Sophia, sensing the emotional moment, breaks the tension with a playful nudge. “Okay, enough of the heavy stuff. Let’s go find some lingerie that’ll make Silvo’s jaw drop!”
Isabella makes a sound like she’s going to throw up. “That’s my brother you’re talking about.”
Sophia chuckles. “Sorry, I forgot.”
As we continue our shopping spree, I find myself genuinely enjoying myself.
We enter a high-end boutique, and Isabella immediately gravitates toward a stunning emerald green dress. She holds it up to her body, and I can’t help but admire how it complements her olive skin and dark hair.
“Isabella, that dress is absolutely perfect for you,” I encourage.
She smiles, a hint of shyness in her eyes. “You think so? I don’t usually splurge on myself like this.”
Sophia chimes in, “Girl, if you don’t buy that dress, I will. And trust me, it won’t look nearly as good on me.”
As Isabella disappears into the fitting room, Sophia turns to me with a knowing look. “So, how’s married life really treating you, Mrs. De Luca?”
I bite my lip, unable to stop the smile spreading across my face. “Honestly? Better than I ever imagined it could be.”
“Oh my god, you’re glowing. What happened to the Carmela who was ready to murder her arranged husband?”
I laugh softly. “She fell in love with him. Hard.”
“I knew it!” Sophia squeals. “After what I saw at the club—the way he looked at you, the way he protected you—that man is head over heels.”
My cheeks heat at the memory. “He is. And so am I. It’s terrifying and amazing and completely unexpected.”
“But?” Sophia prompts, sensing there’s more.
“But this world...” I glance around to make sure no one’s listening. “Last night reminded me how dangerous it is. That man at the club, he could have—” I shudder. “And Silvo, the violence he’s capable of... I should be horrified, but instead...”
“Instead, it makes you feel safe,” Sophia finishes, understanding in her eyes.
I nod. “Is that crazy?”
“In your world? Probably the sanest thing I’ve heard,” she says, squeezing my hand. “You need someone strong to protect you. And from what I’ve seen, Silvo would burn down the world for you.”
Isabella emerges from the fitting room, the emerald dress hugging her curves in all the right places. Sophia and I both let out appreciative whistles.
“Damn, Isabella, you look hot!” Sophia exclaims.
Isabella blushes. “You don’t think it’s too much?”
I shake my head. “Absolutely not. You’re going to turn heads in that dress.”
She nods decisively and heads back into the dressing room. Once out, she looks radiant as she hands her credit card to the cashier, a satisfied smile on her face.
As we exit the boutique, Sophia suggests grabbing a bite to eat. “I’m starving,” she declares. “Shopping takes a lot out of a girl.”
We make our way to a chic little bistro, the aroma of freshly baked bread and savory dishes wafting through the air.
Our waiter approaches, a handsome young man with a charming smile. He takes our orders, his gaze lingering on Isabella for a moment longer than necessary. I raise an eyebrow, wondering if there might be a spark of attraction there.
Just as we’re about to dig into our meals, a shadow falls over our table. I look up, my heart skipping a beat as I take in the sight of a tall, muscular man with piercing eyes and a dangerous aura.
“Well, well, well,” he drawls. “If it isn’t the infamous De Luca ladies.”
Isabella tenses beside me, her eyes narrowing. “Maximo Moretti,” she says, her tone icy. “To what do we owe the displeasure?”
