Chapter Twenty-Five

We spent a week in Barbados, enjoying the beach, the water, and most importantly, each other. I made love to Stella every moment I could, but it is finally time to return home. She isn't feeling so well, and after a quick check-up with an island physician, morning sickness is getting to my gorgeous wife.

Besides, I still have one more person to deal with. A traitor above all. Rocco. He has played us more than the others. He's been waiting so patiently for my return that I have to welcome him with special treatment. After I take care of that treacherous bastard, I have a massive apology to make.

"Sleepy, beautiful?" I whisper, watching Stella stretch out on the plane lounger.

"Yes, so sleepy." She lets out an adorable yawn like a cat.

"Rest. We'll be home in two hours."

We took our private jet because I refused to share her with anyone else or risk someone attacking. Our security has been tight after the other set of fires. Benz has been involved with the help of Baker, but I doubt they are the only ones. My enemies list is long, including Salazar's family. Word has gotten out that he's missing, and I'm the last person he'd gone to see.

"Sounds wonderful." She sighs, snuggling up in just one of my shirts. We didn't even make it to the landing strip before I was balls deep in her, tearing off her sundress. I don't know what it is, but seeing her in dresses sends my cock up to full mast. I summon the flight attendant and request a blanket for my wife. She's about to put it on her, but that's my pleasure.

I work for the rest of the flight, twirling a glass of whiskey while I consider the probability that my sister might not want to speak to me. Will that harm her friendship with Stella? They were so close.

The flight attendant comes in to remind us to buckle in for landing. "Thank you. I'll wake my wife."

"Yes, Mr. Valentino."

"Time to rise, Angel. We're about to land," I whisper, kissing her lips until she moans and opens up for me.

"I'm awake," she sighs, opening her pretty blues, and wraps her arms around my neck. How the fuck did I ever think I could let her go? She sits up and is about to buckle herself in, but I drag her over to the seat next to me. While she was sleeping, I allowed her to lay so far away, but now that she's up, I want her by my side.

"What are you doing?" she asks, pressing her hands on my shoulders so she doesn't fall.

"There's no reason for you to be so far away from me." A smile spreads across her gorgeous face.

"Yes, boss man." She nips at the scruff on my chin. "I'm going to miss this."

"I'll keep it trimmed close just for you." I rub my cheek against her cheek.

"It better be just for me, Mr. Valentino," she snarls, jabs my chest.

"Always all for you."

"So, Body Count has a totally different meaning," she teases. After everything she has seen and learned over the past six weeks, it's no secret that I enjoy the kill.

"Yes," I confess.

"My devil."

"My angel."

The plane taxis, and then we finally exit. As we head to the vehicle, Gabe comes out to take our things. Then, my sister jumps out of the front passenger seat. I'm about to speak to her, but she throws her arms around me. "I'm sorry, Hummingbird."

"I'm sorry, Damiano. So sorry. She could have died. I didn't realize what I did. Dad told me about Grandpa. I hope he rots in hell."

"It's okay. I promise. You see, my beautiful wife was never going to get away from me. Ever."

"I knew it the second you stormed the house. I'm just sorry I didn't know it sooner."

"Me too."

"Well, now that we got that out of the way, I need hugs from my auntie maker." She throws her arms around Stella. "Mom told me," she squeals.

"Of course she did. What are the rules in our family? Everything is a secret as a Valentino, but come on, this one isn't that big of one." She huffs.

"I know. My baby will be coming soon. Now, let's get somewhere out of the open. We might not have the immediate threat of the Joneses anymore, but that doesn't mean there aren't others looming."

"Speaking of, Chief Inspector Rodriguez wanted to see you regarding the warehouse and the docks."

"Of course he does. The piece of shit doesn't give a damn about the truth. He's on the take for someone, and I want to know who. I'm tired of his games." I help my wife into the back seat, while Gracie sits up front with Gabe who takes her hand in his as we drive off. It's then I spot the fucking stone on her finger.

"Is there something the two of you forgot to mention?" Stella blurts out.

"Oh, Dame didn't tell you?" Gabriele remarks, smirking from behind his shades.

"No."

"I asked Gracie to be my wife."

"Wow, that's wonderful," Stella squeals, but then gives me a glare.

"What? I kind of forgot since we were busy celebrating all week." I lift her onto my lap, rubbing my ever-present erection on her tight ass.

"We have a lot to celebrate," Gracie says.

"We so do." My mouth latches onto my wife's throat, marking her soft, sun-kissed skin.

"Mom, is looking forward to throwing a fabulous wedding and a baby shower, so don't give her no shit, Damiano."

"I'm not." I toss my hands up, grumbling to myself. "When the fuck did I get weak around these women?"

My wife leans in and whispers, "You're not weak, darling. You're my dark hero and definitely so damn hard." A moan escapes her parted lips, and my hand covers her mouth.

"Only for me, Wife. Only for me."

"Always."

We settle into the house, but there's somewhere important I need to be. "Love, I'm sorry to do this now that we're back home, but I have to go to work."

"Is this about Rocco?"

"Yes."

"Then you know I'm all for it. It's been a long time coming, so do what you must. Besides, when are you opening up the club again?"

"The glass has been replaced and I'll be inspecting it tomorrow, so hopefully we open by the weekend. That doesn't mean your sexy ass can come in with those half-clothed outfits again."

"What if I want to be spanked and thoroughly fucked five ways from Sunday?"

"That I can do, but plucking other men's eyeballs out takes a lot of time out of my busy schedule, so it would be good if you'd just behave."

"Fine. I'll be a good girl and waiting in bed." She pouts prettily, tilting her head up with her eyes gleaming, full of mischief. I can't wait to dispose of my former associate so I can satisfy my willing bride.

****

We arrive at the location, and the sight of Rocco brings joy to my eyes. So far, everyone's death has been unsatisfying to me, and almost all not at my own hand. He has betrayed more than myself; he sent one of my oldest allies to his death, leaving his family without a father and husband. That was more than distasteful—it deserved retribution, and I will be delivering it tonight.

"It's so good to finally catch up with you," I say. His eyes widen and he moves to run, only to slam into Adriano's brick-wall frame. See, unlike the others, Rocco has never been tied up or trapped, just monitored. We didn't want him to stew. I wanted a surprise when I finally met him. I didn't want the off chance of him pulling a Baker. Adriano is the best and made sure that he never lost sight of him.

"Where are you going? We've been looking for you for so long, it's a wonder we managed to find you alive after all of Jones's and Baker's acquaintances have seemingly died or disappeared." He's shaking, and all the color in his olive face has faded, turning him a hideous pale gray.

"I only just broke free from them. I tried to get back, but they had me tied up."

"The fact that you lack respect for me says one thing, but your own lack of respect for yourself says a lot more. You're a big pussy and full of utter denial that you're about to die for your sins against me and mine."

Adriano effortlessly holds him still as Rocco attempts to struggle away from his grasp. My first gut shot feels incredible. Blow after blow, I deliver shots to his body, working my fist into his frame, letting the sound of his bones crack play like music to my ears. "That's for my wife; that's for the time you've kept me on the hunt; that's for ruining my businesses." Each blow wears him down, but I don't give in because his death will mean I get to sleep easier, even if it's temporary.

"Come on. If you stop it, I'll tell you who is after you," he groans through the pain.

"Go on and spill, Rocco. It won't save your life, but it will spare your pain. If the information is good." As he tries to breathe, he spills his guts. Once I've gotten what I need, I end his life with a quick bullet to the head. "Payment for services rendered."

"Now—home, or are you ready to pay a visit to him?"

"No, I need eyes on him. Rocco can't be believed, but I have no intention of keeping him alive a moment longer. Something isn't adding up, so dig a little more. However, I need to make a pit stop before I go home and see my wife." It's time to right some other wrongs.