His Tesoro (Empire of Royals, #1)

by Emilia Rossi

“I just can’t believe we’re actually here. I can’t believe this is my life.” She wiped a tear. “Thank you for giving it to me.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “Don’t thank me. Ever. You deserve everything.”

“This is the ring you deserved from the beginning.” “Oh my God.” Sofiya’s eyes shone as they flitted between my face and the ring.

Now, I was kneeling before the center of my universe, knowing there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I caressed her hand, possessiveness filling my chest at seeing further proof that she belonged to me.

“Aren’t you supposed to ask me to marry you?” “We’re already married.” “Well, yeah, but you know, it’s tradition to ask.” I fixed her with a stern expression. “You will marry me, tesoro.” She snorted. “Close enough.”

I laughed as my husband carried me into our villa, unable to take my eyes off my ring. It was perfect. There was a large marquise-cut diamond surrounded by circular diamonds, making it look almost like a flower.

“You like it?” “I love it. You did such a good job.” “I had help.” “Sienna?” “Mila.” “Really?” That made a lump rise in my throat. We had spent so many hours as girls talking about rings and weddings, and this made it feel like she was part of my new life.

“Virgin strawberry daiquiri.” His lips brushed against my ear. “Almost as sweet as you.”

His expression softened, and I pressed my smile to his lips. “You think you have me wrapped around your little finger, don’t you?” “I only think it because it’s true.”

“This is everything.” “You are everything,” he responded.

Feel my husband making love to me in paradise, feel my heart mending itself, feel the hope for a bright future. It was here. And it was ours.

“You’re the greatest gift of my life.” I ran my hand down her stomach, holding her close. She was just a few weeks away from giving birth, and I couldn’t wait to meet our baby. My daughter.

“Matteo.” My name on her lips was everything.

“I’m so glad you’re with me,” she said. “No one else I’d rather live life with.”

She was the most important person in my life, the center of my universe.

I found I minded nothing as long as she was by my side.

I bit my lip to hide my smile. “I’m rather good, aren’t I?” “Have you been winning games all this time? I thought you didn’t know they were playing with actual money. I was getting ready to pay off your debts before the poker club came after you.” I snorted a laugh. “Your lack of faith in me is astounding. How much have I won now, Angelo? I think it’s around thirty thousand.” “Sounds about right, bella.”

I laid mine down with a smile. “Royal flush.” Angelo swore and pushed back from the table. “You’re counting cards, aren’t you? That has to be it.” Sienna snorted as she looked between the disgruntled men. “Pretty sure that’s blackjack, not poker.” Matteo’s chest shook with laughter. “Didn’t know you were such a sore loser, Angelo.” He kissed my cheek. “Now you have another ten grand to add to your charity.” “Yes, thank you all for your donations,” I said.

I couldn’t have dreamed up a better Christmas. But that was my life now—living days that were even better than my dreams.