I shake my head. “I still can’t believe you saved my life. I thought you would have wanted me dead. Then you’d be free of this marriage.”
“When we first met, I thought I wanted you dead too. It would have made my life easier. But then you comforted me when Matteo tried to hurt me. You saved me from him. You didn’t judge me for lying like I thought you would. You’re not the enemy, I realized. And I’ve never felt more powerful and free than being married to you. You just can’t stop me from going out. That’s all.”
“As long as you have a guard for your protection.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fine. I get it. Especially after Matteo. I never want to feel afraid like that again.”
“I won’t let that happen. I promise.”
“I am worried for Gianna though. She’s drowning in that house with your aunt.”
“Francesca is strong-willed but she loves Gianna. She always has.”
“My father loves me too but that doesn’t make his actions ok. He never let me live the life I needed to live and Francesca is doing the same with Gianna. I think she should come live with us.”
I tighten my arms around Kira. “Gianna is safer in Connecticut. None of my enemies know where she lives. It’s the best place for her.”
“But don’t you miss having your sister around?”
“Sometimes. But she’s safer that way.”
“And what about me? Am I safe with you?”
I look her deep in the eyes. If I could reach her soul, I would. “You are. You’re always safe with me. No one will go after you again. Not when you’re Enzo Bianchi’s wife. Not when I killed Matteo to save you. Anyone would be stupid.”
“What about Gianna? She’s a sitting target.”
“That’s why she’s safe in Connecticut. Now, let’s not worry. Everything will be fine. No one will challenge the power of the Mafia and the Bratva together. If anyone did, they’d be stupid and they’ll die for it.”
“Ok,” she says with a sigh. “I’ll try not to worry. I just think Gianna should live with us, is all. Francesca is slowly killing her.”
“Gianna will be fine.”
Her eyes turn to the ceiling and a contemplative expression crosses her face.
“What is it?” I ask.
“It’s just…my dad. He allowed you to live for me. He finally listened to me after never listening to me before. But I know he’s not happy about it. I know he feels like he’s losing me.”
“You and your dad will be fine.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you’ll go to see him tomorrow. And you’ll talk it out. He’s not a stupid man, your father. He was acting on emotion but he’ll see in time that this deal was the best for everyone. That you’re safe with me.”
She snuggles in deeper against my side. “I am safe with you. I never thought that would be the case.”
“Things change.”
“It’s crazy that you once locked me in this very room and I scaled down the tree outside.”
“And hurt your ankle. Promise me you won’t do something stupid like thatagain.”
“I promise,” she says with a sincere smile. “And you need to promise that you’ll never control my life. That we’ll be equals.”
I answer without hesitation. “I promise.” Nothing has ever felt better to say. Nothing has ever felt more right. “I want you at my side, Kira. You’re someone I am proud of. I never want to make you feel like you’re not good enough for me.”
“Oh, I know I am good enough for you. In fact, you’re the one who’s not good enough for me.”
“Very true,” I say with a chuckle as I kiss her lips. The woman I love. The woman who drives me crazy. The woman who I’d die for.
We lay in each other’s arms, not knowing what the future holds, but knowing that the two of us will be all right.
That the two of us were made for each other.
The End
