Her Return to King's Bed(83)

                “Yes, about that,” Teresa said.

                “Doesn’t matter now, little sister,” he said, “as long as                     you’re happy. And I can see that you are.”

                She grinned at him, then watched as he walked to the cold                     fireplace on the far wall. “Gas?” he asked.

                “The switch on the wall,” Rico told him, knowing just what the                     other man was going to do.

                Gianni hit the switch, gas flames erupted and he went down on                     one knee in front of it. Carefully, he tossed the envelope of evidence onto the                     flames and watched as it burned. When it was nothing but curling paper and ash,                     he stood again to face his sister and Rico.

                “Now that’s done, I can go.”

                “Where, Gianni?”

                “London, for now.” He went to her and pulled her in close for                     another hug. Then, looking from her to Rico, he said, “You don’t have to worry                     about me anymore. The reason Papa couldn’t get me on the phone this month is                     that I’ve been in talks with Interpol.”

                “What?”

                He smiled at Teresa’s shock. “In exchange for immunity, I’m                     going to work with their people. Help them catch thieves for a change.” He                     shrugged. “Could be fun. And I think I might be able to talk Paulo and Papa into                     doing the same.”

                “Good luck with that,” Rico said on a laugh.

                “It’s worth a try,” Teresa said and beamed at her brother. “I’m                     so proud of you, Gianni.”

                “Imagine. Me. Working for the                     police.” Shaking his head, he walked to the door and paused only long enough to                     look back at Rico and say, “Treat her well, Rico. I’ll be in touch.”

                When he was gone, Rico grabbed Teresa, pulled her against him                     and just held on. Burying his face in the curve of her neck, he inhaled her                     scent and dragged it so deep inside him he would never take another breath                     without tasting her on it.

                “I love you, Teresa Coretti King.”

                “I’m going to want to hear that a lot,” she said, leaning back                     to look up at him. “I love you so much, Rico. I always have. Living without you                     was so horrible—”