“Well, aside from being Carmela’s emotional support system, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet the infamous De Luca family.”
Fed’s grin widens. “Infamous, huh? I like the sound of that.”
I clear my throat, shooting Fed a warning look. “Easy there. Sophia’s here as my friend, not your latest conquest.”
He holds up his hands in mock surrender, his expression one of feigned innocence. “Hey, I’m just being friendly. No harm in that, right?”
Sophia places a hand on my arm. “It’s okay. I can handle a little harmless flirting.”
I sigh, knowing that trying to control either of them is a losing battle. “Fine. But remember, Fed, Sophia’s off-limits.”
My brother-in-law winks at me, his grin turning impish. “Duly noted, sis. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Silvo, who has been observing the exchange with a calculating gaze, clears his throat. “Well, now that the introductions are out of the way, perhaps we can eat like a regular fucking family.”
There’s an edge to his tone, and I sense he’s irritated by something. Maybe Fed’s immediate interest in Sophia, or maybesimply the disruption to our routine. I catch his eye and see the tension there, the possessiveness that never quite leaves.
I lead Sophia up the grand staircase, our arms linked as we make our way to the guest room. The dinner had been a whirlwind of emotions, with Federico’s relentless flirting and Silvo’s brooding presence. I’m grateful for the momentary escape, the chance to catch my breath and reconnect with my best friend.
As we enter the guest room, Sophia flops down on the plush bed, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “Wow, Carmela. This place is something else.”
I sit beside her, my fingers absently tracing the intricate embroidery on the duvet. “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?”
Sophia props herself up on her elbows, her eyes meeting mine with that knowing look that sees right through me. “Okay, now that we’re alone—how are you really doing? And I want the truth this time.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “Honestly? I don’t even know anymore. Everything’s changed so fast.”
“Changed how?” She sits up fully, giving me her complete attention.
I take a deep breath, trying to untangle the knot of feelings in my chest. “Silvo... he’s like a force of nature,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. “When we’re together, it’s electric. The way he touches me, the way he looks at me... it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”
I feel a flush creep up my neck as memories flood my mind—the poker night, the car, this morning’s kiss in the kitchen.
“But it’s not just physical,” I continue, my brows furrowing. “There are these moments when he lets his guard down. When he promises not to change who I am, when he looks at me like I’m the most important thing in his world.”
Sophia nods, her expression shifting to understanding. “It sounds like you’re falling for him.”
I bite my lip, the truth of her words settling over me. “I think I already have. And it terrifies me, Soph. A few weeks ago, I hated the idea of this marriage. Now...” I trail off, unable to finish.
“Now you can’t imagine your life without him,” Sophia finishes gently.
I nod, a tear slipping down my cheek. “How did this happen? How did I go from resenting everything about this arrangement to actually wanting it?”
Sophia takes my hand, her touch a comforting anchor. “Oh, honey. Love doesn’t follow rules or timelines. It just happens.”
“But what if I lose myself in this?” I whisper, voicing my deepest fear. “What if I become just another mafia wife, existing only as an extension of him?”
“From what I saw downstairs, that man doesn’t want to change you,” Sophia says firmly. “The way he watched you during dinner—that’s not a man who wants a docile wife. That’s a man completely fascinated by your strength.”
I manage a small smile. “He did say he doesn’t want to change me.”
“And do you believe him?”
I think about this morning, how he understood my fears without me having to explain. “Yeah. I think I do.”
Sophia squeezes my hand. “Then maybe it’s okay to let yourself fall. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now.”
I nod, wiping at my eyes. “When did you get so wise?”
