We could have told Alessandro, but he’d have wanted to negotiate, in which case I’d still be sitting here worried about my son.
Or I’d have gone to the meeting empty handed and they’d have killed me and Enzo.
Or I could have tried to get the file and then been killed by Alessandro.
Luca is right.
This was the best option.
The grief for my brother will come, but at this moment, all I can feel is gratitude for the father of my child.
I raise my eyes to Luca's face, truly seeing him perhaps for the first time since his return.
The hard lines of the ruthless mafioso are there. But there's something else too.
It’s something I’ve been trying to avoid acknowledging.
I see the man who’s been fighting for a place in our lives since the moment he returned.
The emotions I’ve been holding back break loose.
I throw my arms around his neck, my body colliding with his as I pull him close.
He stiffens in surprise before his arms encircle me.
"Thank you," I choke out. "Thank you for bringing him home."
"I will always bring him home. I will always bring you both home."
I pull back just enough to meet his gaze, my hands framing his face.
The face that haunted my dreams for seven years.
"I believe you.”
“Do you believe I never stopped loving you? Not for a single day."
Looking deep into his gray eyes, I have no choice but to believe him.
All the emotion is there.
It’s always been there, but I’d been too afraid to look.
I surge forward, pressing my lips to his.
The kiss ignites instantly.
Years of longing and separation fueling a fire that courses through my veins.
His mouth moves against mine with fierce possession.
My fingers tangle in his hair as his arms tighten around me.
He stands suddenly, lifting me as though I weigh nothing.
My legs wrap instinctively around his waist, and he carries me down the hall, his mouth never leaving mine.
The bedroom door closes behind us with a soft click.
