Silence. Domenico's throat worked, emotion flickering across his face.
"Alessio—"
"There's no one else I'd trust," I said quietly. "You're my brother. Not by blood, but by choice. And when that baby comes, I want you standing beside me, swearing to protect her the way you've protected me."
His eyes were suspiciously bright. "You're really doing this. Building a family with her."
"If we survive, yeah. I am."
"Then we'd better make damn sure you survive." His voice roughened. "I'd be honored, fratello. Truly honored."
"Good." I nodded.
He raised his glass. "Besides, your sister would haunt both of us if you didn't."
We drank in comfortable silence—the kind that only comes from two people who've seen each other's darkest moments and never looked away.
Brothers, not by blood, but by choice.
The kind that mattered more.
"Thank you," I said quietly. "For staying. For everything."
"Always, fratello. Always."
He gripped my shoulder—the uninjured one—and squeezed once.
"Now go get your woman and let's get the hell out of here before the next wave arrives. We'll figure the rest out later."
"Domenico—"
"I know. I've got your back. Same as always." He managed a grim smile. "Besides, someone has to keep you from doing something stupid like proposing to her mid-firefight."
Despite everything, I almost laughed.
I found her exactly where I'd left her, standing guard with the gun still raised. The bandage on my shoulder had held—her field dressing was better than half my team could manage.
When she saw me, relief flooded her face. "You're okay."
"We're okay." I crossed to her and pulled her into my arms carefully. "Domenico secured the perimeter. We have time."
She sagged against me, and I felt the trembling start—delayed shock finally hitting now that the immediate danger had passed.
"I've got you," I murmured into her hair. "You're safe. I've got you."
But as I held her, Domenico's words echoed: You love her. She deserves to know it.
Soon, I promised myself. When we're truly safe. When I can give her the future she deserves instead of just survival.
Soon.
"We need to move," I said. "Bigger team incoming. Fourteen operators, full tactical gear."
She didn't hesitate. "Where?"
"Safe house outside the city. Three backup locations after that." I grabbed the go-bag from my closet and tossed her a jacket. "Stay close, follow my lead, don't stop moving no matter what happens."
She reached for the jacket, and I saw her hand tremble slightly. Just a small shake, barely noticeable.
