Him (A mafia story)

Chapter 31

It took me a few seconds to recognize where I was when I woke up. Nikolai was pressed against my back with an arm wrapped protectively around me and I was sweating.

The sheets felt like they were clinging to my body and I didn't like it. Italy was a lot more humid than I was usedto.

I gently lifted his arm and slid out from under the sheets.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

'I'm hot, I'm getting some air." I explained, standing up.

"Mmm." He responded. "l'Il turn the air down before we go to bed tonight." He pushed the covers off himself and stood as well.

"You didn't have to get up, you can keep sleeping." I told him.

'"I'm already up." Nikolai said, stretching and making his way around the bed to me. "I can show you around a little before I start working today."

I nodded. "Okay." I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head against his chest. He put his arms around me and put his chin on the top of my head as I listened to his heartbeat.

"I also need to show you where the infirmary is so you can get someone to check on your stitches and the baby." He added.

I tensed up at the mention of the baby because it
reminded me of what his father had said the night before.

"What's wrong?" He asked, holding me at arm's length so he could look at me.

I pressed my lips into a thin line. "I was just thinking about something your father said yesterday."

"He said a few things. Which are you referring to?" He asked.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Okay, I want to preface this by saying that this is not me proposing, I'm just wondering what he meant by the whole marriage thing and if you meant what you said when-"

"Destiny." Nikolai said, stopping my word vomit. "I do want to marry you and, as long as you'll have me, I will. It doesn't have to be before the baby is born. In fact, it doesn't have to be anytime soon. We can take our time, it's just a silly rule the family has.

"Oh, okay." I let out a relived sigh.

"And for the record, that was not me proposing either." He said. He kissed my forehead before turning on his heels and heading towards the closet. "Get dressed, I'll show you around." He called over his shoulder.

I decided to wear something loose because of how hot it felt. I threw on a sun dress and tied my hair up in a bun to get it off my neck. I walked out of the closet and Nikolai looked me up and down slowly, with a soft smile on his face.

"What?" I asked, his smile contagious.

He shook his head. "Nothing. You're just beautiful." I felt my cheeks heat up as I blushed. Nikolai wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my forehead. I leaned my head against his chest and just listened to the sound of his breathing and heart beating.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

I shook my head. "Not yet. What time is it?"

He checked his watch. "A little past seven."

My eyes widened. "In the morning?"

"Yes, fiore." He chuckled.

(Flower.)

"I should not be awake right now." I grumbled, pressing my forehead against his chest.

He rubbed his hand up and down my back soothingly.