His Tesoro: An Arranged Marriage Age Gap Mafia Romance (Empire of Royals Book 1)
His Tesoro: Chapter 46

I tugged on my dress as I looked in the mirror, hating how the fabric awkwardly pooled around my stomach and hips, making me look even bigger than I already was. Tonight was important. It was the first time Matteo and I would be going to a Family event, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. I was wearing one of the dresses Sienna got me—the sparkly, silver one. It had felt magical and perfect in the dressing room with her, but now reality was setting in.

My father’s cruel words kept playing in my mind, telling me what a pathetic waste of space I was. I heard my mother point out my new fat rolls, acquired after so many afternoons baking for Matteo and the guards. Would my husband be ashamed to have me by his side at events? Bratva wives were always perfectly thin and glamorous as they stood by their husbands. I had hoped to feel confident and elegant at this dinner, but instead I just felt a little sad and frumpy.

I patted Noodle’s head. “Fetch my bag.” He pranced off to get my medication bag from its spot by the bed, placing it in my lap when he returned. I gave him a treat and then fished out my pain meds, dry swallowing two pills.

I jolted when Matteo’s reflection appeared behind me in the mirror, meeting my gaze with dark eyes. His expression was serious as always, but I thought I was getting better at picking up little micro-expressions in my husband’s face. I took in his perfectly tailored black suit, stretching across his muscular chest, and the way his hair fell lazily in his face. I wanted to run my hands through it.

Without a word, he pulled out a black velvet box from his coat pocket and placed it on my lap. His lips skimmed the top of my head as he leaned over my chair.

“For me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice cool, as if my insides weren’t melting.

He just gave me a look in the mirror.

I grinned and bounced a little. “It’s for me.”

I ran my fingers down the smooth velvet and opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver locket with flowers engraved around the edge.

“It’s beautiful.” I tilted my head back and gripped his tie, pulling him down to meet my lips in an upside-down kiss. “Thank you,” I whispered as my lips brushed against his.

My husband stood back up, clearing his throat as he straightened his tie. I held back my smile. I had flustered him.

He took the necklace and clasped it around my neck. His hands lingered even after it was on. “This belonged to my nonna.”

My hand fluttered to the locket, holding it tightly. “Thank you,” I said again. My throat felt tight. I couldn’t believe he thought I was special enough for a gift like this.

“Don’t take it off,” he said gruffly. His jaw and shoulders were set—tight, unmoving—and I’d learned this was his tell. He was nervous.

I cocked my head to the side, still looking at him through the mirror. “Why? Is there a tracker in here or something?” I joked.

His jaw clenched. “Yes.” That was all he said as he crossed his arms, meeting my gaze with a hard stare, as if daring me to challenge him.

“Okay,” I said, biting the inside of my cheek to keep myself from smiling.

My protective husband.

He blinked. “Yes, okay. That’s right.” He cleared his throat again. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’m ready,” I said, taking one last look in the mirror. With the locket on, I didn’t feel as self-conscious about my dress anymore.

I maneuvered my chair so I was facing Matteo. He leaned down once more, but this time his hands ran down my side and hips. His touch was slow, sensual, possessive. His thumb and forefinger gripped my chin. “You look stunning, tesoro,” he murmured, leaning forward to kiss my forehead.

This time, I couldn’t stop my smile.