The Butcher's Wife

Chapter Nine

For the past few weeks, work had come before his wife. Giovanni had vowed to always be there for Valentina in the mornings and at night. Only, he’d broken his own rules. He wasn’t there for her in the morning because chasing a rat meant being available day and night.

He often kissed her cheek, then watched her for several minutes before having to chase a brand-new trail.

Seeing Leonardo once again trying to talk and get close to his wife… He was tired of that bastard always getting close. There was no doubt in his mind that Thomas Rossi was right. The only person who would gain from overthrowing that man was Leonardo, and his thirst for power had always been there. That had never changed.

He turned toward his wife. The summer light shone through the break in the curtains, and he stared at his wife, the woman he loved. He wouldn’t forget walking into that basement, seeing the blood dripping from her body, and hearing the pain and suffering in her voice.

Valentina was so strong. She hadn’t given her torturers any news. She had fought so fucking much, and they had hurt her for it. Torn up her back, and then started on her stomach and legs.

He’d made a promise then to always keep an eye on her. To take care of her, to love her. Nothing was ever going to stop the way he felt about her.

Reaching out, he pushed a stray curl back from her face. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

So kind.

So sweet.

All his.

This was why he fought so fucking hard. He didn’t want to give Thomas Rossi any doubt that he deserved his shot with this woman. All he had to do was prove his loyalty, to make it so Rossi had no choice but to offer him the chance of a lifetime, to pick any wife he wanted, and he’d done that.

He brushed his lips across hers.

She let out a moan, and his name fell from her lips.

Giovanni pulled away and watched as she opened her eyes, smiling at him. “Hey,” she said.

“Hey.” He stroked her cheek. “Good morning.”

“Morning.”

“I thought we could enjoy the morning—”

He didn’t get to finish as all too soon, Valentina flung the blanket off, and completely naked, ran to the bathroom.

Giovanni rushed after her. “Valentina?” He got to the bathroom as she started to throw up. After going to her side, he pulled back her hair, giving her some support and rubbing her back as she threw up everything. “I’ve got you,” he said.

She continued to throw up until there was nothing left.

“You shouldn’t see that.” She closed the lid, flushed the toilet, and rested her face flat on the surface.

“You throw up … often?”

Valentina didn’t respond, and as he moved to lay his face on the toilet seat beside her, she quickly covered her mouth. “My breath stinks.”

“Valentina?”

She stared at him, and he looked at the clear blue of her eyes. They were brimming with tears. “I think I … might be … pregnant.”

Giovanni cupped her cheek.

She still had the hand in front of her face. “And you don’t want to be?”

“It’s not that.”

“Do you want to brush your teeth? I’ll get you some dry toast and some water.”