Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
It’s been two weeks since I thought my life was taken from me. Two weeks since I made a vow to never let my wife out of my sight again. And I haven’t. Except her insistence that I’m not allowed to follow her when she goes to the bathroom. I do, however, stand right outside the door.
Daniella makes me turn on the faucet. Something about mystery between married couples and shit like that.
I don’t give a fuck. I just can’t leave her.
I finally got her back to Vegas, though.
Along with her parents and siblings, because they wouldn’t leave her.
I honestly don’t mind it. I know how much having her father and brother gives her a sense of peace.
Although I will say that our apartment wasn’t made for a large family. I can’t wait to find a house with her, to create a home together.
Daniella slowly peels her eyes open. I’ve been watching her, waiting for her to wake up. “You’re watching me sleep again.” She smiles.
“I like looking at you,” I tell her.
Something flashes in her eyes. But whatever it is, it’s gone again before I can decipher it.
Daniella smiles wider. “I like when you look at me.”
“Good, because I plan to be looking at you for the rest of our lives.” I lean down and press my lips against hers briefly. “What do you want to do today?”
One of the benefits of nepotism is I don’t need to rush back to work. And when I do have to go back, it’s going to be a take your wife to work day. Every fucking day.
“I want to do something, but you’re not going to like it too much.” Daniella says, and I already know she’s right.
“Then maybe you should come up with another plan,” I suggest.
“I really want to do this thing. But I need you to let me go out, just for an hour—two tops—with my dad and Aurelio,” she says.
“Why can’t I come wherever you’re going?”
“Because you can’t.”
“You were right. I don’t like it,” I tell her.
I know it’s not fair for me to put my issues with letting her go on her.
It’s not fair to let them impact her life.
But I can’t help it. “The last time I let you go off without me following you, I almost lost you, Daniella. I can’t take that risk again. ”
“I’m going to be with my dad. Nothing will happen to me when I’m with him,” she says.
My wife thinks highly of her dad’s abilities to keep her safe.
I, on the other hand, have major fucking issues with the fact that she was taken from his house.
Someone managed to build a fucking tunnel right under his goddamn nose without him knowing about it.
So, forgive me for not having the same blind faith in the man that she does.
“I really don’t want you to go anywhere I’m not with you.”
Daniella’s face drops. I know if I really stick to my guns about this, she won’t push it. But I also want her to be able to do whatever it is she wants.
“But, if I can’t go with you, can you at least take Aiden or my dad?” I trust those two men more than anyone else I know.
“Okay, I’ll take Aiden. I’m not bothering your dad with this little errand. Aiden, though, I don’t mind bothering so much,” she says.
“Thank you.” I lean in and kiss her again. “How long will you be gone? And where did you say you were going?”
“Nice try, Bianchi. I didn’t say where. It will be quick—one to two hours max. Promise.” Daniella laughs.
“Okay, but I really don’t understand why I can’t come.” I pout.
“Trust me. It’ll be worth it.”
“I love you.” I wrap my arms around her, pulling her body up against mine.
“I love you.”
“You’re going to wear a hole in the marble,” Rosie says.
“She should be back by now.” I check my phone again.
“CJ, she is fine. I just spoke to Gio. They’re on their way back now. You need to relax. The last thing I need is my daughter coming home to a dead husband because he had a bloody heart attack from stress,” Mrs. De Bellis says.
“Sorry.” I know the last couple of weeks haven’t been easy for her either. She lost her house, everything they owned, and she almost lost her daughter. “You’re right. She’s fine.” I nod.
“She is,” Mrs. Bianchi agrees.
“Huh, that’s interesting,” Rosie hums while looking at her phone.
“What?”
“Faith Williamson is here,” she says. “In Vegas. She came with her cousin, Kyla.”
Aiden told me all about how weird Elias was when they went to Faith’s family’s club the night Daniella was taken. I pull out my phone and send a message to Elias.
Me:
Did you see the latest arrival into Sin City?
Elias:
Something wrong with the shipment?
I chuckle. Of course, the idiot thinks I’m talking about work.
Me:
No idea. I’m out of the loop on that front. I do, however, know a private jet carrying none other than Faith Williamson just landed.
Elias:
And why is this interesting?
Me:
Pretty woman like that, in a city full of sin? I’m sure she’s about to have the whole what happens in Vegas experience.
My message is read but I don’t get a response. I got under his skin. My cousin, the cold, ruthless cartel heir isn’t so cold after all.
When the elevator opens, Daniella is the first person I look for, my body relaxing the moment I see her. But then my gaze moves to what’s in her arms.
“What’s that?” I ask her.
“This is our new kitten. Well, one of them.” Daniella hands the tiny furball to me. Then she plucks a matching one from her dad’s hands. “And this is the second one.”
“You bought… kittens?” I blink at her.
Aiden sneezes. “I’m out. I won’t be visiting anytime soon,” he says.
“Bye.” Daniella smiles. “Thanks for your help.”
“Anytime, sissy.” Aiden salutes her as he walks back into the elevator.
“You took him to buy kittens. You did know he was allergic, right?”
“Yes, but it’s because of him that you never had a kitten as a child, so he can suffer for an hour.” Daniella smirks at me. “I want you to have everything you want in life, CJ.”
“I have you. You are everything I want.”
“I’m going to set the litter up. And their food and water,” Gio says. “I can’t believe I’m the grandfather of fucking cats.”
“Dad, they can hear you!” Daniella covers the tiny kitten’s ears.
“Well, I think they’re adorable.” Mrs. De Bellis pats the one I’m holding. “I’m going to drag him out of here so you two can have some alone time,” she whispers.
“Thanks, Mum,” Daniella says, not looking up from the cat in her hands.
As soon as the apartment is empty, we head into the living room and sit on the sofa, each holding a kitten.
I look to my wife. “What are their names?”
“I didn’t name them. I feel like that’s something we should do together.”
“Okay, what names are you thinking?” I can’t believe she did this for me. The little kitten I’m holding is the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever seen, other than my wife.
“Well, they’re both boys. I think this little guy looks like a Leo.”
“Leo it is,” I say. “And this one?” I hold up the cat in my hands and search its tiny face. There’s a black spot on his right cheek. “Maybe Spot?”
“Spot sounds great. Well, Leo and Spot, welcome to your new family. We are going to love you guys so much,” Daniella tells them.
“We are,” I agree.
“I’m really happy, CJ.” Daniella looks up at me. “With you, here. I’m really happy.”
“Me too. You make me the happiest guy in the world, Daniella. I can’t believe you got kittens. No one has ever done anything like this for me.”
“Well, I will always get you whatever you want. I’ll find a way. Always,” she says.
“All I want is you. Anything else is just a bonus.” My free hand cups her cheek as I press my lips to hers.
This right here is everything I’ve always wanted. And it’s mine. This woman took my heart years ago, and I never want her to give it back.