I nod, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “I can promise you I will never try to change who you are at your core. Your independence, your strength, your passions… they’re what make you, you. And I want nothing more than for you to embrace them fully.”
Carmela’s eyes shine with understanding, and in that moment, I feel a shift between us. A barrier has been broken, a wall of mistrust and fear chipped away, allowing a glimmer of real connection to shine through.
“Alright then,” she says, squeezing my hand. “I’m holding you to that, Mr. De Luca.”
I chuckle, pulling her into an embrace and relishing the feeling of her body against mine, the warmth and vitality that seems to radiate from her very being.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Mrs. De Luca.”
I pull back slightly, studying her face. “Come with me to my office. I want to show you something.”
Curiosity flickers in her eyes. “What is it?”
“You’ll see.”
I take her hand and lead her to my private study. Once inside, I unlock a drawer in my desk and pull out a thick folder.
“What’s this?” she asks as I hand it to her.
“Everything about the Moretti family. Their operations, their weaknesses, their history with us.” I lean against the desk. “If you’re going to be my wife in this world, you should understand the players.”
Carmela opens the folder, her eyes scanning the documents. “You’re trusting me with this?”
“You proved yourself at that poker table. You’re smart, observant, strategic.” I cross my arms. “And you’re right—you’re more than just my wife. You could be an asset to this family if you choose to be.”
She looks up at me, something shifting in her expression. “You really mean that.”
“I do.” I move closer. “I told you I wouldn’t change who you are. But I also won’t waste your talents by keeping you in the dark.”
A slow smile spreads across her face. “Teach me, then. Everything.”
The trust implicit in those words hits me harder than any bullet. This is what I’ve been hoping for—Carmela choosing to be my partner, not just accepting her role but embracing it.
“It starts with the Morettis,” I say, opening the folder to the first page. “And why does my father want them eliminated?”
As we bend over the documents together, our shoulders touching, I realize this is the real turning point. Not the sex, not the passion, but this—the moment she chooses to stand besideme fully, eyes open to all the darkness and danger that comes with my name.
And I’ve never wanted her more.
17
CARMELA
Ihear a commotion downstairs and venture out of my room to investigate. To my utter shock and delight, I see Sophia standing in the foyer, her signature mischievous grin plastered across her face.
“Surprise!” she exclaims, throwing her arms wide open.
I rush down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own feet in my excitement, and envelop her in a tight hug.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, still in disbelief.
“I couldn’t let my best friend navigate married life alone, could I?” Sophia winks, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
I pull back from our embrace, tears of joy and relief welling up in my eyes. “Soph, you have no idea how much this means to me. I’ve missed you so much.”
Sophia’s expression softens, her brows knitting together in concern. “How are you doing, really? Your texts have been so... careful.”
I take a deep breath, glancing toward the kitchen where I can hear the family. “It’s been... complicated. But not in the way I expected.”
