Feeling nervous because I know how important tonight’s guests are, I check all the platters of food before I walk to the living room, where voices are rumbling.
I pause before the entrance and take a deep breath.
Via places her hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”
I nod and give her a smile. “Don’t leave my side.”
“I won’t.”
When I step forward, she places her hand on my lower back so I can feel her.
The moment I walk into the living room, Franco’s eyes lock on me. He comes toward me and gives Via a nod before he wraps his arm around my waist.
“Congratulations on your engagement, Samantha,” Dario says.
“Thank you.”
My eyes dart to the only other couple, and Franco says, “Meet Angelo and Vittoria.”
“It’s nice meeting you,” I murmur, glad there’s another woman here tonight.
While Angelo looks as intimidating as the rest of the men, Vittoria gives me a friendly smile. Seeing her baby bump, the need for my own child increases.
Yep, I officially have baby fever.
I glance at Renzo, and knowing how important he is to Franco, I say, “It’s nice to see you again, Renzo.”
His features soften as he nods.
When I turn my attention to the last of the men, a shiver creeps down my spine, and I move closer to Franco.
“This is Damiano, capo dei capi. He’s the boss of bosses.”
That explains a lot.
My voice quivers slightly as I say, “Nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” he murmurs.
Franco presses a kiss to my temple, then Renzo holds up a tumbler of whisky, saying, “To you and your mystery man.”
“Shut up,” Franco grumbles, which lightens the mood a hell of a lot as everyone chuckles.
When the men return to their various conversations, I look at Franco and say, “Join your friends. I want to get to know Vittoria better.”
I pull away from Franco, and as I walk to Vittoria, her smile widens. “Hi.”
With Via right behind me, I take in the beautiful woman as I say, “I’m so glad you’re here. I’d feel out of place with the men.”
She lets out a chuckle. “You’ll get used to them.”
“So you’re married to Angelo?” When she nods, I ask, “How far along are you?”
“Twenty-six weeks.”
I scrunch my nose. “And in months?”
She lets out a soft chuckle. “Six months.”
“I hope I look as good as you when I’m pregnant,” I compliment her.
“You’re sweet.”
“What are you two whispering about here in the corner?” Franco suddenly asks from behind me.
“Babies.” I turn around and grin at him. “I want one.”
“Excuse me for a moment,” Vittoria says before she walks to Angelo.
“Hmm.” Franco pulls me into his arms. “Then stop taking the pill.”
My eyes widen and I feel a burst of excitement. “Really? Are you okay with it?”
He presses a kiss to the tip of my nose. “Of course.” The corner of his mouth lifts. “What my woman wants, she gets.”
Lowering my lashes half-mast, I give him a seductive look. “The more sex we have, the better our chances will be.”
His eyes darken. “Baby, I’ll fuck you twenty-four-seven if that’s what it takes.”
“I look forward to it,” I say, my tone playful.
Pulling away from Franco, I let out a chuckle when I hear him mutter, “Thanks for the hardon, baby.”
I glance over my shoulder and wink at him. “You’re welcome.”
Via quickly moves closer to me as I walk to where Milo is standing by the sliding doors.
“Can you have a couple of the men bring the platters to the veranda, please?”
“Sure thing.”
I’ve gotten used to Marcello and Milo and can even be alone with them, which I’m taking as a huge win.
When Franco notices the food is being carried to the table out on the veranda, he says, “Let’s head outside.”
Everyone finds a seat, and I’m glad when Vittoria claims the one to my right thigh.
Franco grabs the chair to my left, and taking hold of my hand, he places it on his thigh.
With the table providing cover, I move my hand until my palm brushes over the outline of his cock.
I squeeze and massage him through his pants, which earns me a grumble by my ear. “If you keep going, I’ll throw you over my shoulder, carry you to the restroom, and fuck you raw.”
I squeeze him hard before I pull my hand away and grab a salmon puff from the nearest platter.
Soon, everyone is enjoying the food and laughter fills the air as the men joke with each other.
I turn my head, and seeing the smile on Franco’s face, I say, “We should make this a regular thing.”
“I agree with her,” Dario backs me up.
“We can host a dinner next month,” Vittoria chimes in. “Right, Angelo?”
“Sure.”
Franco rests his arm around my shoulders, and leaning closer, he murmurs, “Thank you, baby.”
“Anything for my man.”
His eyes roam over my face, then he asks, “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine.” I press a kiss to his jaw before I add, “I have you by my side.”
His features soften with a loving look. “Always, baby.”
