Page 159 of Arturo's Temptation
“No.” I scoffed, pain radiating through me as I shifted in my seat. “Why would I apologise? Last time I checked fallin’ in love ain’t a crime.”
“When you took this job, I made it clear that you weren’t to touch my daughter.”
“Things change.” I replied, relaxing back in the chair, not giving a shit what Lorenzo said or did next.
“Why her? Why my daughter?”
“Cause she’s everythin’. Everythin’ I’m not and for the first time I can breathe. She makes me want to live.” Visions of Bella smiling at me made my chest warm and my face crack up with a smile of my own.
“You really fucked things up for me.” He leaned forward, his forearms resting on his desk. “How’s she supposed to focus on the business with a newborn to contend with?”
“With me bein’ a hands on father, exactly like mine was. I won’t stand in Bella’s way, I’ll stand beside her and help her in any way she needs or wants.” My eyes flickered to an old photo of Luca, Bella, and Andre as kids stood outside what looked like Disney World. My lips quirked up as I spotted braces in her mouth. “Just ‘cause Luca couldn’t manage to take over with a child, doesn't mean Bella can’t.”
“How can you be so sure?” he asked, his eyes narrowing.
“‘Cause it’s Bella.” He nodded at this. Quirking my eyebrows up, grateful this shitty conversation was over and lurched to my feet, heading for the door. “Lorenzo, your daughter means the fuckin’ world to me. I’d burn it down for her if I had to. You should know I plan on marryin’ that girl with or without your blessin’.” His eyes hardened. “But… it’d be a hell of a lot easier with it.”
“You’d marry her without my approval?”
“Yeah, I would.” I turned to face him, his face a picture of defeat. “Try and stop me if ya like, but I promise you, it won’t change a fuckin’ thing.” Done, I pulled the door open.
“Arturo, wait…” Licking my stiff and busted lip, I turned back and lifted an eyebrow in question. “One question… You could have gotten out of those cable ties at any time.”
“That ain’t a question.” I pointed out. He gave me a faint smirk.
“Why didn’t you?”
I blew out a breath and shrugged. “‘Cause you needed it. You were harbourin’ so much hate for me and I figured it’d be the easiest way to get it out of your system.”
“Okay, just… do me one favour?” I nodded. “Don’t hurt my daughter, Arturo.” he warned.
“You ain’t gotta worry. I’d die before I hurt her.” I heard him let out a deep breath before answering me.
“Then you have my blessing to be together. But mark my words, I ever find out that you’ve hurt her I’ll end your fucking life, got it?”
“I swear, if I ever hurt Bella, I give you my permission to kill me.” With a chuckle I turned and threw out one last jibe. “Just let me know when I can start callin’ you dad, yeah?” I chuckled through a wince.
“Don’t push your luck, boy.” he grunted.
Well, fuck me. Whatever Ana said obviously worked.
I relaxed beside Isabella,trailing my fingertips along her naked back, her body pressed against mine. This woman loved me. She actually fucking loved me, and now we were going to be a family.
Family…
My mind wandered to the day her belly would be round and full and I’d be able to feel the baby kicking. The thought of her carrying my child was overwhelming, now she really was mine. Sliding down a little, I winced. Everything ached but it had been a small price to pay. The fact that Bella had been crying though made me want to beat my hands against my chest. She had tried to keep it from me but she couldn’t hide anything from me… Not anymore.
“H-Henry…” she panicked through sleep.
Henry?!
Her breathing quickened and her fingers fisted the sheets as she thrashed beside me.
“No!”
“Princesa, wake up,” I said, shaking her out of her nightmare. Her eyes blinked open with a start.
“Arturo…” she whimpered. Her hair glued to her head.
