"He told Marco to keep things professional. That I'm family and he needs to focus on keeping me safe."
"Of course he did." Rina rolls her eyes. "Overprotective idiot."
"It's not just that though." I pull my knees to my chest. "I'm keeping things from him. Important things. And he knows it. He says he can't trust me until I tell him everything."
"Can you tell him everything?" Gianna asks.
I think about the threats. The debt. The ultrasound picture hidden in my jewelry box. "I don't know. If I tell him, it becomes everyone's problem. Vito's problem. Your problem." I look at Rina. "And you have enough to worry about right now."
Rina's hand goes to her still-flat stomach in an unconscious gesture. "What do you mean?"
Shit. I wasn't supposed to know yet.
"Nothing. I just mean... with the business and everything."
Sofia's watching me with narrowed eyes but doesn't call me out.
"Look," Rina says, scooting closer to me. "I don't know what's going on with you. But I do know that Marco Conti doesn't do anything halfway. If he's fighting his feelings for you this hard, itmeans they're real. It means he's scared of how much he wants you."
"But Vito?—"
"Fuck what Vito said." Rina's voice is fierce. "If Marco is who you want—and I mean really want, not just because he's forbidden or complicated or whatever—then you go for it. You don't let my husband's overprotective bullshit stand in your way. I'll handle him."
"You'd do that?"
"You're family, Elena. You're my sister in every way that counts. And I want you to be happy." She squeezes my hand. "Even if that happiness comes in the form of a six-foot-five Italian man with control issues."
I laugh despite myself. "He does have control issues."
"Most men in this life do," Sofia adds. "The question is whether you're willing to deal with them."
Am I? Am I willing to navigate Marco's walls and boundaries and professional obligations? Am I willing to trust him with my secrets?
The answer surprises me with its clarity: Yes.
We spend the rest of the night watching movies, but my mind keeps drifting to Marco. To the conversation in the guest room. To the way he admitted he cares about me. To the kiss we almost had before he pulled away again.
When I finally fall asleep around two a.m., it's with Rina's words echoing in my head:If this is who you want, then go for it.
I awake the next morning and reach for my phone—eleven-thirty. I need coffee.
After a quick shower, I head to the kitchen and find Dante and Luca at the island.
"Morning," Dante says while Luca just nods. He doesn't talk much.
I watch Dante grab his phone to text someone. Probably Sofia.
I'm at the espresso machine when Marco enters. His eyes find me immediately.
"Seems I have two babysitters now," I mutter, and Dante laughs.
Eventually Vito and the girls make their way to the kitchen. Everyone picks at pastries and fruit. I'm ready to get home.
"I already have everything," Marco says when I start toward the bedroom. "I packed your bag and wrapped up your dress. It's by the elevator."
"Oh. Thank you."
"Don't mention it," he says with a small smile.
