Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
Everything after that was a blur. As soon as they were in the vehicle, Joseph put up the divider and lowered his lips to hers. This kiss was different from the last. All consuming, all possessing, and full of promise. She should be angry yet lacked the will and energy to fight. Her resolve to surrender was now the only focus on her mind. Tomorrow be damned. They would have tonight.
The driver rapped on the window to let them know they’d arrived at the apartment building. Joseph cursed the man as he broke off their kiss. Taking Angelina’s hand in his, she followed him to their flat. As soon as they entered, Joseph cut the feed on the security cameras and pulled her back into his arms.
“Why did you turn off the cameras?” Her voice was raspy.
“The last thing I want is for your father to get an eyeful of me ravishing his daughter.”
She wiggled herself free. “You leave me alone for a week, send me gifts every day, then expect me to simply let you fall on top of me?” It was exactly what she wanted. Damn her pride.
“You can be on top. I’m fine with whatever you decide.” He cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb across her lower lip.
“Joseph, you make my head spin.” Giddiness and warmth filled every inch of her soul.
“I’d rather make your heart race.”
Angelina fanned herself. “You already do. I feel like I’m going to faint sometimes.”
“Just breathe.” He pulled her against his chest again. “Have you eaten yet?”
“No. I’d like to take a shower first.” Carrying heavy bolts of fabric all day had left her sweaty and full of lint.
“Of course. I had dinner delivered. We’ll eat when you’re ready. All right?” He dropped a kiss to her forehead.
“Yes.” Her knees wobbled a bit as she hurried to her room. Whether it was from hunger for him or the food, time would tell.
“Oh, and Angel.”
“Yes?” She paused and pressed her hand on the doorframe to her room.
“I left something on your bed.”
What had he been doing in her bedroom? His behavior was confusing. Did she have reason to trust it? The incredibly handsome man had her emotions skittering all over the place.
It was hard to not miss the box on the bed. She’d recognized the Madison’s Designs logo anywhere. As tempted as she was to tear it open, the need to freshen up first was imperative. After a quick shower, Angelina eyed the present as she dressed in a nude bra and panty set.
She undid the black satin ribbon, lifted the lid, and pressed a hand to her heart. The dress was black and soft to the touch. Angelina held it up in front of her and stared in the full-length mirror. It was off the shoulder. Ditching the bra, she stepped into the gown and zipped up the back. Had Madison designed it for her? It fit perfectly as if it were made especially for her.
Studying her reflection in the mirror, the details of the dress stood out even more. It was fitted at the waist and overlayed with a sheer netting of velvet flowers and subtle dark sequins. Like a little girl, she twisted back and forth making the skirt sparkle in the light. It was understated glamour, yet elegant and youthful.
Twisting her hair up in the back, she used a plain clip to hold it in place. Rummaging in her jewelry case, she found the perfect earrings for the dress. The simple diamond studs she’d received from Joseph for her sweet sixteen twinkled under the light. Knowing her parents would have said they were too much, she’d hidden them.
Taking one last look in the mirror, Angelina barely recognized the woman staring back. The last week had changed her. A real job, reuniting with Joseph, and the determination to find what was her purpose in the world made her feel invincible. No matter what the rest of the evening held, Angelina planned to enjoy herself even if it meant falling into the arms of a stunningly sexy, mafia man.
Even though he said he’d meet her outside, Angelina bit back her disappointment when he wasn’t present to see her entrance. She’d have to wait a bit longer to see the expression on his face. Her high heels lengthened her legs and gave her hips an extra wiggle when she walked. How Bella could strut so easily in them was beyond her.
The sunset was magnificent. The night sky filled with deep shades of purple and green. It drew her to the edge of the deck. The stupid glass was the only barrier between her and the stunning view.
“The only thing more beautiful than this view is you.” His breath on her neck sent chills down her spine. The heat from his hands on her bare shoulders rose goosebumps on her skin.
Would the surprises never stop? The table was dressed in its finest. Candles flickered. The crystal glasses and candleholders mirrored the blue and orange colors of the evening sky.
“Please. Take a seat.” The only sound besides the slide of her chair as he pushed it closer to the table was the occasional snap of wood from a nearby fireplace.
“Whatever we are having smells amazing.” Out of the corner of her eye, what she thought was a napkin was actually a black box by her plate. “And what is this? Joseph, you’re too much.”
“Open it.” He nudged it in her direction.
“The dress, the food, everything. I really don’t need anything else.” To know he cared would be gift enough.
“It goes with the dress,” he hinted.
“Did your mother design this?”
“Just for you.” He winked.
“What? How? When?” It was like being in a romantic movie or book. He was the hero of the story and her dreams.
“She made it for you a while ago. It was supposed to be a graduation present but with everything going on, it slipped her mind and left it behind. I promised I would find a special occasion for you to wear it. Come on. Open the box.”
The man was worse than a kid on Christmas morning. Ever since he’d shown up tonight butterflies had taken flight in her stomach. They were fluttering like a glittering of hummingbirds. The box creaked as she opened it. She gasped at the necklace nestled in the box. It was a simple silver chain with what appeared to be a black diamond pendant.
“It’s gorgeous.” And the fact that it was made just for her, made it even more breathtaking.
Joseph rose, took it from her hands, and clasped it around her neck before dropping a kiss on her nape and returning to his seat. “Like you.”
The weight and symbolism were heavy on her neck. “You shouldn’t have.”
“I didn’t.” He dropped to his knee. But this one is from me.”
Her heart skittered. “Joseph. No. You don’t have to do this.”
“I was always going to do this. From our first kiss on another patio so far away, it was set in stone.”
When he pulled a small box from his suit pocket, her eyes filled with tears. Tomorrow reality would return. Would it hurt to imagine their engagement was real for the time being?
“It was always you. Since we were kids, you were my best friend. My one true love. Make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife.” Her fingers shook as he slipped the square cut, vintage-looking diamond ring on hers.
“I, I, . . .”
“You don’t have to say yes today. We’re just getting used to being together again. It will take time, but I warn you, I’m not giving up on us.” Joseph held both her hands in his.
The growl of her stomach broke the mood.
“I’m sorry. You must be starved.” Joseph stood and uncovered their plates. The scent of roasted chicken filled the air.
As she lifted a glass of champagne to her lips, the weight of the ring made her wish for a happily ever after. Refusing to think too much about the proposal, she let the delicious aromas of food take her away. Angela dropped the napkin into her lap and dug into the tender meat.
Except for the roaring fire and sounds from the street below, silence filled the air as they ate quietly. A thousand thoughts flashed though her brain as he held her left hand on the table the whole time.
“I can’t believe this. It reminds me of my favorite meal at Caponelli’s.” And all the good times they’d shared there.
“That’s because it was.”
“What? You can’t be serious. Joseph, you had my favorite dish flown in?”
“No, I had the chef flown in and he prepared it here. You just missed him.”
“I’m stunned.” It was like a fairytale.
“And your favorite dessert.” He uncovered the last dish to reveal a chocolate cheesecake.
She held back a groan of delight as she dug in. It was heavenly.
“Most women want lobster or steak for a special meal, you love chicken and cheesecake.”
“It’s chicken cacciatore. What do you know of most women?” A moan finally escaped as the decadent dessert hit her tastebuds.
“I’ve been with a few.” He pierced the cake with his fork. “They were only substitutes for you.”
Jealousy reared its ugly head. “Joseph. I don’t understand.”
“Understand what?”
“You. This.” She gestured the fork back and forth between the two of them. “You hurt me years ago. So much so that I swore off men and yet you dated?”
“You mean you’re still a . . .”
“Don’t even go there. You know there was never anyone serious. You ruined me, and now you think you can walk back into my life like nothing happened. You propose like we’ve been dating for years. It’s too fast.”
“I’m making up for lost time. And remember, I didn’t walk away from you. You were taken from me. They told me I had to give you up to protect you. Which shows you right there how much I cared. I did their bidding but no more. I refuse to pretend anymore. We will be a real couple.”
“I guess it’s water under the bridge.” She continued to eat, not willing to let this wonderful food go to waste. “It was years ago.”
“You’re right. I still don’t know why they did it. We are meant to be together forever. Forever starts now.”
“I hope so too.” She set her fork down. “Have you ever thought maybe they wanted you to marry outside the family? You will be the don. It would be advantageous for them to look outside the box.”
“You and I both know that’s not going to happen. Max will be the leader.” Joseph tossed his napkin on the table. “I don’t care what the reason was or is, I only care about you here and now. Don’t you feel the same way?”
“Of course. It’s just been a lot to go through in a short amount of time.” She took another sip of champagne. The alcohol relaxed her. “I want to see where this goes, but I can’t agree to a marriage so soon.”
“Like I said, I understand. Will you at least wear the ring for now?”
“Yes. And thank you for this. How you remembered all these little things about me means a lot. It’s a start, but we have a long way to go.” Angelina pushed back her chair. Joseph took her hand.
He stood and cupped her cheek. “I gave you those earrings for your sweet sixteen.”
“It’s why I wore them. They were my favorite gift.”
“You didn’t know it at the time but I worked and saved my money for almost a year to buy you those. The fact that you kept them all these years proves I did mean something to you.”
“You do mean something to me.” It was true.
“Then let me give you something else to think about.” He pulled her into his arms so fast and so fierce it took her breath away. The kiss was full of passion. Erotic and lustful. Her breasts were tight against his chest. He threaded his fingers through her hair. As fast as the kiss started, it ended.
Angelina was left panting and stunned. She stared up at him. His eyes were full of passion and promises.
“Maybe we need to find a new family to make you the queen of.” Joseph suggested. “Our family.”
“Maybe. I think the alcohol has gotten to me. I don’t feel so well.” She’d only had one glass of champagne, but her head weighed a ton while the rest of her body felt weak. She staggered away. What was happening to her?
“Angelina, what’s wrong? Let me help you.” Even Joseph’s voice sounded off as she wiggled out of his arms.
Her brain was groggy as she maneuvered the short distance to her room. Angelina wobbled on her heels and let out a sigh when she finally collapsed on the bed. The room spun as she rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling. Then everything went black.
“Joseph?” she mumbled through her cotton-dry mouth as someone gathered her in up in his arms and carried her out of the room. Why was everything upside down? Angelina fought the urge to vomit as her head bobbed back and forth against the person’s back.
Her focus may have been off, but the man wasn’t Joseph. Joseph always smelled nice. This guy? Well, he did not. A cold plastic surface stuck to her face as she was placed in a car. She rubbed her eyes.
“What’s goin . . .stop. I’m going to be . . .” She heaved against a cloth pressed over her mouth and nose. Darkness enveloped her once again.