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"No one was hurt. That's all that matters."
"Okay," she whispers after a moment, relaxing slightly.
I lean down to kiss her again, but she leans away from me.
"No way. You stink. You're probably covered in all sorts of gross chemical stuff, too." She stares up at me, completely serious. "You should probably wash your hands before you touch your penis, Mattia. I read somewhere that testicular cancer is rampant amongst firefighters because of all the chemicals and things they deal with."
"Jesus Christ."
"I'm serious."
"I can see that, topolina." I chuckle, shaking my head. She's so fucking sweet. "I'll do even better than washing my hands. I'll go shower just for you."
She beams up at me, making my fucking heart flutter.
"I'm kissing you as soon as I'm clean," I warn her. "Don't think I'm not."
"We'll see," she says, mischief dancing in her eyes.
"Yeah, we'll see." I shake my head and stride toward the bedroom to shower, smiling. Christ, I love her. I never realized how empty my life and this house were until the last few days with her. Everything feels different now. Brighter, more alive. For the first time since my parents died, this place feels like a home. My life feels full.
One way or another, I intend to keep her. Whatever I have to do, I'll do. So long as it ends with her in my arms permanently, I'll do it.
Coda calls while I'm stripping out of my suit.
"Rafe called a meeting," he says by way of greeting.
"I know."
"Is it about her?"
"It is."
"You're telling him," he guesses.
"I am."
"Are you going to tell him that you drugged her and forced her to marry you?"
"Jesus Christ, Coda," I mutter.
"It's a valid question, Mattia. He's going to want to know how the fuck it happened."
I sigh heavily, tipping my head back to look up at the ceiling. "What do you want me say? That I fucking married her to protect the family? That I did what I had to do just like I always do? That I'm a fucking heartless asshole for it? You already knew that." I blow out a breath, falling silent for a moment. If that's what he wants, I can't give him that. Maybe I am an asshole, but I married her because she's fucking mine.
"Jesus," he mutters.
"Do you want me to tell you that I regret marrying her or that I never should have done it? What is it you want to hear, Coda?"
That'd be a lie too, and I'm not going to fucking lie about it. Not to him. Not to Rafe. Not to anyone. If I die for what I did, I'll die for the truth.
"I saw the way you looked at her that night, Mattia," Coda says quietly. "I saw it again last night. We both know that isn't why you married her. We both know you don't regret it. You're in love with her."
"Yeah, I am." I blow out a breath, not denying it. Why would I? In three days, she's become the reason I breathe. Nothing matters without her. Fucking nothing. "I plan to tell him everything. I'll leave your name out of it, but I'm not going to lie to him."
Coda is quiet for a moment. "I never cared if he knew I was involved, Mattia. That's not why I'm calling. My orders are to protect this family, no matter what. I did that when I helped you rescue her. I did it again when I signed my name on your marriage license. She's safer with you than she will be with anyone else because you love her. You'll protect her above anyone and anything. It's who you are. Once Rafe calms down, he'll realize it, too."
"She's his sister."
