The Italian's Suitable Wife. Lucy Monroe

their doubts.”

      “You’ll just have to prove them wrong.”

      He nodded, heartwarming in his arrogant confidence of his return to full health. “I do not wish to do this alone.”

      Such an admission from Rico was astonishing and she couldn’t gather her wits enough to respond.

      “I need you here, believing in me, cara.”

      She almost fainted, she was so shocked at his words. “You need me?” she asked in a choked whisper.

      “Stay.” It sounded more like an arrogant command than a plea for her support, but Gianna knew what it had cost him to say it and she could not refuse.

      “Okay.”

      He smiled and pulled her close for a kiss of gratitude.

      At least that’s what she assumed it was supposed to be, but Rico kissed her lips, not her cheek and the moment their mouths connected, their surroundings ceased to exist for her.