“Nothing yet, but I’m not above blackmailing Rocco Donato. He was the one who smuggled her out, supposedly. But I’d rather do it in a way he doesn’t realize I was responsible for his brother’s death. He has a newborn boy to worry about. Perhaps that will be how I get to him.”
Romeo fixed his eyes on the tree line, his jaw tight. My stomach clenched at the thought of him using a baby as leverage. Not because I cared about the child. My heart was a gaping black wasteland for most people. But because we might be in the same situation soon.
“Romeo…I…” my voice caught, and alarm flared in his eyes. He darted to sit next to me, snatching up my hands.
“Sweetheart?” he pressed, and I swallowed past the knot in my throat. I swam in his ocean eyes, the well of strength reflected in them.
“Romeo, I’m pregnant.” Heat pressed at the back of my eyes as my husband fell to his knees in front of me. His arms wrapped around my middle, and his face sank into my stomach.
“You’re certain?” Joy cracked through the swamping tension in his features. But sweat sprung on his forehead. I held the back of my hand to his skin, warm but not feverish.
“Is this the food or the news?” I urged him back on the couch and looked closer at his eyes.
His pupils weren’t dilated. A good sign.
Romeo pinned my hands again and bit his lip.
“The news, I think. Are you certain? Is it far along?” he whispered, eyes dropping to my stomach. It was entirely unchanged at this stage. I spent a long time staring at the flat expanse this morning. Wondering how something so small could wrought such nausea and exhaustion.
“The doctor thinks about three months. I had an appointment with him two days ago.”
Romeo’s overjoyed expression soured.
“He? He had to touch you to examine you?” Romeo’s nostrils flared. I pinched his inner palm with my sharp nails.
“Relax. Maria went with me, and his touch was entirely appropriate. If you’re so concerned, you can come next time.”
“I will be there. I need to make sure you are getting the best care available.” Sweat sprung on his forehead again, and I plastered my hand over his chest, his heart thumping erratically against it.
“Breathe. You need to calm yourself.”
“Calm myself? How can I calm myself? You’re pregnant, Anita. We are going to have a child. Fuck, I feel a bit…” He slumped backwards with a groan, and his eyes scrunched tight.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t wait any longer. It’s been agony keeping it to myself.” I laughed a little under my breath at us both. The idea of a squalling child had brought both of us undone. I restedmy head on Romeo’s chest. His arm snaked around me, like it always did.
“Are you happy?” I whispered, knowing it was soon to be bringing a child into this marriage. Romeo’s arm tightened, and for a brief, terrifying moment, I thought he would say no.
“Anita. Of course, I am. I want a whole damn brood with you.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Have you considered any names?”
I let his warmth soak into me before I answered.
“I think Adelaide would be lovely for a girl.” Romeo snorted so hard it jostled my head on his chest, and I pulled back with a frown. He looked at me as if there was a punchline coming.
“Adelaide? It’s an unusual name.”
“As if you can talk, Romeo. Your name is just as ridiculous.” I sniffed, and Romeo snatched my wrist, nipping the soft flesh before pressing a tender kiss. His eyes danced, and I reached out to cup his cheek with my free hand.
“I love you,” I breathed, my stomach flipping with more than nausea. His fingers unraveled from mine, cradling my head in his firm grasp. Time trickled past unbidden, not touching us while we locked each other in an electric gaze. I’d hated this man with every cell in my body. Promised I would never forgive him. But he fought for me. I knew whatever the future held, it was with us, hand in hand and unstoppable.
“Adelaide it is. What about for a boy?” he whispered against my lips, eyes searching mine.
My chest ached with the depth of my feeling for this man. Heart trembling in my chest with nerves and excitement for this next era.
“I’d love Antoni, for my father.”
Romeo blew out a heavy, contented sigh.
“It’s perfect, wife.”
