48. Matilde
Matilde
We have time for one ardent kiss, a fleeting moment, a light in the dark, before there are other matters to deal with. One heated glance, one nod of understanding, and our bound souls resume the roles of the Capo and his wife.
Against everyone's advice, Nico stands when Ugo gives him the casualty report. All the invaders are dead. Their bodies will be buried somewhere deep in the woods to be forgotten. Two Trio men were killed, including the guard who snuck off to visit his girlfriend yesterday.
"I'll pay a call on her once I'm back in Chicago to express my condolences," I comment.
Ugo frowns. "Cosima and her friends wouldn't have found us if he hadn't-"
"He paid for that mistake with his life, so we'll hear no more of it, Ugo. He fought to protect us. He died an honorable man, no?"
"As you say, Mrs. Morelli," my bodyguard agrees, bowing his head in respect.
My husband smirks, his lips brushing my ear. "You'd make an excellent boss someday, wife."
I shake my head, not desiring it, and then shake it again when this stubborn man barely allows the doctor to look him over before insisting he take care of Primo first.
By the time, Nico can limp back to the house, leaning against me, the ATV has returned with Yana, the children and my sister.
"Maddalena!" I cry, rushing to them. I kiss both children, my knees nearly buckling with relief when I confirm they're perfectly fine for myself.
As if it's any other day, Lucia rubs her little ears, indicating she wants her nap, and Amadeo screeches cheerfully when his father lifts him up for a quick hug.
My sister's hands are bloody and her eyes teary, but she gives me a resolute nod when I inquire after an unconscious Primo. "He's going to be okay."
"He will," I echo, praying we're right.
"You followed me out of the tent. Mat, you shouldn't have risked yourself for me."
"I found my twin after eighteen years apart, Mad. I wasn't losing you again."
***
Hours later, Primo has survived surgery and Nico's wounded leg has been treated.
The children, my husband and I are headed back to Chicago in the helicopter while Maddalena has elected to remain with Primo while he recovers on the farm.
"Which means Leone will be forced to watch over them before he can get back to his solitary life with his grumpy goats, chickens and sheep," Nico says.
"Yes. Even Yana plans to leave the farm once she enrolls in college."
"Her fluency in Russian and other Baltic languages might come in handy for the Trio, especially as we continue searching for the other abducted girls. Perhaps if I offered to fund her education…"
I nod, approving of his idea. "You should ask her. It's too bad the babies are asleep. The city lights are magical in the distance."
"Not as magical as our woods though," Nico replies. Our fingers intertwine and we share a soft kiss. "One hundred and eight-nine."
"Still counting kisses?"
"I'll never stop. We have some catching up to do."
I grin, agreeing with the sentiment. "I had a surprise planned for you tonight in the woods."
"Leone told me you dragged his old tent out to the cascades. I'm very sorry I missed the chance to make love to you under the stars tonight."
"I am, too. Sorry for the horrible thing that happened."
"Yes, but she's dead now and the last of her followers will be soon. I'll be glad to have you back home. All of you." My heart swells with his admittance. I knew it, but I wanted to hear it.
Another kiss with more fire. Nico nuzzles my throat, his hand slipping between my thighs. "The children…" I whisper.
"Are asleep."
"The pilot."
"Is doing his job, not watching us."
"You need to heal, Nico."
"A couple of scratches."
"Stubborn man."
"I am. Your stubborn man."
***
Home at last, we stumble into our room once the children are tucked in. Our minds are wrung out, and there's no room for words this late, so we rely on body language to convey everything we're feeling.
The glow of the bedside lamp has Nico's dark eyes smoldering like charcoal as he kisses his way up my torso, claiming every inch of me. "One hundred and ninety-seven." He'll never stop counting our kisses, and I'll never take them for granted.
I gently caress his scars. This man has killed for me. This man would die for me. This man who holds my heart.
I spread my legs in invitation, eager for his possession, longing to be taken. He doesn't disappoint. Staring deep into my eyes, he thrusts, filling me, owning me, piercing my soul with his magnetic heat. "I love you," he murmurs, peppering my shoulders with more kisses.
"And I love you," I repeat, happier than I ever imagined possible.