The Italian

“Where’s Olivia?” I snap.

“Asleep in bed.”

“You stand outside her door all night, and you double the security outside the house.”

“W-what’s wrong?” he stammers, sensing the urgency in my voice.

“Lucky Lombardi just demanded I hand over all the brothels or he’ll kill her.”

He pauses for a moment. “He brought your family into this?” This is unheard of, this isn’t how we operate. Women and children have always been safe on both sides in every Ferrara war. This time, we’re dealing with a new level of low life. “You have my word, Enrico. I’ll guard her with my life.”

“We’re headed to the airport now. See you soon.”

Olivia

It’s late and I’m at Bianca’s house, staring at the ceiling from my bed, in complete shock. There’s no chance of me going to sleep anytime soon.

I’m on the pill. How can I be pregnant? Maybe it’s all a big mistake. I should be mortified. I should be freaking out. What I am, is trying to contain my excitement.

A baby.

A part of Rici and a part of me, together in the form of a child.

The most precious gift.

I slowly slide my hand down and rest it over my stomach. A slow burning excitement begins to chase away the initial shock. This is so unexpected. The timing could be a lot better, but we’re getting married already so it’s not like it wouldn’t have happened at some stage in the future.

I wonder what Enrico is going to say. I imagine myself telling him, and him losing his temper… but I already know that’s not going to happen. He wants children.

He talks about having children often. I smile to myself as excitement begins to bubble from deep inside. I pick up my phone and scroll through to his number.

It’s 4:00 a.m.

I wonder if he’s in bed or at work handling the situation. A nagging little voice from deep inside taunts me.

He’s in a brothel… surrounded by beautiful women who all want to sleep with him. I close my eyes as I try to chase away the destructive thoughts. It’s not good for me to let my mind go there. It’s toxic and will only bring jealousy and hurt between us.

When I said yes to marrying him, I said yes to trusting him, too. I have to stand by that decision, no matter how much insecurity his line of work brings.

Should I text him to make sure he’s okay and say goodnight?

No, I’ll probably wake him. I’ll have to wait now.

I put my hand over my stomach again and smile into the darkness as I imagine his face when he finds out.

I can’t wait to tell him.

* * *

I wake to my phone dancing on the side table, and I pick it up.

Rici

“Good morning.” I smile sleepily.

“Good morning, my bella. How did you sleep?” he purrs, his voice deep.

I rub my eyes as I try to focus. He has the sexiest fucking voice on earth. “I missed you. I don’t like sleeping alone.”