Page 114 of Jude

‘Not even in the same league, babe,’ I chuckled, pulling her back into my arms while scooter engines roared past us down the narrow alleyway. ‘Aussie pies rule.’

I leaned down, kissing her thoroughly under the arching stone doorway until she leaned her entire frame into mine with total trust.

Later, we walked off the food along the river.

As moonlight danced over the swirling currents below, Sofia’s hip brushed mine, our fingers locked.

‘Sofia, bellissima, is it really you?’ a smooth voice echoed down the street.

We turned to see a tall Italian man rise from an outdoor table of a nearby restaurant.

His black silk shirt lay open, unbuttoned down his chest, his chest hair covered in layers of jewelry.

Perfect coiled curls sat on his gleaming crown.

His beard was more of the same, framing a square, stubbled jaw.

A show pony, to the core.

‘Gio?’ Sofia gasped, freezing in her tracks.

Behind him, his party gathered on the patio: three sleek, stunning women in designer dresses and two slick men sipping wine, flanked by bodyguards looming like shadows over the table.

They peered at us with world-weary curiosity as Gio strode forward.

He pulled Sofia into three tight cheek kisses while his manicured hands lingered on her ass.

The hell?

It was a gesture reserved for former lovers.

A wave of jealousy hit my gut, my instincts raging against another man’s hands on my wife.

To her credit, Sofia pulled from his hold; however, their reunion continued.

They launched into rapid-fire Italian, their words flying way too fast for me to catch.

His entourage lost interest in us, picking their nails and checking their phones with bored expressions.

I stood braced, arms crossed tight over my chest, my irritation rising as I picked up on the undeniable history between them.

My blood hit a boiling point as Gio went to kiss her again.

A growl escaped my throat, making Sofia pivot toward me with an apologetic smile, dodging the glistening lips descending on her.

‘Sorry, tesoro mio. Jude, meet Gio, my-.’

Sofia started, gesturing toward the guy.

‘Her ex-boyfriend who still adores her,’ Gio interjected with a cocky growl.

I stepped in, sliding my broad arm around Sofia’s waist and pulling her flush to me.

‘Good to meet you, man,’ I said, my hand locking over her hip. ‘I’m her husband.’

Gio’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline.

‘Dio, non lo sapevo!’ he sputtered under his breath, stumbling back a step.