. She answers right away, sounding giddy. "I hoped you would call. How are you?"
A bit confused about how to handle my husband.
She offered me her friendship, and I intend to take her up on that.
27
Matilde
“We should go shopping!” Maddalena suggests, excitedly. Her eyes had boggled when she’d seen the credit card Nico gave me.
I glance at the twins, wondering if an outing would be advisable. Yesterday’s excitement with the wedding seems to have rubbed off on them, and they weren’t interested in their morning nap. The city’s snowy streets will be decked out with Christmas lights though, and they enjoy being out and about more now.
Once I agree to ashorttrip, we head into the kitchen where I inform Ugo and Enio of our plans. Enio pulls out his phone and starts texting. “What are you doing?”
“Getting Nico’s approval.”
When my mouth flies open to argue, Ugo shoots me a challenging look. Nico did say the bodyguards were non-negotiable, but I will clarify a few points with my husband later.
Soon enough, Ugo grabs his hat and Enio says he’ll warm up the car while Maddalena and I wrangle kicking baby feet into warm booties.
“They need proper shoes,” Ersilia snips when she sees us prepared to leave at last.
“They can’t walk yet, but they are covered from head to toe.”
“Chicago is not Sicily, and it is winter. Their feet should always be covered, indoors and out, preferably with two pairs of socks.”
Getting two babies ready for an outing is enough work, and I’m quickly losing my patience. “They will be fine.” Nico said I couldreplace her, but it’s not like I’ve ever fired anyone. I manage a pleasant smile. “Would you please inform Nunzia that we will all be having dinner together in the dining room when Mr. Morelli gets home tonight?”
“Not with the children though?”
I blink at her presumption. “Yes,withthe children.”
“Babies are messy eaters. I’m sure Mr. Morelli will not wish to watch them-”
“Mr. Morelli has seen worse.” That’s an understatement and a half, I imagine.