The One He Left Became The One He Couldn’t Have Chapter 24
In my teens, I devoured romance novels.
There was a popular phrase for the male lead. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Ostensibly a criticism, but actually a compliment.
I never thought a man like Matteo.
Could also have that wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing side.
On our wedding day, he was all sharp features and tall, noble bearing.
His presence so commanding he looked like he’d stepped out of a cathedral fresco.
But when it came to the wedding night.
Once the groom’s clothes came off.
He turned into the wolf.
It was the first time I’d heard so many burning, tender words.
The first time someone called me amore mio in Italian, over and over.
The first time someone coaxed me into those embarrassing positions.
The first time I cried from the ache and cried from the pleasure.
The first time I learned what passion was, tasted bliss, lost an entire night to it, insatiable.
And then on my first day as a bride, I slept until nearly noon.
While I was still dead asleep in bed.
Matteo had already powered through his morning run, daily workout, breakfast tea, newspapers, news briefings, and everything else.
A few days after the wedding.
The household staff told me, laughing.
“Ma’am, you have no idea how much Signor Matteo smiled that day.”
“Truly. In all my years at the Ricci house, I’ve never seen Signor Matteo talk so much in a single morning.”
“He greeted everyone he passed. Even my little grandson didn’t escape.”
“I think the signore wanted to carry a megaphone around and tell the whole world he got married and he is absolutely besotted with his bride.”
Mortified and amused, I made up an excuse and fled to the garden.
In the distance, I saw Matteo’s car pulling through the gates.
He stepped out.
After handing his briefcase and coat to a staff member.
His first glance was toward me.
“Matteo.”
I stood among the flowers, laughing and bouncing, waving at him.
My pony had been delivered to Boston yesterday.
Matteo had handled it personally.
She’d been cared for beautifully on the journey. Not a trace of stress.
When I saw her yesterday, she circled me, giddy with joy.
Even this last clean, precious thing of mine, he’d once used as a weapon to threaten me. But now, she was free too.
Matteo saw me laughing and smiled back.
He pushed through the lush green branches and headed toward me.
But I was already running to him.
He stopped where he was. Shook his head with helpless affection.
But his arms were already open.
And when I threw myself into them, he caught me tight.
(The End)