"Don Lorenzo, Alessandro, and the elders dragged me into a room, told me I'd broken our code and that my punishment was exile or death." His grip loosens, thumb unconsciously stroking my pulse point. "Two hours, Katerina. No goodbyes, no explanations. Just get out or die. My own fucking family."
My heart hammers in my chest. "You could have called?—"
“They wanted me dead, Katerina. Calling you could have put a target on you. I mean, why are you here except for my family to watch you?”
“I’m like an ambassador.” My words come out weak, because even before now, I knew I was more like a pawn. But Don Lorenzo had been kind to me. He always seemed to value my input in dealing with the Bratva and their tenuous partnership.
“Bullshit. You’re too smart to believe that. I didn’t reach out because I knew it would put you in danger.”
"How noble," I spit, pulling my arm free. "Your consideration is overwhelming."
His jaw clenches. "If I'd known you were carrying my child, things would have been different. I would have found a way to take you with me."
A bitter laugh escapes me. "Oh, that makes me feel so much better! You wouldn't have taken me because you loved me. I’m only worthy of you because I was pregnant with your baby."
Pain flashes across his face, genuine and raw. "That's not what I meant and you know it." He steps closer again, voice dropping to that intimate tone that used to make me melt. "I loved you, Katerina. Maybe I didn't say it enough, but I did. And yes, if I'd known about our child, I would have moved heaven and earth tokeep you both with me." He looks down. “Or maybe not. I’d have done whatever would have ensured your safety.”
The words tilt everything I know about the world upside down.
All these years, I've built a narrative where he simply didn't care enough to stay.
The possibility that he was forced to leave, that he might have not called me to protect me, threatens to unravel everything.
"It doesn't matter anymore. The past is done. What matters now is Enzo." I turn to leave, desperate to escape this room, this man, these feelings threatening to drown me.
Just as I reach for the door handle, his fingers close around my wrist, spinning me back toward him.
The sudden movement brings us chest to chest, his scent engulfing me.
“It does matter.” Frustration etches deep lines between his brows, his grip firm but not painful. "I never stopped thinking about you. Not for one day."
"Let go of me." But my words lack conviction.
"Not until you hear me." His eyes search mine, desperate for understanding. "I might not have done the right thing, but I never intended to abandon you or our child.”
Before I can process what's happening, he pulls me against him, one hand cupping my face with a gentleness I remember from seven years ago.
"I never stopped loving you, Katerina." His mouth crashes down on mine, and the world narrows down to nothing but him.
I should push him away. I should slap him.
I should remember every tear I've shed, every lonely night, every time Enzo asked about his father.
Instead, my body betrays me.
My lips part beneath his, muscle memory taking over where rational thought fails.
His kiss is exactly as I remember.
Demanding yet tender.
Every cell in my body ignites, responding to him as if we were never apart.
As if he never left me broken and alone.
My hands find his chest, curling into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer.
His arms tighten around me, lifting me slightly off my feet as the kiss deepens.
