"You won't. Even if they separate us, you won't lose me. I'm yours. Always yours."
"Mine." He kissed me desperately. "Mine. Say it again."
"I'm yours. Only yours. Forever."
We moved together, both crying, both desperate, both trying to hold onto each other against whatever was coming. When we came, it was together, both of us clinging to each other like lifelines.
Afterward, we lay tangled together. Neither of us wanting to let go.
"No matter what happens tomorrow," I said. "No matter what the verdict is. This was real. What we have is real."
"I know." He held me tighter. "They can't take that away from us. No matter what they decide."
We stayed awake most of the night. Talking, touching, memorizing each other. Both too scared to sleep, too aware that tomorrow might change everything.
As the sun started to rise, I finally closed my eyes. Luca's arms around me. His heartbeat steady against my back.
"We're going to be okay," he whispered. "Whatever happens, we're going to be okay."
I wanted to believe him. Chose to believe him.
Together. Whatever came, we'd face it together.
CHAPTER 18: LUCA
THE COURTROOM FELTdifferent on the final day. Heavier. Like the air itself knew this was it—the moment everything would be decided.
Valentino sat beside me at the defense table, our hands linked under the table where no one could see. Both of us trying to look calm. Both of us terrified.
"All rise," the bailiff called.
Judge Morrison entered and we all stood. When she sat, we sat. The ritual of it almost comforting in its predictability.
"We'll proceed with closing arguments," she said. "Prosecution, you may begin."
The prosecutor stood. She'd been relentless throughout the trial, building her case piece by piece. Now she was going to tie it all together.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," she began. "Over the past week, you've heard testimony about a pattern of coercion and conspiracy. Luca Romano, a known organized crime figure, targeted journalist Valentino Russo. He obtained leverage. He made threats. He forced compliance."
I kept my face blank, but each word landed like a blow.
"The defense wants you to believe this is a love story. That what started as coercion somehow transformed into genuine affection. But ask yourselves—can a relationship built on threats and manipulation ever be truly free? Can someone who was coerced ever truly choose?"
She walked toward the jury box.
"Mr. Russo testified that he chose to stay. But that choice was made while under Mr. Romano's influence. After he'd already been threatened. After he'd already complied. That's not free choice—that's Stockholm syndrome."
Valentino's hand tightened in mine.
"The evidence is clear. Mr. Romano used his power to force a journalist to write favorable articles about his criminal organization. Mr. Russo complied. Together, they obstructed justice and conspired to protect illegal activities. The law is clear about this. Intent doesn't matter when the actions themselves are criminal."
She turned to face us directly.
"Love doesn't excuse crime. Claimed affection doesn't erase coercion. These men broke the law. They obstructed justice. They conspired together. And they must be held accountable."
She sat down. The silence in the courtroom was absolute.
Then Emilio stood.
