Total pages in book: 163
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 163540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 818(@200wpm)___ 654(@250wpm)___ 545(@300wpm)
Getting home to Olivia just became my only priority.
He threatened her. He’s already killed an innocent woman.
He knows where she works.
I start the car as men are still jumping in. I don’t have time for their delays. “Hurry up!” I yell as they scramble around me. I dial Lorenzo’s number on hands free. My stress levels are at an all-time high.
“Hello.”
“Where’s Olivia?” I snap.
“Asleep in bed.”
“You stand outside her door all night, and you double the security outside the house.”
“W-what’s wrong?” he stammers, sensing the urgency in my voice.
“Lucky Lombardi just demanded I hand over all the brothels or he’ll kill her.”
He pauses for a moment. “He brought your family into this?” This is unheard of, this isn’t how we operate. Women and children have always been safe on both sides in every Ferrara war. This time, we’re dealing with a new level of low life. “You have my word, Enrico. I’ll guard her with my life.”
“We’re headed to the airport now. See you soon.”
Olivia
It’s late and I’m at Bianca’s house, staring at the ceiling from my bed, in complete shock. There’s no chance of me going to sleep anytime soon.
I’m on the pill. How can I be pregnant? Maybe it’s all a big mistake. I should be mortified. I should be freaking out. What I am, is trying to contain my excitement.
A baby.
A part of Rici and a part of me, together in the form of a child.
The most precious gift.
I slowly slide my hand down and rest it over my stomach. A slow burning excitement begins to chase away the initial shock. This is so unexpected. The timing could be a lot better, but we’re getting married already so it’s not like it wouldn’t have happened at some stage in the future.
I wonder what Enrico is going to say. I imagine myself telling him, and him losing his temper… but I already know that’s not going to happen. He wants children.
He talks about having children often. I smile to myself as excitement begins to bubble from deep inside. I pick up my phone and scroll through to his number.
It’s 4:00 a.m.
I wonder if he’s in bed or at work handling the situation. A nagging little voice from deep inside taunts me.
He’s in a brothel… surrounded by beautiful women who all want to sleep with him. I close my eyes as I try to chase away the destructive thoughts. It’s not good for me to let my mind go there. It’s toxic and will only bring jealousy and hurt between us.
When I said yes to marrying him, I said yes to trusting him, too. I have to stand by that decision, no matter how much insecurity his line of work brings.
Should I text him to make sure he’s okay and say goodnight?
No, I’ll probably wake him. I’ll have to wait now.
I put my hand over my stomach again and smile into the darkness as I imagine his face when he finds out.
I can’t wait to tell him.
I wake to my phone dancing on the side table, and I pick it up.
Rici
“Good morning.” I smile sleepily.
“Good morning, my bella. How did you sleep?” he purrs, his voice deep.
I rub my eyes as I try to focus. He has the sexiest fucking voice on earth. “I missed you. I don’t like sleeping alone.”
“I’m just about to get on a plane to come home to you.”
“Good.” I smile.
“Don’t go to work today.”
“What?”
“I want to see you when I get home. Call in sick.”
“I can’t do that.”
“You can.” His voice is commanding. “In fact, why don’t you just resign. You don’t need to work for someone else. You can start your own company now.”
Ugh, not this again.
“I’m not doing that, we already discussed this. And besides, I have meetings all day.” What does he think this is? I can’t just have a day off or resign every time he snaps his fingers.
“I don’t want you going to work until I get home.” “That’s ridiculous. I’ll see you tonight.” “Olivia,” he warns.
He’s beginning to annoy me now. “I have to go, Enrico. I’m going to be late. Have a safe flight. I love you.” I hang up.
The phone rings immediately again and his name lights up the screen.
I exhale heavily. “Yes?”
“Don’t hang up on me.” The phone goes dead as he returns the favor.
I roll my eyes at his dramatics. God, somebody got out of the wrong side of the bed. What’s up his ass? I drag myself out of bed and make my way into the bathroom to pick up the pregnancy test stick that sits on the counter. I stare at it again.
Two lines.
Two perfect lines—the ones that will perhaps change our lives.
I need to book into see a doctor this afternoon. I don’t want to get all excited for nothing. It may be a false alarm. After all, I am on the pill. I think back to the last few months and how regular I’ve been taking them. I missed a few, but I took them the very next day. I’ve accidently done this every once and a while, and never fallen pregnant before.