Evelina

(ii)

Antonio

"Hubby, good morning." Was that Eve's voice? I've missed her so much that I'm starting to hear her in my dreams. "Hubby, wake up." Someone shook me gently. I groaned, trying to push them away, but then I felt soft lips press against mine.

I know these lips. I know this scent.

Grabbing her arm, I pulled her onto the bed, holding her close. "I missed you," I whispered into her ear.

"And I'm mad at you," she replied, her voice holding that dangerous edge.

Mad? Why was she mad at me? My eyes fluttered open, and there she was—the most beautiful woman I've ever known, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Take a picture. It'll last longer," she teased, her lips curling into a smirk.

I hugged her tight, murmuring into her hair, "It's already my wallpaper."

I won't lie—I'm obsessed with my wife. How can someone be so perfect after everything she's been through? But Evelina, being Evelina, shoved me off her, a classic Evelina move.

"Get up and get dressed. I made breakfast," she ordered, standing up with that signature confidence. "But before we leave this room, let's get something straight. Today, I'm your calm, shy, and harmless wife. Got it? Papà wants me to blend in, just in case the mole tries anything. If they're going to strike, I'll be the easiest target."

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Wifey, you're the exact opposite of calm, shy, or harmless. In fact, you're the scariest person I know."

She sighed, rolling her eyes. "I know. But you like me like this, don't you?"

"I do. I do," I nodded, grinning like an idiot. "I'm hopelessly in love with you."

"Good. Now get your ass in the bathroom and clean up. Vincenzo came with me, and he's in on the plan."

I groaned. 'Great.' My annoying brother had to tag along. He's always hovering around Eve, like he can't get enough of her. Sometimes I wonder if he's trying to steal her from me—he sure seems to crave her attention. Still, I do as she says and head to the bathroom to freshen up.

After I clean up, I hear her call from the kitchen, "Hubby!"

"Yeah, sweetie?" I call back, drying my hair.

"Put some clothes on and come down fast, please." Her voice is dripping with sweetness, but I know better. She's in character—the perfect innocent wife, for now.

I chuckled to myself as I threw on a shirt and jeans, thinking how Evelina never ceases to surprise me. When I returned to the kitchen, I found her setting the table, a spread of mouth-watering food laid out before me.

"Wow, this looks amazing," I said, sliding my arms around her waist from behind.

"Don't get too comfortable," she warned, though I could hear the smile in her voice. "We've got a lot to handle today."

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, kissing her cheek. "I'm just glad you're here."

We sat down to eat, and just as I was about to take a bite, the door opened. Vincenzo strolled in, his signature smirk plastered on his face. "Morning, lovebirds," he greeted, throwing Eve a wink that made my blood boil a little.

"Morning, Enzo," Eve replied with forced politeness, though I caught the flicker of annoyance in her eyes. She wasn't a fan of his constant flirtations either, but she tolerated it.

Trying to break the tension, I said, "Alright, let's get this day started. We've got a mole to catch."

Enzo grabbed a chair, his smirk still irritating me. "Sure thing, bro. But first, let's enjoy this breakfast your lovely wife made for us."

Eve shot me a glance—calm on the surface but steely underneath. I knew what she was thinking. Today wasn't just about catching the mole. It was about playing the perfect role, keeping our enemies guessing, and most importantly, staying two steps ahead of everyone.

And that's why I'm crazy about her. Evelina was unpredictable, sharp as a knife, and always ready for anything.

As for Vincenzo? Well, he'd just have to behave.