Page 43 of Stolen Dove

Smiling like a fool to myself, I love hearing her say she loves me. It’s a feeling I’d never expected until I met her. Then I dreamed to hear the words from her lips, and now I crave them beyond belief.

“They’re landing.” Fernando says from the front seat. I have four armored vehicles with six men. As the plane comes to a stop, my team readies for a possible confrontation even if we’re supposed to be on the same side. Exiting the plane a minute later are two large men in suits, scanning the area for snipers. Then out steps Santino Benedetti and a petite brunette at his side who must be his bride, Giada. The slight swell of her stomach and his hand resting lightly on it gives away her condition, which means his intentions are more than friendly.

“Bring the vehicle closer for Mrs. Benedetti, Fernando.” I step out of my vehicle and nod as I make my way toward them.

“Hello, Mr. Serrano. I’m Santino, and this is my wife, Giada.”

“Welcome to Spain, Santino, Mrs. Benedetti. I’m pleased to have you stay with us. My wife will be pleased to have another expecting woman around her.” Fernando steps out and stands guard, watching Santino’s guard. “I thought it best not to make you walk far.”

“Thank you, Mr. Serrano.”

“Call me Victor, please. I’d like you to ride with me.” I point to the other vehicle nearest us. “One of your men can go in with my driver, Julian.” Santino nods to one of them, who walks over to the other vehicle.

“Please climb in.” They do while one of their guards hops in the front seat. My phone pings, and I check it out. “It’s the wife. She’s anxious for your arrival.”

“I’m excited too. I’ve been talking Santino’s ear off. I don’t have a lot of female friends. One of them is his mother.”

“Then you have something in common with my wife. She is with my mother most days, and they spend most days cooking.”

“We have a lot more in common than that, I suppose. I was an Avanti,” she confesses, as if I’m not already aware of that.

Santino growls, holding her close. “Not anymore, my love.”

Santino looks over his wife to me and says, “My hatred for that man knows no bounds. I’ve already informed my wife that I want his head on a platter, and she has no problem with that other than she doesn’t want me to get my hands dirty.”

“So this is where I come in?” I chuckle. I suspected that was the case.

“Yes. Although I’d love to be involved as much as possible. I hate that bastard more than anyone. I’m sure there are others who’d love to see him being devoured by wild animals.”

“We can make that happen. I’m all for making a body disappear.”

“No offense, you two, but can you wait until I’m out of hearing distance? My stomach isn’t the strongest right now, and even though he’s a bastard and I hate him, he’s the reason I was born. I don’t want my baby’s ears to hear about his terrible grandfather’s demise.”

“I’m sorry, my love.”

“My apologies, Mrs. Benedetti.”

“You guys can do all that manly bonding over bodies later while us girls chit chat and eat.” She waves it off.

We both chuckle as she smiles, leaning on her husband’s shoulder.

As soon as we enter the estate, Mrs. Benedetti gasps. “This place is beautiful.”

“Thank you. It’s been in my family for centuries, and of course it has a lot of modern updates.”

The SUV comes to a stop, and Fernando and their guard get out at the same time and open the doors for us. I exit with Fernando and see my bride rushing toward me. “You’re back.”

“Be careful,” I growl, wrapping her legs around my waist and giving her a big kiss. “I told you I would be.”

“I was worried,” she confesses, squeezing me tightly before I set her back on her feet.

“I’m here, mi amor, but let me introduce you to our guests. This is Santino and Giada Benedetti.” I turn to my guests and add, “This beautiful woman is my queen, Dove Serrano.”

“It’s wonderful to have you with us. Please come in. It’s about to rain.” She brushes the hair out of her face. We lead them inside when Dove asks, “Is anyone hungry?”

“It seems I’m always hungry these days,” Giada says.

“Let’s decide what to make while the men talk shop.” Dove pulls out of my grasp, but I drag her back for one more kiss. I’m not the only one with that idea. Santino pulls his wife into his arms just as I cup my wife’s face. “God, I love you, Dove.”