Evelina

(iv)

Antonio

Tension. That's what I see in Eve's face. I rub circles on her hand with my thumb, trying to calm her down, but it only increases as soon as we reach the billing counter.

"Love, they can't take you from me," I say, sensing her worry about her biological family.

"I know, but being back here brings back all the unwanted memories," she says softly. How could they hurt her? I mean, look at her. She is perfect.

I hold her waist and pull her close. "With my arms wrapped around you like this, they can't take you," I whisper in her ear.

She sighs. "What if the 'they' is right behind you?" She whispers back.

I turn around and see Lucian Morrigan, the future Don of the American Mafia. The only reason he isn't Don yet is because he isn't married. Lucian notices me looking and smiles. "Ah, Antonio Giannino, never thought I'd see you in a supermarket," he says.

"My wife wanted me to come. Can't say no to her now, can I?" I reply.

He nods, glancing at Eve. "This beautiful lady is your wife?"

I nod and smile. "Mrs. Evelina Giannino. My one and only," I say, pointing at Eve, who has her head down. "Eve, look up and don't show him your fear," I whisper loud enough for her to hear.

Eve raises her head and looks Lucian in the eye. "Evelina Giannino, Donna of the Italian Mafia. Don's equal. It's a pleasure to meet you," she says, a fake smile plastered on her lips. God, I'm falling for her. Again. She then looks at me and pouts. "Hubby, where's Enzo? I want to leave. My legs are aching," she says. I know her legs aren't aching; it's just an excuse to leave this place as she doesn't feel safe.

"Get on my back," I say, crouching down. She complies without any problem. As I'm about to call Enzo, he comes over.

"Okay, lovebirds. I'm done shopping."

"Enzo, stop calling us lovebirds," Eve snaps.

"Well, the only solution is to get me a wife."

Eve sighs deeply. "Look for one then." she states.

"You came to our doorstep. Tony didn't have to look for you."

"But he had to steal this heart." Eve replied, pointing at her heart. Cute.

"So, I can get married next year?"

She shakes her head. "You're certainly hopeless, Enzo. I already feel bad for your future wife."

"Nah, I don't feel bad for her. I feel bad for Mateo's future wife. He has five girlfriends and can't even share."

I give him a 'what the hell' look when Eve taps my shoulder. "Hubby, it's our turn." I put Eve down.

We say goodbye to Lucian and head to the billing counter. The cashier scans our items, and I keep a protective arm around Eve. Once we've paid and bagged our groceries, we head out to the car.

As we drive home, I glance at Eve, who seems more relaxed now. "Feeling better?" I ask.

She nods, giving me a small smile. "Yes, thank you. And thank you for being here with me."

"Always, my love. Always."

---

"We need to talk. You can't keep avoiding me, Eve. It's driving me crazy," I say, my voice laced with frustration.

"Okay, then. State your problem," she replies in a very business-like manner, her defenses clearly up.

"The problem is I can't live a single day with you like this. It hurts me. Talk to me, Eve. I am your husband. I won't judge you or leave you," I plead, hoping to break through her walls.

She sighs, and tears begin to roll down her cheeks. The last time I saw her cry was when Mom brought her home and told her that she was to call it home. "Hu...hubby, I...I don't know what to do. Everything is going wrong. The man who was like a father to me after Papà, betrayed me. My biologicals are closer than ever and I am..." She grows silent.

"You are?" I ask gently.

"I'm pregnant," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been pregnant for a month now. When I came back from Germany, I was going to tell you, but then you came here and I feel like I'm not mature enough to be a mother yet."

I pull her closer, holding her tightly. "You'll be a great mother, Eve. Even if you are not, the baby has no choice. But you have experience. You practically raised Alexandro. Look how amazing he is. He's growing up fine with your help. He tops his grades and he also has manners unlike my other brothers. He's so mature, and he's only nineteen."

She sniffles, looking up at me with uncertainty. "Do you really think I can do it?"

"I know you can, love. You're stronger and more capable than you give yourself credit for. And I'll be here with you every step of the way. We're in this together."

She nods slowly, a glimmer of hope returning to her eyes. "Thank you, Tony. I just needed to hear that."

"Always, Eve. Always," I assure her, kissing her forehead and holding her close.

"Wait," she said, pushing me away, "I'm still mad at you."

I pulled her close again, trying to soothe her. "We can blame that on the pregnancy hormones."

"No!" She pushed me away once more, her eyes flashing with anger. "You broke your promise. You promised me you'd be there when I came back and you didn't give me a gun when I asked you to."

"I was killing a guy who was approaching you from the behind so I couldn't give you your gun and about the promise, I'm innocent, sweetie," I protested. "I was waiting for you, but then one night I went to sleep and woke up here."

"Huh?" She looked confused, and undeniably cute with her furrowed brows.

"They drugged me and put me on this flight," I explained.

"Who is 'they'?" She asked through clenched teeth.

"Vincenzo, Papà, and Mama."

"Oh, they are so going to get it," she declared, getting up and storming out of the room.

"VINCENZO GIANNINO, COME HERE NOW!" She bellowed.

"Sup, Eve," he said in a flirty way as he came to our bedroom door.

Eve pinched his ear, making him wince. "How dare you drug my husband?"

"Oh, it was necessary," Vincenzo began to protest, trying to free himself from her grip. "He wouldn't have come willingly, and we needed him here."

Eve narrowed her eyes. "That doesn't justify your actions. You owe us an explanation."

"Eve," He started, "we only did it because we needed Tony here urgently. We thought it was the best way."

Eve released Vincenzo's ear and crossed her arms, glaring at the him. "Next time, try asking. You put me through unnecessary stress, and that's the last thing I need right now."

He stepped forward and placed a hand on Eve's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Eve. I didn't mean to upset you. It won't happen again."

Eve sighed, her anger slowly dissipating. "Just... don't do it again. I'm pregnant, hormonal, and I need my husband by my side."

Vincenzo rubbed his ear, grinning sheepishly. "Noted. No more drugging Tony. Got it." Realization dawned on him, "Wait... you're pregnant? Since when? Does anybody else know?"

Eve shakes her head, "I've been pregnant for a month now and the only people that know it is Hubby, you and me. I'd like to keep it that way."