Page 81 of His Vicious Vow
Carina
It’s late as we drive back from the airport. Seeing Celia again was a wonderful gift. I’ll give in to keeping the jewelry. Sighing with happiness I give Sandro a sleepy smile. “Thank you for an amazing day. I loved it.”
“You’re welcome.” He pulls me in for a light kiss.
“So what do you want for your birthday next month?” I’ve been racking my brain for weeks.
He shrugs. “I’m not a big birthday person. You naked in bed is good for me.”
“But you already get that every day.” He needs to give me some idea. There’s something in the way he shrugs again. No, no fucking way. “Sandro, did your parents not celebrate your birthday?”
His face says it all. “No. My mother grew up with a repressed Asian mother and even more repressed cold British father. It wasn’t a hugs and kisses kind of household let alone birthday celebration. She didn’t do it out of malice or neglect—it was out of what she grew up with. A few times my dad would remember and get me something. But I didn’t need for anything either. I got the things other kids wanted sometimes before it hit the shelves.”
Don’t cry. Do not freaking cry. He won’t like it. Forcing a shrug of my own shoulders. “Okay. So what’s your idea of a perfect day?”
“You in bed naked, all day long is all I want.” He’s firm.
“Consider it done.” I promise him.
CHAPTER 30
Carina
I hold my breath as the wand moves over my stomach. Sandro has my hand in his. He’s not holding his breath at all. And when the sonographer smiles at him, as she says it’s a girl there is no surprise.
I’m ecstatic it’s the girl he wants. He’s the one who wipes the gel from my belly before lowering my blouse back in place. Sandro didn’t like anyone touching me, man or woman. And I’m a freak for loving how he gets all cranky and pissed when it happens.
We walk out to find Bianca in the waiting room. She’s as surprised as we are. “Um, hi.” It’s almost a whisper.
My heart aches at how hopefully she’s staring at Sandro. She doesn’t look anything like the Bianca of those first few weeks. Sandro merely nods at her. “Where’s Gaetano?”
It’s a flash, oh that’s not good. “Work. He wants it to be a surprise.” Turning to me, she’s hesitant. “I want to apologize for…everything.”
I nod but before I can say anything more Sandro’s phone rings. The other person is urgent. Business.
The sonographer behind us calls Bianca’s name. With a small wave she goes into the room. Sandro’s hand on my back urges me forward. “I’m going to drop you at home and—”
I shake my head. “You go. Send another car for me. I’m going to stay here and talk to Bianca.” Sandro goes tense. “She needs someone.”
An eyebrow goes up. Does he see I’m not going to be talked out of it? He sighs. “All right. Neither one of us deserve you.”
“Yes, you do.” I pull him down by his tie to kiss him on his cheek.
I’m only in the waiting room for maybe ten minutes when the sonographer walks out alone before closing the door softly behind her. “Is she okay?” I ask the woman.
She stops, clearly unsure what to say.
“She’s my sister-in-law. My husband is her brother.” I explain.
Glancing at the closed she shakes her head. “I’m going to give her some time. I don’t have another appointment for an hour anyway.”
I don’t hesitate and open the door. Bianca is sobbing on the exam table. My heart breaks for her. I’m across the room and taking her into my arms without thinking. She startles but when she sees me she cries even harder before throwing her arms around me.
It’s a long time before her tears subside. I don’t rush her or try and soothe her because I have no idea what to say. Grabbing a box of tissues I hand her them and wait until she’s cried out.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “It’s my own fault. I don’t…I messed up.”