I feel my cheeks heat up at the mention of Silvo. “Intense,” I admit honestly. “Silvo is passionate, possessive, fiercely protective. But he’s also shown me a side of himself that I don’t think many people get to see.”
Isabella raises an eyebrow. “My brother, vulnerable? That’s a first.”
“He is with me,” I say softly, surprised by my own defensiveness. “Beneath all that intensity, he’s... he cares deeply. About family, about loyalty, about—” I stop myself before admitting too much.
“About you,” Sophia finishes with a knowing smile.
I don’t deny it.
Isabella reaches over and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I can see that he’s different with you. Softer, somehow. It’s good for him.”
I glance back toward where Maximo disappeared, then at Isabella’s flushed face. “And what about you and Maximo? That didn’t look like a simple family rivalry.”
Isabella’s expression closes off immediately. “There’s nothing between us. He’s arrogant, insufferable, and everything I can’t stand in a man.”
“Everything you can’t stop looking at, you mean,” Sophia teases gently.
“Can we please change the subject?” Isabella pleads, her discomfort evident.
I catch Sophia’s eye, and we both smile, but mercifully let it drop—for now. Whatever’s brewing between Isabella and Maximo Moretti is clearly complicated, and pushing won’t help.
Sophia clears her throat, breaking the moment. “Okay, enough heavy stuff,” she declares, picking up her menu. “I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m ready for some serious dessert action.”
Isabella and I exchange amused glances, grateful for the change in subject. “Bring on the chocolate,” I agree, feeling a sense of lightness wash over me.
As we peruse the dessert menu, laughing and joking, I realize how much I’ve grown to appreciate these women. Despite the challenges and complications of my new life, I know that with the support of my friends and new family, I can face anything that comes my way.
Even dangerous Moretti heirs who look at Isabella like they want to devour her—and maybe get devoured in return.
22
SILVO
Iadjust my black velvet mask as I enter the grand ballroom, taking in the sea of disguised faces swirling around me. Laughter and chatter mingle with the lively music from the string quartet in the corner. I scan the crowd, searching for her.
And then I see her. Carmela. She is a vision in a shimmering emerald gown, her hair swept up elegantly, a glittering mask concealing her beautiful face. But I would know her anywhere. She is speaking with Isabella and Sophia, and I can’t help but smile at the way she throws her head back and laughs.
I make my way through the throng of guests until I am standing before her. I bow and extend my hand. “May I have this dance, beautiful?”
She turns to me, her green eyes sparkling behind her mask. After a moment, she places her hand in mine. “You may.”
I lead her onto the dance floor as a slow waltz begins to play. We move together so naturally, her body molding against mine like she was made to be in my arms. I drink in her subtle perfume, the smoothness of her skin, the way her dress shimmers under the chandelier light.
My hand presses firmly against the small of her back as we glide across the dance floor. She looks up at me, her eyes smoldering.
“You look stunning tonight,” I murmur, my lips caressing her ear. “That dress… it’s fucking beautiful, but it’ll look so much better on our bedroom floor tonight.”
Carmela shivers slightly in my arms. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” she replies. “Though I’m surprised you recognized me behind this mask.”
I chuckle. “I’d know you anywhere,bella. The way you move, the sound of your laugh… you’re unforgettable.”
The music changes to a tango, and I spin her out before pulling her back against me, our bodies flush.
With each step, each turn, I’m drawn deeper into her spell. The realization hits me like a thunderbolt—I’m falling for my wife. This passionate woman who challenges me at every turn, who both infuriates and intoxicates me… I’m falling in love with her.
The thought takes my breath away. I never intended for this to happen. Our marriage was arranged, a business deal between families. I expected respect, obedience, maybe even desire. But love? That was never part of the plan.
Yet here I am, holding Carmela in my arms, my heart racing at her nearness. I need to tell her. She deserves to know the truth, to understand the depth of my feelings for her.
