"I hate the fact you’re miserable," he murmured. "I hate keeping you in a cage and living in fear."
"Who do you trust the most to protect me?"
"Me," he replied instantly.
"And to protect you?"
"Mark."
"Then you come with me and bring Mark. Add another car of men if you want."
I could see he was wavering.
"Garrett was right yesterday when he said we couldn't live like this forever, Matteo. Please. It's only a trip to the store."
He pondered my words, then nodded. "Fine. Mark drives us, and we go to one store."
"Two."
"You're trying my patience, Evie."
"Matteo, please."
He sighed heavily. "I would give you the world if you asked me, but this is what you request instead. To leave the safety of the compound and put yourself at risk."
I rolled my eyes. "Garrett has pictures of Raoul in Brazil, Matteo. Thousands of miles from here. I doubt he can see the future and somehow know I'd be out gallivanting and looking for peanut butter today."
His lips twitched. "This isn't a laughing matter."
"I know. But the bottom line is we can't stay cooped up forever. Everyone else has gone back to their life. I realize they're being extra cautious, but they are still back to their own routine. At some point, you have to allow me to do so as well."
"Until he is caught or dead, you do not leave this house without me knowing, and full security, do you understand?"
"But we can go today? Now?"
"Yes."
I flung my arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. He gripped my hips, drawing me flush to him. "Perhaps in a few minutes?" he teased against my lips.
"No. You'll change your mind." I stepped back, tugging his hand. "Now."
He let me lead him out of his office.
Matteo ran a hand through his hair. "Are you certain?"
Garrett pushed a pile of photos toward him. "We confirmed Raoul was in the building. There was gunfire and we found a body. It was identified as his. He's dead, Matteo."
Matteo flipped through the photos, peering hard at the images. "DNA proof?"
"That will take a couple of days. Look for yourself, Matteo. It's him."
"It looks like him." Matteo grimaced. “A dirty, emancipated shell of him anyway.”
"He’s been on the run—what did you expect? There was a visual confirmation of him going in the building. Another one of him entering the apartment. Our men were behind him. He never left, and there was only one body found after the shoot-out. His."
I didn't look at the pictures. I had no idea what Raoul Carmen looked like and I didn't care. He was dead.
That meant Matteo would relax. Life would go back to being normal—or at least as normal as it could be with Matteo. It had been six weeks of being stuck in this house. Aside from two fast trips out to the store, I hadn't been able to get Matteo to relax his constant vigilance.
But the threat was gone now. It was time to move on. And given the news I planned to share later with him, it would be a double cause for celebration.
Garrett stood, taking the file folder. "I'll have the DNA results in a few days so you can relax, Matteo. We can discuss the next case after this is done."
Matteo had stayed home for the most part. He was gone only a day or two, and when he was away, I was surrounded by security, and he checked in frequently. His overprotectiveness made me nervous since I was worried that I was a distraction, although he assured me he was capable of handling multiple tasks. I had to admit I liked him home. What he did was dangerous and risky, but I understood why he did it, even if I didn’t like it.
Matteo walked Garrett to the door and returned to the kitchen. I slid a cup of coffee toward him, letting him sip the beverage and think about what Garrett had told him. Finally, he spoke.
"Nothing changes until DNA is confirmed, Evie. Plus, I want to know for certain no one is taking up his cause. We’re still being cautious."
"I understand."
"Once I’m comfortable, Mark can start taking you for errands again."
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, pushing the heavy mass off my face. "Matteo, it's been months. No one is looking for me from my old life. No one is threatening me in my new life. Could I not start going out on my own?"
"There are still risks. The answer is no." His look gentled. "You know how much I love you, my wife. I need to protect you."
"Will you ever ease up on this?"
"Perhaps. But not right now."
I knew when not to push him. "Fine. We'll discuss it later." I stood. "I am going to make dinner. I'd like a quiet evening with my more-relaxed husband, if that is possible."
He caught me around the waist as I walked past, pulling me to his lap. He kissed me—long, hard, and zealously. "I love your feisty side, Evie. I love that you challenge me, even if it pisses me off at times."
I returned his kisses happily.
"I like challenging you. Someone has to."
He laughed and kissed the end of my nose. "Things will get better now. Once this is one hundred percent confirmed, I promise, I will relax."
I bit my lip and played with the hair at the back of his neck. He loved it when I did that. "Good. I need you relaxed."
"Oh?"
My stomach fluttered a little as I took his hand and laid it over my abdomen. "I understand being a dad is stressful enough."
He frowned, confused. "Being a dad? I'm not…" His eyes widened and he looked down at his hand. "Evie, are you…am I…are we?"
I nodded. "Yes, I’m pregnant. Yes, you're going to be a daddy, and yes we are going to be parents."
His face broke into a smile. A real one. His eyes shone, and his joy was evident. His kiss was filled with love. "Evie, my wife. First, the news Raoul is not a threat to you, and now this? You just made this day the best one of my life."
He stood, swinging me up into his arms.
"What are you doing?" I gasped. "Put me down."
He strode from the kitchen, heading for the stairs. "No. I am taking my wife, my beautiful, pregnant wife, upstairs. I am going to pour her a warm bath, rub her shoulders, and we are going to make plans for the future—about our child and our life together. Then, I’m going to make love to her until she is totally sated."
I snuggled into his chest, feeling happiness and relief flooding through me. "That might take a while."
He grinned down at me. "I was hoping it would."
16
Evie
"Are you certain?" Matteo frowned as he flipped through the papers.
Garrett shook his head. "What else can I give you to prove it, Matteo? It's his DNA. Raoul is dead."
A rush of relief flooded me. This was the news we'd been waiting for. I watched Matteo process the information. Slowly, the realization of Garrett's words sank in. Matteo's expression cleared.
"The threat is over."
"Yes. Your team, your wife, and your identity are safe."
Matteo met my eyes, his relief blatant. His gaze dropped to my stomach, then lifted back to my eyes. I knew what he was thinking. His family was safe. That was paramount to him. We had become more important than his work. More important than anything. I knew it without a doubt. Our gazes locked and held. Love blazed from his eyes as he looked at me, and he nodded slightly.
He stood. "This is good news, Garrett. Thank you." He inhaled a deep breath. "And I have some news for you as well. I'm leaving the squad."
The entire room, me included, stared in shock. Mark, Alex, Vince, and Geo were in the room with us, all anxious for the confirmation of Raoul's death. They were as surprised as I was at his words.
"Matteo," Garrett protested. "You can't be serious."
"I am. Things have changed, Garrett. My life, my priorities have changed. Next time, I might not be so lucky, and Evie, my family, is too important for me to risk. If Raoul knew my name, he could have passed that information along to someone
else. I can’t take the risk. It might jeopardize the team and what we do. It only makes sense."
Garrett shook his head in disbelief. "Matteo…"
Matteo's voice dropped, his face serious. "It isn't only about me anymore."
Garrett frowned.
"Evie is pregnant, Garrett. I have to protect her at all costs."
I felt every eye in the room on me. After a long silence, Garrett huffed out a sigh.
"Matteo, this division, this team, will be lost without you."
"No. Mark can do this. He's the obvious choice. The men respect him, and he'll do an outstanding job. He is exactly who you need to lead the team." Matteo paused. "He can give you one hundred percent of himself, Garrett. I no longer have that to give."
Garrett's shoulders slumped. "I understand. I always knew this day would come." He lifted his shoulder with a small smile. "I'd hoped I would have been retired before it happened. But I'm happy for you, Matteo." Garrett smiled and leaned forward, extending his hand. "For you both. Congratulations."
Matteo shook his hand with a nod. "We can discuss this in private later and figure it all out."
Geo walked Garrett to the door.
Mark stood, his expression serious. "Matteo, I am honored you think I can lead this team, but…” His voice trailed off.
Matteo shook his head. "No buts, Mark. You’re the right man. I discussed this a long time ago with Alex and Vince. They both agreed, when the time came, you were the one to step into my shoes."
Alex and Vince nodded in agreement.
"I plan to step back myself in a few years," Vince stated. "But until I do, I agree with Matteo. You're the man to lead us."
Mark glanced toward me, and I smiled. I knew how much Matteo trusted him and how highly he thought of Mark. We had become close, and there was no doubt Matteo had chosen well.
"You'll be a great leader," I assured him.
He frowned, muttered his excuses, and left the room. Like Matteo, he always needed a little time to think things over when it came to something that affected him on a personal level. When it came to what they did, the lives they saved, and the risks they took, their decision-making process was instant and unquestionable.
Matteo glanced at me and looked toward Alex and Vince. They stood and left the room. Geo stood to follow.
"I'll give you some privacy, but this evening, we are celebrating this. All of it. The end of this chapter, and the beginning of your new life, Matteo. I'm so happy for you both." He pulled the door closed behind him.
Matteo crossed over and crouched beside me.
"Are you all right, Evie?"
I cupped his cheek. "I'm fine. A little surprised. Are you sure about this, Matteo?"
He met my inquisitive gaze with a look of determination. "Yes. I've been thinking about it for a while." He placed his hand on my stomach, rubbing it lovingly. "Our child needs a world free from all of this madness. From the danger it brings to our life. I want to disappear with you. Start fresh in a place free from blood and fear. I want to live my life in peace with you. With our family."
"But you feel so strongly about this cause."
He nodded. "And it will continue after I leave. After Vince and Alex leave. Garrett knew I would go." He sighed. "Eventually, we all have to walk away before it consumes us." He tilted his head to the side, studying me. "I admit if you hadn't come into my life, I would have gone on for longer. But you awakened parts of me I kept buried. The parts that allow me to feel more than anger and hate and the need for revenge. Now I know Raoul is dead, I can walk away. I want to grab those feelings and live."
"I love you," I whispered.
He smiled. "That is the greatest gift of my life. That and our little one growing inside you. You have brought joy to my life, Evie. And now it's time to move on from the past and into the future. Our future."
I leaned forward, and he met me halfway, our mouths connecting with tenderness. His kiss always made me feel his love.
"I like what the future holds."
He kissed me again. "Me too, Evie. Me too."
I pushed some jars aside and peered into the depths of the refrigerator with a dissatisfied groan. I was desperate for grape jelly. On soft, doughy white bread. And a glass of milk.
The problem was it was the same craving I'd had for the past few weeks. Twenty-four hours a day. Matteo had made sure I had several jars of my favorite brand of jelly in the cupboard before he left on another job, but between the cravings and my stress level at him being away, I had eaten it all.
And drank the milk.
I squinted at the clock. It was early—not even seven in the morning. I never slept well when Matteo was gone, and this time was no exception.
I shut the door with a huff. Matteo would be home later today, and then I could go to the store and get some more jelly and bread. Or if I texted him, he would stop before getting home. I looked down at my round belly, rubbing it. Even though I was safe, he preferred me not to leave the house without an escort. Preferably him.
"You have to wait, baby," I murmured.
As if in protest, there was a little push against my hand. I laughed quietly. "Just like your father—impatient. There is nothing I can do, so you just have to be patient."
Sounds from outside drew me to the window. The grounds crew was already here, working in the gardens. I knew they would wait until after eight to start cutting the grass, but since I was awake, there wasn't really any reason for them to do so. Matteo had only changed that guideline when I became pregnant, and he didn't want my sleep interrupted.
I opened the back door and stepped outside. Over the past couple of months, Matteo had relaxed, and once he did, I found myself feeling better. More open and at ease with my life. I made sure to introduce myself to all the workers allowed on the property. I wanted to be part of the daily activity, and I enjoyed talking to them since I had always loved gardening.
Mark was busy shadowing all of Matteo's moves and getting ready to step into his role. I missed him and our friendship. I had a new bodyguard, Sal, who followed me around, ensuring my safety and that the workers understood exactly who I was. I ignored him for the most part. He was even more intense than Mark but despite my efforts to be friendly, remained aloof. Still, I went along, doing what I wanted, getting to know everyone, and causing Sal to huff in frustration.
On occasion, Matteo would call me into his office and ask me to "give Sal a break." But his attempts to hide his grin when he did so let me know he was fine with my behavior. He often kissed me, telling me how proud he was of his wife. The fact that I liked to know the names and people who worked here made him smile. He chuckled at the cases of water and snacks I kept in the shed and handed out when I went to say hello to them. But I noticed how often he would appear by his window observing me as I went around chatting and making sure everyone was hydrated. He was ever watchful, and I liked knowing he took the time to make sure I was all right.
I knew Sal was in the house. I had heard him earlier. Unlike Mark, he checked on me rather than being constantly beside me. I preferred it, given our more distant relationship. Sal would work in the office until Matteo arrived home, and then he would leave unobtrusively. There were men outside, but I rarely saw them. They watched the house from another building, making sure the grounds were safe. I was looking forward to the day when it was only Matteo and me and our family.
As it was, it was only us today, as Lara and Lila were having a shopping day. Sonya stayed at home where she felt safe. I had used my exhaustion as an excuse not to go. I wanted to be home when Matteo arrived, and I hated shopping. The rest of Matteo's men were with him.
I stepped outside, breathing in the humid air. It was going to be a hot day. I approached the men working in the garden with a smile.
"Good morning!"
They all looked up with smiles as they greeted me. "Good morning, Mrs. Campari."
"It's going to be hot. I have water in the refrigerator, and some of those crunchy bars
you all love. The door is open to the shed, so please help yourself."
They all thanked me.
My favorite crewmember came around the corner. "Hi, Mrs. Campari."
I smiled. "Hi, Tom. Haven't seen you the last couple of weeks."
He shook his head. "Yeah, bit under the weather."
"Well, I hope you're better."
He nodded. "Much. You're up early."
I chuckled, rubbing my stomach. "Someone is kicking. You can start cutting the grass anytime. I'm awake and the only one here right now, so you won't disturb me."
"Great."
I sat down with a sigh as the crew started back to work.
"Are you okay, Mrs. Campari?"
I smiled. "Aside from my craving and missing my husband, I'm good."
"Craving?" Tom grinned. "My wife had those bad. What are you wanting?"
"Grape jelly sandwiches on white bread. With gobs of butter."
He laughed. "Are your supplies low?"
"Empty."
"Oh, that's bad news."
I nodded.
"I'll run and pick up some for you."
"I can't ask you to do that."
He waved his hand. "You didn't—I offered. Jack won't mind. I'll run to the store, grab the stuff, and be back in ten minutes." He studied me earnestly. "My wife would expect me to help out another pregnant woman."
I hesitated. Tom was a newer addition to the crew. He wasn't always here, but I liked him. He had helped me one day when I stumbled; reaching out to steady me with a knowing grin, explaining his wife had the same trouble now she was "top heavy" too.
We started talking, and I discovered he was intelligent and kind. He was missing two fingers on one hand—a "hazard of the job" he had told me when I finally got up the courage to ask him.
"I learned to handle all the equipment again. But I prefer the actual work. I love digging in the dirt. There is something very satisfying about planting and nurturing things," he said in his quiet voice.
He spoke of his wife a lot, and I enjoyed our conversations. Bald with dark eyes, he wore hats a most of the time and worked hard. He never spoke to me if Matteo or Mark were around, and I had a feeling they intimidated him. He seemed quite shy, and I could understand his feelings.
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