Violent Beginnings (The Moretti Crime Family 2)

“Thank you. She is a true blessing, and don’t tell Julian I told you this, but she definitely has her daddy wrapped around her finger.”

We both smile at her reply.

“I am not surprised. She is beautiful.”

Elena strokes her full head of hair. “Thank you. With Christmas coming up, we’re going to be going to a few fundraisers. It will be our first time without her.” Elena frowns.

In the world we live in, I cannot imagine leaving any kids we might have with someone even for a few hours.

“I can’t even imagine how scary that is going to be,” I say. “Markus and I aren’t sure if we will have children yet. We just want to enjoy each other.”

Elena nods and smiles. “Of course. Enjoy your new marriage and time together.”

Right on cue, Markus and Julian come walking back into the room. They are both smiling, and when they reach the table, Julian slaps a hand on Markus’s back and looks me right in the eyes. His gaze is penetrating, powerful, frightening, and I have to stop myself from looking away.

“I want to congratulate you. One for reeling this guy in, and two for putting up with his shit. He’s a tough son of a bit—”

“Julian!” Elena scolds, cutting him off.

He looks away for a second and winks at her. “Sorry, beautiful.” Julian is the kind of man that could convince you that the sky wasn’t blue. He’s dangerous and decadent, and he only has eyes for one woman.

Elena merely shakes her head, but I can tell they’re in love; that one look makes her weak in the knees. She loves him wholeheartedly.

He continues, “Like I was saying, congratulations. He’s your responsibility now.”

Markus chuckles, his eyes sparkling with joy, and his happiness is contagious.

What started as someone’s revenge bloomed into love between two unlikely people, and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. He’s everything I could ever hope or wish for. He takes his seat beside me, and I lean into his side.

“I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you too, beautiful.”

And there is nothing like hearing him say, I love you. Especially when I was sure he could never love again.