“Hey.” I place my hand softly on his arm. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
He moves a piece of my hair behind my ear. “You are truly beautiful, Serena. It’s like you light up from the inside.”
“Thank you,” I graciously say, pleased it comes more naturally to me these days. “I don’t think I told you how hot you look tonight. I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes off you.”
A lopsided smile ghosts over his mouth. “The feeling is most definitely mutual.” Lifting my hand, he brings it to his mouth and brushes his lips across my knuckles. “This feels like the start of something special. Please tell me you feel that too?”
“I do, and as much as I love romantic Alesso, I can tell something is bothering you. Just tell me.” I smooth out the little furrows between his brows. “My mom always says a problem shared is a problem halved.”
“Georgia is a wise woman.” He clears his throat, setting my hand back in my lap. “You know how I’ve been training with Ben and it’s all hush-hush?” I nod because he mentioned that much but couldn’t confide any more. “He’s appointing me as hisconsigliere,” he blurts.
My eyes pop wide. “That is amazing news, Alesso.” I press a kiss to his cheek. “Congratulations. I’m so proud of you.” My smile is genuine. “I can see why Ben chose you. You have so many qualities and skills that will lend itself to that role. I’m betting you will make an excellentconsigliere.”
“You’re not disappointed?”
I frown. “Why would I be disappointed?”
“I thought you wanted nothing more to do with made men. That you wanted to extract yourself from this life.”
Oh my God. Is that what he’s been thinking this whole time?“I know I said that months ago. But I wasn’t in a good place.” I take his hands in mine. “The reality is, my life is inextricably interwoven into this world. Even if I found a way to escape, it would always find me. I’m a mafia widow, and my kids will forever be known as Alfredo Gifoli’s offspring. My father was a don. My brother-in-law is the most powerful don in the US right now. One of my good friends just married an underboss. Unless I plan to cut myself off from everyone, this is my life.” He still looks unconvinced. I lightly grip his chin, forcing his gaze to mine. “I have made my peace with who I am and the world I inhabit.”
“You’re not just saying it to make me feel better?” he asks as my hand lowers from his face.
I shake my head. “I wouldn’t lie about something this important. The truth is, I am safer inside than out. Your acceptance of this promotion changes nothing for me. Especially not the way I feel about you.”
He rests his forehead on mine. “Thank God. I was worried it might scare you away.”
“Not a chance.” I run my fingers through his hair before we break apart. We are in public, after all.
“At least this way, I’ll be able to properly provide for you.” He looks a little sheepish. And is that a blush I spy on his cheeks?
“You already provide in all the ways that count, Alesso. Nothing else matters to me.” Certainly not money. I have enough to last ten lifetimes, but I know it’s a pride thing for men.
“It matters to me,” he quietly says, asserting my thought. I nod, letting him know I understand. However, I don’t want to start talking about money. It’s a surefire recipe for an argument. So, I divert the conversation before it puts a damper on our perfect date. “How does Ben plan to present this to the men? Will there be any issue because you aren’t of Italian descent?”
A dark look crosses over his face. “That’s the other thing I have to tell you. It turns out I am.”
I stare at him in confusion.
“Of Italian American descent,” he clarifies. “Ben did some digging, and I discovered something when we were in Vegas.”
I tilt my head to the side, urging him to continue with my eyes.
“Saverio Salerno had a half-brother who died when he was eighteen. It turns out he was my father.”
My jaw slackens, and I stare at him in shock. “Holy shit. That means he’s—”
“My uncle.”
Another thought enters my mind. “Oh hell,” I splutter. “That means Anais is your cousin.”
He nods.
There is a modicum of relief in knowing that. Saverio is actively seeking a husband for Anais, and I was a little concerned after the stunt she pulled in Vegas that she would set her sights on Alesso. “Sierra isnota fan,” I say. Although the guys made it clear, after the last Vegas trip, she had switched her allegiance to Alessandro, Sierra has no time for that girl, and I don’t blame her.
“I’m aware,” he clips out.
Forcing myself to shake off thoughts of the annoying teenager, I refocus on my man.
