I don’t turn to look at him. He probably thinks I’m pathetic.
Before that thought can fully form, he slips back into bed.
“Here.” He hands me one of his T-shirts and my underwear.I look up, then take them, pulling the shirt over my head. He lifts the covers and climbs back in beside me.
“We should probably get some sleep, considering you have work tonight.”
Shit. Work. I let out a deep breath and start to get up.
“Where are you going?” he asks.
“Umm—my room. I figured you probably don’t want me in here.”
“That’s a joke, right?” he says dryly. “Get back in bed, baby.”
Baby.He’s said it before, but this time it sounds different. Like he actually means it. Like he wants me here. No one’s ever called me that before. A part of me still wonders if he’s just saying it for his own pride, not mine, but when I turn back to him, I see the need in his eyes.
I walk back, and he takes my hand, rubbing his thumb over my skin. My eyes sting, so I look down, unable to hold his gaze. He pulls me back into bed and wraps me up in his arms. He doesn’t have to say anything. The way he holds me already does.
You belong here.
EIGHTEEN
VANESSA
Today is the day. My wedding day.
For the last few days, I’ve pretended nothing has changed when I’m around the people I work with, but inside I’ve been quietly losing my mind. I barely get any sleep, mostly because I’m constantly distracted by a very hot lawyer—sorry, my fiancé.
I’m sitting in Juliet’s room on the second floor of Gino’s house, taking in all the little things that make me like her even more. Her style is minimal and tidy, but the hint of vanilla in the air makes it feel warm and lived-in. Every wall is lined with shelves of fantasy books, a quiet testament to how much she loves to read. Photos of her family are everywhere, all of them smiling, happy. It makes me wonder why she’s here at all, working this job, when her family looks so well off and close.
I do my own makeup and hair, not wanting to bother anyone. I go with a smoky eye, light pink lipstick, and wear my hair half up, half down in soft curls. With no time to shop for an actual wedding dress, I pull on a white, flowy maxi dress with long sleeves from my closet. Somehow, it feels more like meanyway. Sitting here, I’m surprised by how calm I feel. Maybe it’s just shock.
There is a light tap on the door, and Aunt Lucy steps in. “You look gorgeous, sweetie.”
“Thanks,” I say, a little shy as she sits on the bed behind me.
“Your parents would be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
“Yeah, maybe.” I give her a soft smile. “My mother didn’t want any of this, and I just walked right into it.” There’s a hint of hurt in my voice that I can’t hide.
“She may not have wanted this for you,” Aunt Lucy says gently, “but she would’ve wanted what was best for you and what would keep you safe.” She stands. “I’ll leave you to finish getting ready.”
I smile back at her.
Most of my childhood, I believed my dad was just a businessman who traveled a lot. As I got older, I realized he was really just running from me. I look just like my mother, with my red hair and green eyes. Maybe he loved her. Maybe he didn’t. But after she died, he barely came around.
I didn’t even know about the mafia until I was sixteen, when he made the deal. Looking back now, I realize there was more than just a job I was signing up for—so much more. From being in the mafia to marrying someone I barely know, but have fucked.
Another knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. Juliet steps in, wearing a light green dress, her dark brown hair straight and styled half up, half down. Over the last few days, she’s become the closest person to a friend I have around here. She’s funny, sweet, and kind, and somehow always manages to keep up with everything Gino throws at her. I’ve learned she isn’t just the housekeeper. She’s also his accountant, with thehousekeeper role serving as a convenient cover if things ever go south.
“Hey,” she says gently. “How are you doing in here?” Her eyes sweep over me. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” I reply, returning her smile, a little shy.
“Your brother is itching to talk to you, by the way, but I’ve been keeping him away so he doesn’t freak you out.”
“Why would he freak me out?”
