“Because,” he says softly, “you’re carrying something you didn’t have this morning.”
“What is that?” I whisper.
His eyes lock onto mine with heat so intense my knees nearly buckle.
“Confidence,” he says. “And do you know what that makes you?”
I shake my head.
“A Moretti.”
The words hit me like a blow — soft and fierce all at once. Something inside my chest cracks open.
Chapter 12
The moment the SUV pulls into the driveway, I’m already walking toward it. I don’t know why. Maybe I do. But I’m not admitting that shit out loud.
Rocco steps out first, scanning the perimeter like he always does. Gia hops out next, shaking a shopping bag at me like a trophy.
But then—
Elena steps out. Slow. Careful. A little unsure of her footing.
And I fucking stop breathing.
She’s wearing jeans — actual denim that hugs her hips — and a deep red top that flows with every small movement she makes. The color hits her skin like it was made for her. Her hair is soft around her face. She looks…
Christ.
My chest tightens, and something sharp and possessive unfurls in my gut. She blushes the second she sees me watching her. Cheeks blooming pink. Eyes lowering but not with fear — with something else. Something that makes my pulse slam against my ribs. I move toward her before I realize I’m doing it. My hand finds the edge of her sleeve, tracing the soft fabric.
“Elena,” I say quietly, “you were already beautiful.” Her breath catches. “But right now… you’re gorgeous.”
“Why?” she whispers.
“Because you’re carrying something you didn’t have this morning.”
She looks up at me with eyes full of earnest confusion. “What is that?”
I lean in, brushing her hair behind her ear.
“Confidence,” I say. “And do you know what that makes you?”
She shakes her head.
“A Moretti.”
Her lips part on a shaky breath.
And right then, right in that moment, I want to take her out of this house, out of this city, out of anything dangerous or painful, and keep her somewhere only I can reach her.
“Go upstairs,” I say softly. “Get ready.”
Her brow furrows. “For what?”
“For dinner.” I let my thumb glide once over her cheekbone. “With me.”
Her eyes widen — hope blooming so fast it nearly knocks the air from my lungs.
