Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80572 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
I get down on one knee next to her. I stroke my thumb across her cheek, and her eyelids flutter closed. I cup her jaw, absorbing the details with ease. I take my time. I run my fingers through her hair, from her scalp all the way to where the glossy tendrils touch the floor.
"Did anyone see you dressed like this?"
She shakes her head. "No one, sir. I had Marialena help me pick out the clothes. We brought them in here. She and Gino escorted me, because I didn't want to disobey the rule about not entering the club. I figured if I were with them… and didn't look at anything… I was technically not actually in the club. I mean…" She trails off, as if she's worried that I'm going to lose my temper.
She's never seen me lose my temper, and I'd like to keep it that way. She nervously picks up where she left off. "I mean, technically I know I'm in the club, but you told me that you didn't want me in here…"
"Eden. Stop."
She closes her mouth and meets my eyes.
"Good girl." Love the way her cheeks turn pink when I praise her. I bend and lift her off the floor, carrying her to the huge bed that’s sitting in the corner of the room. But I don't lay her on the bed. I sit on the edge of the mattress with her on my lap, running my hand up and down the length of her back.
She rests her head on my shoulder, her arms coming around me. I don't know how many people would know what it took for her to do this. Dressing like this goes against everything she's ever been taught. Even taking the risk, not knowing how I was going to react.
My chest swells with pride. "You’re so brave. I know this isn't easy for you. I'm proud of you for coming in here, and trying to put everything that's in your past—”
She kisses me. I freeze, startled by the feel of her lips on mine. Her delicate hand brushes across the stubble on my jaw and then both of her hands are on my face, framing it as she continues to kiss me.
I'm the one that initiates. I'm the one that takes control. But I know this is her way of thanking me, and if she can be brave, and if she can try new things, so can I.
When she pulls away her eyes are wide, as if her behavior startles even herself.
“I—didn't mean to do that."
"Kiss me? Are we going to apologize for kissing?”
When she gives me that grin that splits her face wide open, I hold her to me and squeeze.
"I know this is hard for you. And I am so honored that you did this.” I smile at her. “I like you in your simple clothes. And you’re beautiful in these, too.” I stroke her cheek. “I have plans for you tonight.”
My phone rings.
For some reason, Eden’s eyes dance at me. “It’s okay,” she says gently. “Answer it.”
“What’s so funny?”
“You hate that phone.”
“It’s annoying.” I glance at the screen. God. “I have to take this.”
“One of your brothers?”
I sigh. “My mother.” I swipe the phone angrily. “Hello?”
“Sergio.” Just the sound of my mother’s voice makes me clench the phone harder.
“Yes?”
“Are you coming to dinner tonight?”
“Tonight? Timeo said tomorrow.”
“I can’t trust that boy to relay one goddamn message.” I hear her blow out a breath and can imagine the billow of smoke from her menthol-flavored cigarette billowing around her. “Tonight. The Rossis are here, and they’re here for you.”
“I know, I just didn’t know it was tonight.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Yeah, of course I’ll be there.”
Tonight was supposed to be my night with Eden. I promised to show her what the club has to offer.
If I’m honest, I was eager to see what she had to offer.
“Yeah. I’ll be there.”
Eden looks up at me and waits for an explanation.
I had so many things I wanted to do with her tonight. I shake my head.
"I want you to come home with me."
She stares up at me. To any other woman, telling them to come home with me would mean I want to sleep with them.
Eden just gives me a curious look and tips her head to the side. "Home?"
"My cousins and the family have come down for dinner. I need to talk with them, and they wanna thank me for saving Mario. As if I wouldn't save my best friend's life. And I want you to meet… Okay, I don't want you to meet my mother, but that's inevitable. I want you to meet Nonna, and my aunt, and the rest of my cousins.”
"You want me to meet your family?”
I nod. "I do."
"Of course. You’ve given me so much, it's the least I can do. But aren't you afraid that I'm going to… step out of line? I don't know anything about modern culture, or… much of anything, really."