“I’m so sorry, Bianca,” Michael said, his hand fully clutching mine. “If I hadn’t already murdered him, I’d do it again.”
“Alexis knew I was hurt but was too young to understand the full complexity of the situation,” I said, wishing she’d never experienced any violence in our home. “Victor and she had a complicated relationship. He was never violent with her, thank God, and I think he loved her in his own way...as much as any monster can love a child.”
Michael’s thumb tenderly caressed my hand.
“I didn’t tell you about the D&C,” I continued, “because it was so long ago, and I stupidly didn’t realize it could affect future pregnancies. I didn’t know my uterus was scarred or damaged, or whatever was wrong with it. I was fine with not having more children. Alexis is enough for me.” I turned my head to gaze into his soul. “But I don’t want to deny you children, Michael. You still have time to have them. You’ve given me so much already, and I won’t let you choose me over having a blood legacy if that’s what you want.”
“Bianca—”
“Just let me finish, and then I’ll let you talk, okay?”
His lips curved, and I thought he was going to argue, but he just continued to hold my hand as he nodded.
“I think once I saw how compatible we were in bed,” I said, feeling my cheeks turn a thousand shades of red, “I started to believe this was arealmarriage. I pushed aside all the practical reasons and just felt...happy. But you offered me your protection and I offered you things in return. We both knew a child might not be possible since neither of us are exactly in our prime,” I wrinkled my nose as he laughed in acknowledgement, “but I did want to try.”
“Oh, darling, Ilovetrying with you,” he said, his tone teasing.
I bit my lip as I grinned. “But I also offered to pledge my loyalty to you and help you defeat Victor’s loyalist. I’ve royally fucked up every single thing I promised you. If I were you, I’d cut my losses and kick me out on my ass.”
Michael shook his head, emotion blazing in his dark eyes. “No, you wouldn’t. You’d take care of me just like I’m taking care of you. And you might get your chance one day. This silver fox isn’t getting any younger.”
“Michael,” I said, exasperated. “I’m being serious.”
“So am I,” he said, shrugging.
Playfully rolling my eyes, I continued. “I guess I’m just trying to say that I’m sorry. I created a terrible situation for you with John, and I no longer even have the possibility of giving you a son. I’m not sure this marriage is advantageous for you anymore, and if you want to end it, I won’t blame you. I want to do whatever I can to ensure your success...and your happiness.” My throat closed as I squeezed his hand. “I really want you to be happy, Michael,” I whispered.
“Stella...” he whispered.
“You offered to save me all those years ago, and were horribly tortured for it. I’ve brought you so much pain and chaos. I’m just not sure it’s fair to you.”
“Are you done?” he asked, arching a dark eyebrow. “Because I have a lot of things to say.”
“I’m done,” I said, unable to control my smile at his teasing exasperation.
He tugged my hand, pulling me to my feet and led me toward the Italian bellflowers.
“Do you know why I built this greenhouse, Bianca?”
“Because you like flowers and fresh herbs?”
He smiled. “Because Carmen told me your favorite flower was the Italian bellflower, and they can’t grow outdoors in the New York climate. So, I built this greenhouse to ensure I could send them to you each year, and that maybe you wouldn’t forget me before I could finally claim you.”
I glanced around the greenhouse. “You built this forme?”
“I had a plan,” he said, lifting my hand to his lips and kissing the backs of my fingers, “and unfortunately, it took way too fucking long. But the end game was making you my wife, as I failed to do all those years ago.”
He drew me toward him, aligning our bodies as he gazed into my eyes. “I’ve loved you since the first moment I saw you, Bianca Santoro. It was a young love that grew, year by year, and one Icherished very deeply. I don’t care one goddamned bit about you giving me a son or you complicating my life. Hell, I love how you complicate my life. You make it full, and I finally have everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“But...” I stuttered as I searched for words. “The things you said that day I came to you...well, the day youtechnicallykidnapped me.”
Chuckling, he rested his forehead against mine. “Mia, I would’ve said anything to get you to marry me that day. I thought of every excuse to sway you. I would’ve loved to raise a child with you, but it’s not in the cards for us, and that’s okay.”
“But who will you leave the business to?”
“Nick,” he said, his tone resolute. “That’s always been the plan.”
My heart pounded uncontrollably as I tenderly cupped his face. “You love me?”
