Chapter 36
“He’s dead?” Catarina repeated, her brows knitting as if she couldn’t quite believe the words. “Matteo Caruso?”
“Yes.” Sal came around his desk, closing the distance. He took her hands in his much larger ones, his dark eyes searching hers. “Are you okay?”
She blinked up at him, her heart squeezing at the concern in his voice. “Of course I’m okay,” she whispered. “I never had feelings for Matteo. He was just my father’s right-hand man.”
Before Sal could respond, Tony stepped into the office. Both turned toward him.
“Your father has been arrested,” Tony said bluntly.
Catarina tilted her head, her expression thoughtful rather than shocked. “Did my father have anything to do with Matteo’s death?”
“Yeah,” Tony confirmed. “The gun used in the shooting was found hidden next to the body with his fingerprints on it. Police also found gunshot residue on your father’s hands. And blood spatter on his shirt as well as the walls of his office…the works.”
“Huh.” Catarina exhaled slowly, then looked back at Sal, catching the way he was still watching her like she might break. “I know I should feel more, but…he was a horrible man. I feel sad for the people he hurt, but not for him.” She straightened, chin lifting. “I don’t care.”
She leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to Sal’s lips. “I have something to do. Is there anything else?”
He moved with her. “If you’re heading down to that back building to see your dog family…don’t you think it’s time to bring them inside? Into the house? It’d be safer. And I’d feel better knowing they, and you, were closer.”
She was startled for a moment, but then her whole demeanor changed. Her entire face lit up like dawn breaking. “You’d really be okay with that? With my dogs in the house?”
“Of course.” His mouth curved in a rare, teasing smile. “Especially since you’ve already been sneaking them in for baths and warmth during the cold nights.”
Her mouth dropped open. “How did you—?”
Sal tipped his head toward Tony. “There’s nothing you can hide from him. Honestly, I think he knows what you’re going to do before you even decide to do it.” He bent close, mock-whispering in her ear, “It’s creepy.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “If they’re coming in, I’m going to train them to be guard dogs.” He walked out before either of them could laugh.
Catarina did laugh anyway, a delighted, bubbling sound. “Guard dogs? My puppies? I’d pay to see that!” When they were alone again, she looked up at Sal. “You really don’t mind?”
“Mind?” he scoffed, but his eyes softened. “Cata—”
Whatever he’d been about to say was cut short by her squeal of joy as she launched herself at him. Sal caught her easily, though he stumbled a step before steadying. Her happiness was so pure, so radiant, that his chest ached.
“I love you!” she blurted, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. Then she realized what she’d just said and pulled back. Her eyes widened and she looked up at him, flustered. “I was just—I mean—I didn’t—”
But Sal only tightened his grip, carrying her to the sofa and sitting down with her straddling his lap. She squirmed, embarrassed, but he held her hips firmly in place.
“Say it again,” he ordered, his voice low and rough, sliding his hands beneath her sweater.
“You…should…uhhm…” she faltered, her blush deepening.
“You should tell me you love me,” he rumbled, his mouth brushing hers, “or I’ll have to punish you.”
Her lips twitched as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Promise?”
His growl vibrated against her throat as he pinched her nipple, swallowing her gasp with a kiss. “I love you too,” he confessed fiercely. “Damn it, Cata, I love you so much you make me crazy.”
Leaning closer, she whispered against his mouth, her lips trembling with the truth. “I love you, Salvatore Romano. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I know that’s not a very high bar…but you’ve made me happier than I ever thought possible.”
“Even though I still haven’t taught you how to drive yet?” he teased, his voice low and rough.
She froze, her eyes going wide. “That’s right!” she gasped, suddenly trying to wriggle off his lap. “You’ve broken our wedding vows!”
Sal threw his head back and laughed, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. Before she could escape, he stood up with her and hooked an arm around her waist while pulling her firmly back against him. “Then I’ll just have to remedy that very soon,” he growled, nipping at her neck.
Her laughter rang down the hallway as he carried her toward the stairs, her face tucked against his neck.
Neither of them paid much attention to Tony striding past in the opposite direction. The man snorted, muttering under his breath, “Again?” as if it were the most predictable thing in the world.