The Rebaldis 2 K

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I know. She sniffed, blinking hard to stave off the tears. I hated it when you were in jail. I was so
scared.
I didn t like being in jail either, he said wryly. Your sister went to extreme lengths in keeping us
apart.
I know. Tilting her head back, she gazed up at his handsome, beloved face. I m so sorry she did
this to us, Rafe. I had no idea she was so& unwell.
Thank God Annalisa had agreed she needed treatment and voluntarily signed herself into the facility.
She d protested at first, but her doctor had spoken with her for over an hour, convincing her she
needed help.
Such a sad, terrible shock. It angered Cat that no one had told her just how ill her sister was and had
been for years. Her parents treated Annalisa s mental condition like a dirty little secret, so of course
she d have issues dealing with it. What did they expect?
At least now everything was out in the open. No more hiding, no more secrets. Her sister would get
the care she needed, as would her mother, and eventually, everything would be somewhat normal in
the Campioni family.
Cat didn t bother counting her father as a bona fide member, since he was rarely around. He d ditched
them all in their time of need. There was no point in trying to contact him about Annalisa. He d
abandoned them long, long ago.
It hurt to realize but better to face reality now than keep up the fa�ade as the Campionis being one big
happy family.
It s not your fault. And I would do anything for you. I hope you realize this. He kissed her, his lips
warm and sweet, the kiss full of just the right amount of comfort she needed. I must confess& I m
eager to marry you and make you mine in every way, he murmured, his fingers caressing her face.
She smiled, thrilling at his words. I m eager for the wedding too. Tomorrow at the courthouse?
Exactly. Sounds perfect. He kissed her again, his lips lingering. What happened the last few days
has helped me realize something, Catalina. I just want you to know that I m in love with you.
Cat sucked in a sharp breath, happy shock washing over her. He said the words so simply, so
beautifully, it was hard for her to respond, she was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I& I m
in love with you too, Rafe. And we re not rushing things. We ve known we re going to marry each
other practically our entire lives.
He kissed her again, this one deeper, hotter, his tongue thrusting against her own, his hands beginning
to wander. She shifted closer to him, sliding her hands beneath his shirt, touching his warm, bare skin.
A thrill buzzed through her at his murmured groan of appreciation.
I want you, he whispered. I know you ve been through a tremendous amount of stress today, but& I
need to be inside you.
Yes. She tugged at his shirt, laughing when he took over and tore his shirt off with a savage tug.
Running her hands over his smooth, hot skin, she leaned over him, kissing him everywhere, licking his
nipples, his stomach, attacking the waistband of his jeans.
He hissed in a breath when she undid the snap and zipper, gently pushing her away when she curled
her fingers around his cotton-covered erection.
Slow down, he whispered, moving so he lay on top of her, her wrists clasped in his hands as he
brought her arms up over her head. Keep that up and I ll embarrass myself.
She smiled, happiness coursing through her when he kissed her, releasing his hold on her so he could
help in the removal of her clothing. Piece by piece, he helped her shed everything until she lay there
naked. And then he was naked, their bodies twisted around each other, mouths and hands everywhere,
heated breaths and whispered words of love filling the air.
And when he entered her, filling her so completely, tears sprang to her eyes while she clutched him
close. Their bodies moved together perfectly, pleasure sweeping her into its now-familiar storm, and
when she fell apart beneath him scant minutes later, wrapped tight in this man s arms, she knew she d
never felt so happy.
Or so complete.
Chapter Sixteen
Three months later
You ve been married for a while now, you know, Claudia Renaldi said with a slight smile, her
voice deceptively casual.
Rafe shot Cat a knowing glance and she bit back the laugh that wanted to escape. They both knew
where this conversation was going. Just about three months, Cat said, her voice just as casual. But
it s gone by so quickly.
I m sure, her mother-in-law murmured as she watched the two of them from where she sat across
the kitchen table. I ve been wondering& when is there going to be a baby on the way? I m anxious.
Good God, Mama. We ve only been married three months, Rafe muttered, shaking his head. We re
not ready for babies yet.
Aw, but they re so sweet. I love my grandbabies. And since Vince and his wife are so busy working,
they can t even get together and attempt to make them. You two will have to meet my I need more
grandchildren now need, Claudia explained.
Not going to happen, Rafe said firmly, his arm circling around Cat s shoulders, giving her a
reassuring squeeze. Go pick on Matteo or Stasia. See if they can provide you with more
grandchildren.
Laughing, Claudia stood and left the table with a shake of her head, headed over to where Matteo
stood with Gavin. They d gathered at the Renaldi family villa, everyone together with the exception
of Vince and his wife Amber, and they were sorely missed, as usual.
Cat loved spending time with the Renaldis. They were a large, demonstrative family who accepted
her with open and loving hearts. Her mother was joining them tomorrow, and they were incredibly
accepting of her as well. It felt good, to be a part of such a close family. Unlike her own fractured
little family. What with her father essentially missing in action and her sister still at the facility, Mama
was all she had left.
But at least Annalisa was doing better. Her mother seemed to be well too. Not so glum and wailing
for her old marriage and no-good husband anymore, which was a good sign. Cat couldn t help but
wonder if the behavior had been spurred on by Annalisa s encouragement.
Cat would probably never know.
You all right? Rafe said, his fingers smoothing along her upper arm.
She smiled up at him. Yes, but I hate disappointing your mother.
We don t disappoint her. I think she enjoys giving us grief over babies. She knows we re not ready.
Rafe swooped in, offering a reassuring kiss. Don t let her nagging bother you.
I just want to make sure you re okay with not having any babies yet. She nibbled on her lower lip.
Are you?
How many times do I have to tell you? I like having you all to myself. His grin was wicked and she
lightly slapped his chest. There will be enough time for babies. You re still young. Aren t you the [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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