“Salute!” many voices congratulate, and James holds up his glass as I rest my forehead against Adriano’s and press my lips against his as if we’re alone in the room, a sense of pure bliss cloaking me.
Then Adriano smiles and returns the gesture with his own glass, connecting the rims with a solid but gentle clink.
Fortunately, James begins to carve the turkey, because I’m starving. And Adriano’s already plating up my favorite meats and vegetables. He brings his fork to my mouth once in a while, letting me taste the most delicious appetizers.
We eat, drink, and laugh for hours. We live the life we fought so hard to obtain. As I observe the mellow familial atmosphere, there’s a distinct feeling of ease in my heart, at last.
But then Fallon demands my attention by jerking my hand and pointing her chin toward Rosalia, who’s slipping out of the room. And not even thirty seconds later, Logan flees our gathering as well.
Fallon and I bolt up, making both Luca and Adriano look at us inquisitively.
“Bathroom,” I say to Adriano, and we scurry off, back into the foyer and past the curving twin marble staircase, until we hear murmurs.
Fallon and I tiptoe closer and eavesdrop on an impassioned conversation.
“I just want to explain, Rosa!”
“No, I don’t want to hear it,” Rosalia whisper-shouts.
We round the corner to witness Logan hurriedly stepping back from Rosalia.
I point my finger into Logan’s chest. “What the hell is going on between you two?”
Rosalia’s wide eyes shift to Logan, who’s running his hands through his dirty blond hair, making him appear much younger and more vulnerable. I’ve never encountered Wade – I mean Logan – in this emotional state before.
“Goddammit,” he swears. “This is between Rosa and me.”
“Don’t raise your voice to my wife,” Adriano interrupts, and his commanding presence has everyone frozen in place. “What’s going on?”
“Yes, what’s going on?” I repeat, glancing from Logan to my sister.
When I meet Rosa’s sorrowful gaze, I discover the truth in her sad expression; she’s in love with Logan. My sister is such a sweet girl, but she’s young. She’s still in college, still experimenting with alcohol and drugs sometimes, but she has a sensible head on her shoulders. Yes, she might get into trouble from time to time, but her grades are good, and she doesn’t slack off on the important things. When I met her, I was so happy to learn that she has the opportunity to be light-hearted and free while she’s still young, but being tied to a man like Logan will complicate her life in ways she can’t foresee.
Adriano wraps his arms around my waist from behind, pulling me back against his chest. “Cam, calmati. Why are you so mad?”
“Because Rosalia’s infatuated with him!”
“Oh my god,” Rosalia objects. “I’m not. Please just leave this alone. Nothing is going on between us. It was just a misunderstanding.”
Adriano and Logan’s eyes clash, so I demand from Adriano, “Did you know?”
He kisses my temple to pacify me. “No, but I did suspect something was up between these two.”
Logan makes an unintelligible sound and shuffles off without acknowledging any of us.
Rosalia casts me a pleading look before she grabs Fallon and walks away, leaving me alone with Adriano.
“He’s going to hurt her, Adriano. He fucks everything in a skirt. She wants love.”
Adriano nips my ear. “That’s what everyone said about me when I first wanted you.”
“He’s going to eat her up.”
Adriano grunts loudly, and while laughing, he says, “Um, I don’t want to think of Logan eating your sister...urgh.”
“Okay, that was a bad choice of words, but you know what I mean.”
“I think you’re being overprotective of Rosalia. They’re both adults. Leave them alone. I need you to focus on me.” His lips press against the side of my neck.
And I slide my hand up his beard. “Ah, it always comes back to you.”
“Yes.” He grinds himself against my ass. “I’m selfish. I want your world to revolve around me.”
In a quick twirl, he forces me to face him, but voices disturb us.
“Here you are,” Alessa says and addresses Adriano, “It’s time to go.”
Adriano explains to me, “We’re going to our next stop.”
***
It’s almost ten p.m. when the driver drops us off at the SAIC Ballroom in the heart of the Loop. The entire party has moved to this new location.
Adriano threads his fingers through mine and squeezes them in encouragement as we stroll up the grand staircase and I’m accosted by the heavy fragrance of...pine trees? But when I see the venue, the scent makes sense. The ballroom radiates the classical elegance of the roaring nineteen-twenties with baroque balconies and a baby grand piano where a musician is playing Christmas songs next to a lighted tree. Tables decorated with Christmas ornaments are scattered about.
“Merry Christmas, Cam,” Adriano says as we make our way to the dance floor with everyone either following us or dispersing to tables.
As Adriano sweeps me into his arms, he puts his cheek against mine. “I have a Christmas gift for you.”
“More?”
“Yes, it’s under the tree.”
I hook my arms around his neck. “This night has been surreal and so much fun. It’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”
“Anything for you.” And he leads me to the Christmas tree where I receive another black velvet box.
Clicking it open, I find pearl drop earrings that match my bracelet. “I love them!” I kiss him and murmur, “I’m going to ride you so hard tonight.”
Adriano releases a low growl of pleasure and strokes my ass unashamedly. Apparently, everyone got gifts, because the mayhem of opening them begins, and after an hour, there’s wrapping paper everywhere in the ballroom as Fallon and I dance to the music; Christmas songs in April.
I’m continuously aware of Adriano’s gaze on me, veiling me in his protectiveness. And after I return from my third visit to the bathroom, because this baby thinks my bladder is a trampoline, I walk up behind Luca and Adriano having a serious conversation.
“Two years ago, who would’ve ever thought we’d be sitting here, both married, and you with a baby girl on the way,” Luca speaks in a pleased voice.
“Sono felice, amico mio. Siamo stati bravi.” I’m happy, my friend. We did well.
There’s such a gentleness in Adriano’s tone that warms my heart.
“We sure did,” Luca confirms and turns his head, smiling at me.
Then Adriano says, without looking back over his shoulder, “You can come closer now, Cam.”
I stop behind his chair and his arms fly back, gripping my ass as he lifts his gaze. “Are you tired?”
“A little.”
He stands up so that I can sit and bends low to say, “It’s midnight.” And then his focus shifts to the dance floor where employees wheel in a cake with Happy New Year written on it, and the musician begins a countdown.
“Three, two, one. Happy New Year!” Red heart-shaped balloons drop from the ceiling.
Adriano guides me to stand up and presses his lips to mine while cradling my face. “To a new and healthy year without any time apart for us. Now, there’s one thing still missing from this journey.”
I frown, thinking we’ve covered everything that I missed while I was in a coma.
“The discovery of our pregnancy, our first ultrasound, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, but we haven’t covered Valentine’s Day, hence the red balloons.” Adriano takes a step back and fishes a square black velvet box from inside his jacket. Opening it, he presents me with an engagement ring with a pink square diamond.
The proposal.
The first thing I blurt is, “I have three wedding rings now. It’s beautiful!” My hand shoots out to take it just as Adriano snatches it bac
k.
“May I do my thing first?” he asks around a charming smirk.
“Oh, yes. Sorry.”
He takes the ring out and sets the box on the table. Then he slides it onto my finger, careful not to disturb the bandage covering my tattoo, and doesn’t simply propose. No, Adriano proposes and vows to me, “If everything we’ve been through was necessary to be with you, I’d do it all over again. If all of the trials and tribulations were needed to grow old with you, to have this life with you, to have children with you, then I’d do it all over again. I’ll never let you face anything alone. You are the reason I exist, and I want to take care of you forever if you’ll let me. Will you marry me?”
My heart leaps inside of me. But since we are already married, of course, I ask first, “Does this mean we’re also going to have a real wedding?”
A smile creeps across his face. “Yes, you’re going to get bigger and bigger safely at home while planning the wedding you want. And I’ll be starting up our mission to break Medlov out of jail with Logan and Luca, but I promise that I’ll have a lot of time for you. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
The entire evening has been a whirlwind of emotions, and while I enjoy this moment, he’s getting anxious because of my silence.
“Cam!” His fingers brush my chin. “Woman, this is not the time to retreat into yourself.”
I offer the answer my soul screams, “Yes, yes, yes! You give me everything, but all I need is you.” And I fling myself into his arms, causing him to steady himself against the table.
“Ow, you’re heavy,” he utters softly, but I heard it.
“Hey, don’t say that to a pregnant woman,” I joke. “Who is, by the way, your fiancée and your wife.”
We laugh at the absurdity of it all, but it’s us. And I also wouldn’t change a thing in our unusual lives.
Adriano holds me up with his arms locked around my thighs, right under my behind, as I weave my fingers into his thick hair, angling his head up while we behold each other.
“I’ll never leave your side either,” I vow to him and let the tips of our noses touch. “And I’ll always keep my promise. I will always be waiting for you at home, in our bed.”
Then he kisses me with raw passion, sending my nerves ablaze with a slow search of his tongue.
“This is our unconventional normal, sweetheart,” he whispers against my mouth.
“I love you so much.”
Adriano’s face is full of pure bliss, as if he’s truly found the peace of mind that he lost when I was trapped in a coma, before he presses his lips to the pulse at my throat. “I love you like I never have or ever will love another. Not even death can tear us apart.”
***
Three months later
The due date has come and gone, and I’m still carrying this child in the sweltering heat of June. If my water doesn’t break soon, they’ll have to induce labor.
Fortunately, we’re ready for her. A few weeks ago, my nesting instinct kicked in, and I hounded Adriano about getting everything ready for our baby girl. So in true Adriano style, he arranged it all within two days. Her ivory crib is in our master suite, she has more clothes than she’ll ever be able to wear, and I got a cute Disney princesses custom-made baby stroller. So, I’m calm because I’m completely ready for the baby to arrive.
I’m lying on the sofa, munching on grapes and watching Masterchef while Adriano massages my feet, which are in his lap.
“I love Graham Elliot!” I exclaim, tossing a grape into my mouth.
Adriano promptly stops rubbing my feet, so I wiggle my toes and groan in protest.
“You lose your right to a massage when you say that you love another man,” he teases and theatrically rests his hands behind his head.
I sit up and flinch from the kick to my ribs and a contraction. “Ow.”
Adriano immediately places his hand on my huge stomach. “What?”
“Contractions are stronger now.” Being past my due date, I’m used to having Braxton Hicks contractions, but today, I’ve noticed a difference in them. And as I rise, a gush of liquid rushes down my inner thighs.
Our eyes lock and I smile at him. “It’s time.”
He cradles my face in his hands and presses a hard kiss to my lips. “Then let’s go to the hospital and meet our little girl.”
***
“Push, Cam. Push,” so many voices say at once.
“I am!” I scream, sweat beading on my temples as I purse my lips.
“Push. Push!”
“Oh my god. Shut the fuck up!” I throw back.
Adriano rears back and stares at me in complete shock, but when I see a grin tugging at his lips, I practically snarl at him, yet he keeps our hands entwined while I grip him, crushing his fingers. I send him a pleading look because I’m so tired.
He shifts my hair from my face and blows softly, which cools me a bit. “You’re doing great, sweetheart. She’s almost here. Come on, one more time.”
Then I lean forward to push again.
“I can see the head,” Dr. Harper tells me.
Gritting my teeth, I give it all I have while yelling, “Get out!”
Vaguely, I hear people laugh and then another scream.
“Here she is,” Dr. Harper says as I laze back against the bed, breathing harshly. “Meet your baby girl, Cam.”
A lot is happening, but I’m dazed at first, and then the doctor rests my tiny baby, who hasn’t been cleaned up yet, on my chest.
Adriano clasps my hand as we stare at her in wonder. I check all her fingers and toes and touch her swollen, round little face. “Oh, she’s so small. I can’t believe we made this.”
I feel a kiss against my forehead. “She’s absolutely precious. I always knew we’d make a beautiful baby.”
Looking up, I’m met with Adriano’s adoring gaze on me, and he captures my mouth while stroking the baby. Then our focus is back on our girl, and all the pain of labor is forgotten. It’s replaced with bliss of the truest and purest kind.
Her eyes open, and they’re just as dark as Adriano’s.
“She has your eyes,” I say with a smile.
“She looks like you though.”
“You can’t see that,” I retort, and he gently caresses her head.
“Yes, I can. Welcome to the world, Amalia,” Adriano gives her the name we chose together. “I’m going to spoil you so much, my baby girl.” He kisses her head and weaves one of his hands into my hair, promising to me, “And I’m going to spoil you even more as well. Ti amo, angelo mio.” I love you, my angel.
We nuzzle each other, brushing our lips while holding on to our little bundle of joy. In a heaven of our own creation in the midst of a Mafia world.
The end of Adriano and Cam.
Chicago Syndicate series – romantic suspense.
For Fallon (#1) on Goodreads
For Luca (#2) on Goodreads
For Adriano (#3) on Goodreads
For Cam (#4) on Goodreads
The love story of Logan and Rosalia.
For Logan (#5) on Goodreads
The Original Bad Boys series – standalone dark, erotic historical romance.
Sins of a Bad Boy (#1) on Goodreads
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Soraya Naomi
There’s one person who works just as hard on this series as I do, and that’s my amazing editor, Renee. Without you, this series wouldn’t be what it is today. Not only do I appreciate your unique talent as an editor, but I also value our friendship. So thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you to my Cam for ensuring Adriano speaks correct Italian. Every time, it’s such a pleasure to learn from you.
Thank you to my beta-readers for your input.
Thank you to my Lief.
Thank you to the bloggers, ARC readers, and Street Team for your support and your faith in my Mafia men.
And, as always, thank you to you for reading Adriano and Cam’s story.
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About the Author
Soraya Naomi was born in South America in 1984 and raised in Europe where she presently resides with her fiancé.
She reads many genres but favors intense, dark, seductive, and provocative novels where the male character loves fiercely, without remorse or boundaries. She also adores forbidden love tales and has an odd fascination with kidnapping romances. No, she doesn’t secretly want to be kidnapped, though!
She has a passionate obsession with the written word and indulges in chocolate pastries much too often.
Her debut novel For Fallon (Chicago Syndicate, #1) was released on July 26, 2014. She’s honored that For Fallon won “Best Breakout Novel 2014” in the Novel Grounds Semi Annual Literary Awards.
**This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
**Top Cover Photo credit: MediaGroup_BestForYou
**Bottom Cover Photo credit: David Niblack.
Read more at Soraya Naomi’s site.
For Cam (Chicago Syndicate Book 4) Page 33