Page 171 of Mafia And Maid
“You might be a monster to everyone else, Camillo. But to me, you’re a guardian angel.”
“You’re too good for me.”
Her hand circles my neck, and I close my eyes, clinging to her. I’m drowning, and she’s my lifeline. Whatever I did in life to deserve this woman, I wish I’d done it sooner.
“I’m all in, Camillo.If you want me, want us, we’re yours.”
“Mean it?”
“Yes.”
The soft way she looks at me cracks me in half. Cupping her cheek, I pull her lips to me, and for the first time in God knows too long, I feel like I’m finally home.
She sighs against my lips, and I angle her head, deepening the kiss. Her fingers curl into the fabric at my shoulders before sliding into the roots of my hair.
If we had more time, I’d take her right here and now. I’d show her just what my words mean. But anyone could walk in, and worse yet, we’re keeping Ethan waiting.
“Rosa,” I murmur against her lips as I slowly pull back.
That shy smile plays at her lips. “I like how you say my name.”
I grin. There’s that spark I’ve missed. One I thought for sure was snuffed out forever.
Her soft laugh is like nothing I’ve experienced. Euphoria and bliss are all wrapped together in some drug I can’t quit.
My hands slide over the back of her thighs, tugging her closer into my body. “I should welcome you home officially, but I think Ethan might get a little suspicious if we disappear.
“Later?” she says.
“As soon as he’s down for a nap, beautiful, I’m going to worship you like you deserve.”
The shiver that rides through her makes me strain against my zipper. Lacing our fingers, I will myself to calm the fuck down. Without warning, I scoop her up into my arms to carry her into the lounge where Ethan is waiting for us. Her squeal of surprise vibrates against my chest. “I can walk. You don’t have to…”
“I know. I want to. I’ve missed having you in my arms.”
Her sigh brushes against my neck, and I drop my lips to her forehead. And nestled into my arms, it feels like my world has righted itself back on its axis...
CHAPTER 44
ROSA
Things have started to improve ever since I returned to the Marchiano estate. I’m seeing the therapist again, and talking through my anxieties and insecurities is helping. It’s going to be a long road, but I’m learning to not see myself as being defined by what I eat, what I look like, and what work I do around the house for the family. There’s more to me than those things.I’m worth more, and I deserve more.
It’s not an easy shift of mindset to make, but I’m determined to keep on with this journey I’ve started, and with Camillo and the others behind me, I feel stronger than I have in a long time. I want to be healthy in not just my body but also my mind.
I check my phone again. Camillo’s lack of response to my last text to him is making a weird feeling gnaw at my belly. A dismissive shake of my head sends my blond strands from side to side.I’m safe here.
The house is quiet without Juliana, Cate, Ethan, or the other kids around. Despite their begging for me to join them at the movies, I had to take a raincheck because the lawyers for the divorce will be calling this afternoon to go over how things are proceeding.
It should make me feel at ease knowing that there’s nothing that Grayden can do to ruin this for me. There’s nothing he can take from me anymore. I’m out from under his thumb.
But an uneasiness I can’t shake grips me tightly.
I tell myself that Camillo’s at the casino with his brothers, and he’s just busy with work. I must just be missing him—as if waking up, limbs tangled together, these last two weeks hasn’t been enough time for us to catch up.
I pause as I pass the small den where board games and other toys litter the place. The kids had been so excited to go to the movies they’d left it a mess. A soft smile tugs at my lips as I start to gather the toys and neatly stack them back on the shelves.
I might not be the hired help anymore, but cleaning and doing things for the people I now call my family makes me feel needed.