Page 108 of Jude

Then came the main course: thick strands of house-made tonnarelli pasta tossed in a rich emulsion of black peppercorns and pecorino romano cheese.

Followed by a platter of saltimbocca, tender veal cutlets wrapped in salty prosciutto and fresh sage, seared in white wine, the sauce thickened into a savory glaze.

We sat close as we ate, while twilight transformed the sky into a deep, bruised purple.

As the street musicians outside started playing a soft accordion melody, I leaned down and pressed a slow kiss on her temple.

‘What was that for, Jude?’ Sofia said, using her bread to mop up the lovely juices from her plate.

‘You’re just so beautiful, I can’t help myself, wife,’ I replied.

I eased closer, the heat of her proximity churning my need.

‘I’ve really enjoyed these last few days with you.’

I meant every word.

Her face turned solemn as she studied me.

‘So have I, Bodhi Judah Valenti.’

By the time we stepped back onto the cobblestones, the midnight air was much cooler.

I placed my jacket over her shoulders, and we walked back toward Soho House Rome.

Arms encircling each other’s waists, our strides matching.

My inked, muscled arm around her was natural, anchored to the curve of her hip, and she leaned into me with an easy, trusting confidence that shattered my remaining stoicism.

This woman had me on ropes.

These feelings of tenderness and fierce possessiveness were growing as I tightened my grip, vowing to defend this woman against any force on the planet.

I was so locked in.

We reached the door to our shared suite, the corridor lighting catching the diamond on her left hand as she turned to face me.

The silence between us grew thick, charged with the lure of the wine and the yearning that had been simmering for weeks now.

My usual cool detachment deserted me, and all my rules and caution went out the window.

With a groan, I stepped closer to her, my hands rising to cup her jawline, my calloused thumbs stroking over her soft cheekbones.

Were we crossing a line we could never come back from? Were our hearts ready for this? I questioned myself, even as my arms tightened around her.

I hesitated until I gazed into her eyes and caught the gleam of desire, care, and the devotion within, and melted.

How did a rough, battle-scarred bloke like me end up with a wife this breathtaking? Did I even deserve to hold a woman so precious?

Before my lips met hers, I paused.

‘We’re about to do this again. You down with this, wife?’

She took an inhale, then nodded. ‘Yes, husband, make love to me.’

‘You sure, Mrs. Valenti?’ I rasped. ‘I need to know you’re one hundred percent certain.’

Sofia stared up at me, her eyes reflecting the amber glow of the terrace lights outside. She reached up, her hand resting over my erratic heartbeat.