“Will this house still be the center?”

He shrugged. “That will be up to Marcus. I doubt it. I know he would prefer more distance between the job and his life.” He barked out a laugh. “He is already smarter than me.”

“What about the fund?”

“That’s easy. I think, if Julian is okay with it, we’ll still maintain it. I can get involved, and we can still help the team that way, making sure people are looked after.”

“So, we stay here?”

“No, I still want to take you away from here. Somewhere safe and quiet. We’ll figure it all out. I think, for now, we’ll stay here until the baby is born. I know you’ll get great care with the doctor Geo has recommended, and he will be close. Then we can decide where we go next.”

“All right.” I leaned forward, and he met me halfway, our mouths connecting with tenderness. His kiss always made me feel his love. “I like what the future holds.”

He kissed me again. “Me too, Evie. Me too.”

I pushed some jars aside and peered into the depths of the refrigerator with a dissatisfied groan. I was desperate for grape jelly. On soft, doughy white bread. And a glass of milk.

The problem was it was the same craving I’d had for the past six weeks. Twenty-four hours a day. Matteo had made sure I had several jars of my favorite brand of jelly in the cupboard before he left on another job, but between the cravings and my stress level at his being away, I had eaten it all.

And drank the milk.

I squinted at the clock. It was early—not even seven in the morning. I never slept well when Matteo was gone, and this time was no exception. Even with things winding down, what he did was still dangerous. Despite what he said, I knew he would work until the last day. He assured me he took a back seat to Marcus now, letting him direct the crew, and he was there only as backup and a sounding board, but I still worried.

I shut the door with a huff. Matteo would be home later today, and then I could go to the store and get some more jelly and bread. Or if I texted him, he would stop before getting home. I looked down at my round belly, rubbing it. Even though I was safe, he preferred me not to leave the house without an escort. Preferably him.

“You have to wait, baby girl,” I murmured.

As if in protest, there was a little push against my hand. I laughed quietly. “Just like your father—impatient. There is nothing I can do, so you just have to be patient.”

Matteo had been beside himself with joy when we found out we were having a girl. He showed everyone in the crew the ultrasound picture and framed it, putting it on his desk. He came to every appointment with me, held my hand during tests, rubbed my aching back, and soothed me during the first few months of morning sickness. I think he had rejoiced as much as I did when the first trimester passed and I got my appetite and energy back. He thoroughly enjoyed the other appetites that came with the second trimester, although at times, he swore I was wearing him out.

Sounds from outside drew me to the window. The grounds crew was already here, working in the gardens. I knew they would wait until after eight to start cutting the grass, but since I was awake, there wasn’t really any reason for them to do so. Matteo had only changed that guideline when I became pregnant and he didn’t want my sleep interrupted.

I opened the back door and stepped outside. Over the past couple of months, Matteo had relaxed, and once he did, I found myself feeling better. More open and at ease with my life. I made sure to introduce myself to all the workers allowed on the property. I wanted to be part of the daily activity, and I enjoyed talking to them since I had always loved gardening.

Marcus was busy shadowing all of Matteo’s moves and getting ready to step into his role. I missed him and our friendship. I had a new bodyguard, Sal, who followed me around, ensuring my safety and that the workers understood exactly who I was. I ignored him for the most part. He was even more intense than Marcus but, despite my efforts to be friendly, remained aloof. Still, I went along, doing what I wanted, getting to know everyone, and causing Sal to huff in frustration.

On occasion, Matteo would call me into his office and ask me to “give Sal a break.” But his attempts to hide his grin when he did so let me know he was fine with my behavior. He often kissed me, telling me how proud he was of his wife. The fact that I liked to know the names and people who worked here made him smile. He chuckled at the cases of water and snacks I kept in the shed and handed out when I went to say hello to them. But I noticed how often he would appear by his window, observing me as I went around chatting and making sure everyone was hydrated. He was ever watchful, and I liked knowing he took the time to make sure I was all right.

Tags: Melanie Moreland Men of Hidden Justice Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net