Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
“How about I take him home and see if I can humble him?” Vito asked.
“Go on, get out of here.” Coach waved toward the door. “Go celebrate.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
When we were far enough away that Coach couldn’t hear us, I turned to Vito. “You don’t have to embarrass me like that.”
He laughed. “Get used to it. I’m not going to do anything to fuck up your career and neither is my family. We’re behind you one hundred percent, but I will make sure everyone knows you’re mine. I don’t mind staking my claim whenever and wherever I need to.”
I sighed. “This isn’t going to be easy.”
“No, I’m not used to being in the spotlight with a superstar, but I’ll learn how to handle it.”
We got into Vito’s SUV, and I took his hand. “You shouldn’t have to be in my shadow, especially not when you felt like you were always in Val’s growing up.”
“It’s not the same at all. I think I was looking at a lot of things the wrong way. I don’t need to be the one in control—not always.”
“Just in bed?”
He grinned. “Most of the time. I just needed to know I was loved.”
“You are, Vito, by me and by the rest of your family.”
“Even without them, you’d be enough.”
“You need them too.”
“You’re right. I realize I have to be able to rely on them. Benito could’ve killed me, and we wouldn’t be here together now.”
“I’m not used to having a dangerous family, or really any family, supporting me, but I suppose I’ll get used to it.”
“You will.”
“I want to. I need more than just hockey. I need people and excitement, just not the excitement of losing all my money at the casino.”
“Nor the excitement of taking a loan from someone like Benito.”
“Oh no. I would so much rather borrow money from someone like you, because you’re so safe.”
Vito rolled his eyes. “To you, I am.”
“I know, and I’m thankful for that every minute of every day.”
“I love you, baby, and I’m going to be right here supporting you, watching you become the star I know you can be.”
“I love you too.”
“So, you think we can take a little time before the celebration?” He glanced suggestively toward the backseat.
“Vito, I don’t think—”
“I’ll make it quick.” He pulled me to him, and I glanced at the time.
“Very quick,” I said, before I crushed his mouth to mine.
35
EPILOGUE
SEVEN MONTHS LATER
VITO
Ilooked down at everyone from the balcony of DiGiulio’s, Lucien’s restaurant. I’d been mingling, drinking, and eating for hours, and I needed a moment to catch my breath. Zeke and I had gotten married in a small ceremony several months ago, then waited until the end of the NHL season to have our big celebration.
Zeke was on the floor below, laughing with Peter and Lucien. I loved seeing him relaxed and comfortable with my family, but I was even more excited about our upcoming honeymoon. We’d have two whole weeks alone on a Caribbean island. No hockey games, no assignments from my father or Lucien, just the two of us and no demands. I wondered if we’d even get out of bed.
My brother and Liam joined Zeke and the others. Liam pulled Zeke into a tight hug, and I fought a curl of jealously. Liam was head over heels for my brother, but I still didn’t like anyone but me touching Zeke. Would I always feel this possessive? Maybe. But possibly the longer we were together the more I’d learn to accept that Zeke and I belonged to each other, and that I didn’t have to worry he would be taken from me.
I took a deep breath. It was time to go back downstairs. I needed Zeke back by my side. I glanced at my phone. I was almost midnight. Had we stayed long enough? Did I care? I was ready to take Zeke home and remind him just how thoroughly he belonged to me.
Before I could head his way, Zeke turned and looked up at me. Had he known I was watching him the whole time? Could he sense when I was around like I could him? The thought made my pulse speed up. I loved him so fucking much.
He broke away from the family group and headed up the stairs toward me. I didn’t take my eyes off him. He was perfection in his tux, and I loved the way his thigh muscles strained against his pants as he moved. He could easily have taken the steps two at a time, but he moved slowly, seeming to enjoy the way I was watching him.
“Close your mouth, you’re drooling,” he said as he reached me.
“Fuck off.”
His sly smile made my cock stir. “How about you fuck me instead?”
“Ready to head to the hotel?” We had a room by the airport since our flight left in a matter of hours.