Page 46 of Taking His Heart

“I’m serious, Dad.”

“I know, but I don’t think you will ever not be enough for him, Daniella. I’m guessing you told him.”

“I did.”

“And what’d he say?”

“That he didn’t care, that he loved me.”

“Then you need to listen to that and not the voice inside your head.”

“It’s not that easy,” I mumble, leaning closer to his chest.

My dad tightens his arms around me. “You know, if you really do want kids, say the word and I’ll make it happen. I will get you a baby, Daniella.”

“You’re not stealing me a baby, Dad.” I slap his chest.

“I wouldn’t be stealing it. I’d be buying it. Different things.”

I sit up and glare at him. “Sometimes I worry about your soul. You know your morals are very corrupt.”

My dad smirks at me. “There is no line I wouldn’t cross for you.”

“Where is Mum? I thought she’d come with you?”

“She’s on her way, with Aurelio and Rosie.”

“They’re all coming here?” My eyes widen.

“Yes.”

“Shit. I should ask CJ. This isn’t my apartment, Dad. They can’t just drop in,” I say. “And he’s sick. I really should be in there with him. First day of being a wife and I already suck at it.”

“This is your apartment, Dani, and your family can just drop in.” CJ’s voice has my head snapping to the entryway.

“What the bloody hell are you doing out of bed?” I jump up from the sofa, my voice rising with each step I take towards my husband.

“Looking for my wife,” he says, leaning against the wall.

“You didn’t think to just yell out?” I ask him.

“I’ll make your coffee. Give him hell, baby girl,” Dad says, walking past me and leaving us alone.

“You need to be in bed. Jesus, CJ, you’re hooked up to an IV and just walking around like you’re not freaking sick as a dog.” I wrap my arm around his waist. “Let’s go. Back to bed.”

“Mmm, I thought you’d never ask.” He winks at me.

“Seriously? My dad is here,” I hiss.

CJ shrugs as if he doesn’t care who hears him. When I get him back into the bed, he grabs on to my hand. “Don’t leave.”

I frown. “I was just going to get you something to eat.”

“I don’t need food. Besides, Ma’s bringing lasagna.” He smiles. “I need you to stay here, with me. Where I can see you.”

“Why?”

“I just want to be able to see you. So I know you’re still here. Also, I like looking at beautiful things, and nothing is more beautiful than you are.”