25. Lars
I’m rinsing the last plate when my phone vibrates on the counter. I don’t need to look at the screen to know who it is.
Neomi glances at me and I raise my index finger to my lips, telling her to be quiet.
I answer the call, “Hi, Aunt Vi.”
“I didn’t get to tell you happy birthday, Caro Mio. Enzo said you took a trip. How was Las Vegas?”
Her tone is sweet, but I know she’s digging for information.
“It was great. I only have a couple of minutes to talk, have a meeting with the Saints.”
“So, you went by yourself?”
Neomi’s eyes go wide.
“I had fun, Vi. Great meal, gambled,” I smile at Neomi, “and I won—big.”
Neomi’s cheeks turn the prettiest shade of pink as Violette huffs on the other end of the line. “Lars Marchetti, I will march down to Austin, show up at your door and beat the truth out of you.”
I laugh. “No, you won’t, you hate the heat and you love me too much.”
“You’re right about the heat. Enzo told me you have news for us. I couldn’t form a threat strong enough to get the information out of him, so I’m left with seeing how weak you are.”
“Vi, I think you know I never tell my secrets until I’m ready.”
She sighs. “I know…Just tell me you're safe and that you have your wits about you.”
“I’m safe and my wits are present and accounted for,” I say as I grab a disinfectant wipe and clean the stovetop.
“Good. I miss you, Lars. Find Sera and get back home, okay?”
“I think you just miss my cooking,” I tease.
“Zara made Sunday sauce, just as good as yours. So, no, it’s not the food. I don’t like having you so far away.”
“You’re fine, Vi. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I love you, Caro Mio.”
“Love you too. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
We say our goodbyes, and I disconnect the call. Turning back to Neomi, she has a smile on her lips and her eyes are sparkling.
“She seems interesting.”
I shake my head. “You have no idea.”
I place my phone face down on the island and take Neomi’s hand, raising her from the chair.
“Time for a tour.”
I guide her through the living room, explain the remotes to her, show her the laundry room and then lead her to my bedroom.
“This is our room. There’s plenty of room in the closet, en suite bathroom over there. I sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door, but I think you know that.”
She walks into the room and sits on the bed, testing the bounce. “Comfy.”
I walk to her and take her hand in mine again. “I have to get going. Is there anything you need?”
She stands, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Nope, I’m going to shower and then crawl into this comfortable bed.”
I push her hair behind her shoulder and kiss her collarbone. “I won’t be long. Hopefully, you’ll be awake when I get back.”
Her gaze flicks past me, down the hallway, toward the closed door.
“What’s in there?” she asks lightly.
I pull back to look at her. “That room doesn’t open until you understand what it means to walk inside it.”
Her brow arches. “What do you mean?”
I lower my voice. “That’s my office. The details of my work are in there. Eventually, if you want to know more, I’ll open that door and tell you, but for now, let’s just get you introduced to the family.”
She studies me for a long moment, searching my eyes. Then she nods.
“Okay.”
She reaches for my hand, lacing our fingers together.
“I trust you. Don’t make me regret that.”
I don’t answer with words. Instead, I pull her into me, guiding her lips to mine. The heat of the kiss builds slowly. Her hands slide up my chest, fingers curling into my shirt.
“My wife,” I say against her mouth.
She exhales softly, forehead resting against mine. “Say it again.”
“My wife,” I repeat, quieter this time. “Mine.”
I place a kiss at the corner of her mouth. “Unpack, take your shower. I’ll be back soon.”