“So, when it’s business or in public, you’ll be removed?”
“Yes. I have to be in order to protect you. To protect us.” He studied me. “Can you handle that? Knowing I’m doing it for your safety?”
“When we’re alone?”
“I will be close. Just be aware of our surroundings when there are other people.” He grimaced. “As I discovered with Frank, there are those who cannot be trusted.”
“I understand.”
“Yet you still look so sad.”
“I like holding your hand and kissing you whenever I like.” I smiled sadly. “I guess I got used to that.”
“You can hold my hand. I can keep you close to me. That would seem natural in my world. But the kissing, no. Any form of public affection.”
“Will you make it up to me?”
He lowered his face. “Every chance I get.”
“Okay, then.”
“Ready to join the real world?”
“As long as you’re with me.”
He held me closer. “I am always with you, Evie. My heart is yours.”
The house bustled with activity when we arrived. I made sure to follow Matteo’s cues when we left the plane. He offered me his hand to help me descend the steps and again to get into the car, then I waited while he spoke with the driver. When he slid in beside me, he lifted my hand to his lips with murmured praise. “That’s my girl.”
Geo and Lila were on hand to greet us when we got home, hugging us. Geo nodded, satisfied with what he saw. “You look well, Evie.”
I met Matteo’s amused glance and smiled. “I am.”
“We brought dinner, so you wouldn’t have to worry about it.”
“Where is Mrs. Armstrong?” Matteo asked, looking around the empty kitchen.
Geo frowned. “She had a heart attack two days ago, Matteo.”
“What? Why was I not informed?”
“She’s fine and resting comfortably. She begged me not to ruin your time away. She told me you never relax enough, and she wanted you to be gone as long as possible with your little angel. I agreed to abide by her wishes since you were returning today and she was doing so well.”
“We should go and see her, Matteo,” I said. Mrs. Armstrong had always been kind to me.
“Yes. Once we’re unpacked and settled. Is she getting private care? Is there anything she needs?”
“I made sure she had the best of everything. She won’t be back to work for a while, and even then, it will be restricted.”
“I’ll have to hire a new housekeeper.”
I laid a hand on his arm. “No, I’ll take care of the house, Matteo.”
He frowned. “I don’t want you doing chores, Evie.”
I laughed. “Mrs. Armstrong has a crew that does the chores weekly—she oversees them. But I can do the cooking and shopping. And if she comes back, I can help her.” I beseeched him with my eyes. “I would like to look after my husband in that way.”
His eyes glittered in the light, and he bent low. “You will be well rewarded for it, my wife.”
I bit my lip and tried not to notice the grins on Geo’s and Lila’s faces.
“I look forward to it.”
Chapter Nine
Evie
Dinner was enjoyable, and I began to relax. Matteo was nowhere near as affectionate, but he was still close. And I knew once we were alone, the tender side of him would be out in full force. I hoped the demanding, possessive side would make an appearance as well.
He and Geo slipped away after dinner for a fast chat, and Lila and I put away the leftovers and sipped some coffee.
“Matteo looks very happy. As do you.”
“I am. I hope he is too. I want him happy. He deserves that,” I added softly.
She regarded me with a wide smile. “You love him.”
“Yes.”
“And he has finally found love with someone—you.”
I traced my finger on the dark wood of the table. “Yes,” I responded. “He does love me.”
“I’m thrilled. I know it’s not an easy life he lives, Evie, but with you in it, he will find some peace and happiness. That has been missing for far too long.”
“Thank you.”
“It will take you some time to adjust, but you will be fine. Remember, the man you love has many faces, and although you may not like them all, he is there, no matter what. I believe Matteo will be a good husband to you.”
“I think so as well.”
Leaning forward, she patted my hand. “If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I remember how overwhelming all this was when I married Geo. I knew what I was getting into, yet at times, it threatened to overwhelm me. This has all been thrust upon you.”
“How did you handle it?”
“I trusted him. I learned how to separate the two lives and be what he needed me to be in both of them. He had to adjust his way of thinking as well, so we learned together.” She chuckled. “We had many spectacular arguments—and some very intense make-up times afterward.”