Page 89 of Humility

Walking out to the bedroom, Dario was in bed and lifted a brow at me in challenge when I opened my mouth to order him out. Sighing, I conceded that Dario, Enzo, or sometimes both would end up in here from now on.

Dario pushed the blankets out of the way so I could lay Jasmine down and crawl in beside her. She curled into me and placed her head on my heart as Dario cuddled her from behind. For the first time in years, I felt peace. It scared me. Nothing good in my life ever lasted long, but I refused to lose her. Not ever again. I would kill anyone who tried to come between us and take my happiness away.

Chapter Forty

JASMINE

“Psst,” I jumped at the sound of Angelo’s voice. Whipping my head around, I saw he was standing on my balcony, just like every night since I first said yes to marrying him. He looked so handsome in his black jeans and T-shirt. Hand shaking, I put down my hairbrush and stood from the vanity to meet him across the floor.

“You have to stop sneaking in like this. We’re going to get caught,” I whispered, but Angelo just smiled and pulled his hand from behind his back with a single lily between his fingers.

“I had to see you.”

I tried not to smile at the sweet gift, but it was impossible. Plucking it from his grip, I sniffed the fragrant flower and lifted my eyes to his.

“You just saw me this morning.” I started to walk away, but I screamed as he picked me up, forcing me to wrap my arms around his neck.

“Shh, you’re going to get us caught,” he said, his lip curling up.

“You’re such an ass,” I said, but I loved that he couldn’t stay away. He’d been sneaking in at all hours of the night and day and even hunting me down and dragging me into rooms all over the house to catch a few moments alone. It had become a game, and I now peeked around every corner and door, never knowing where he might appear.

A knock sounded at the door. “Mistress Jasmine, is everything okay? I thought I heard a scream,” the deep voice of one of my papa’s guards called through the thick wood.

“Yes, I’m fine. I thought I saw a spider. Sorry to worry you,” I said, and Angelo snickered into the side of my neck, making it hard not to laugh.

“You’re sure everything is okay?”

“Perfectly fine. I’m off to bed. Have a good night,” I said and waited until the shadow under the door had moved on before giving in and cupping Angelo’s face to kiss him.

“Mmm, it’s been way too long,” he mumbled against my lips as he lay on the bed and settled between my legs. His hands traveled along my body, and I shivered from his heated touch.

“Working for your father just not as exciting?” I teased.

“Not even close. I never want to see him in a silky bathrobe,” he said, and I covered my mouth as I laughed.

“Shh, Mistress Jasmine, you’re being far too noisy this late at night,” he said, kissing the side of my neck, making my heart race. “You always smell like heaven. I want to bottle your scent and take it everywhere with me.”

“Did you ever see this happening when we were kids?” I loved watching his shoulders flex under my fingers as I raked them over his muscles.

He lifted his head to stare down at me. “Are you kidding? I hated you.” I looked away. It was stupid, but Angelo saying that hurt. He kissed my lips and forced me to look up at him. “I was a stupid boy who didn’t understand that I hated you because I liked you. The more sass you fired at me, the more I wanted until it was never enough. I’d become completely addicted to a look from across the room or a touch from your finger. When I close my eyes, it is your face I see. You’re my angel, Tiger. My heart has always been yours, even when I didn’t realize it.”

“I love you,” I said and blushed, shocked that I finally said the words I’d been holding back.

“Sei la vita mia,” Angelo said, his lips capturing mine.

My eyes fluttered open, and I turned my head from side to side, but I was once again alone, and the warm fuzzy feelings of the memory slowly faded away. Pushing myself up, I winced and wanted to flop back down.

I looked up as the door to the bedroom opened, and Enzo stood there with a tray of breakfast, looking far too sexy in his plaid shirt and ripped jeans.

“Good morning,” he said, with a smile that could make any woman trip over their heels to get another look.

I pushed myself up, holding the sheet to my chest. “Good morning.”

“I made you breakfast, and don’t worry about Gina. I already picked everything ready to go and gave it to her. I also told her you’ll be able to supply more items, and she was thrilled.” He smiled as he sat the tray over my lap.

“You already did all that? What time is it?” I looked around for a clock.

“It’s just after eleven, but don’t worry, I didn’t mind. Dario said these are your favorites, and when you’re ready, the guys will be arriving at one to start building the new greenhouse.” Enzo smiled as he backed out of the room. “No rush, I have the blueprints to get them started. Oh, and Angelo just got the invoice.” A wicked grin crossed his face. “I thought he was going to have a heart attack,” he said and laughed. “See you soon.”