I won’t become him.
And now this woman is standing in my study, offering herself up like a gift I didn’t ask for, and I’m considering saying yes.
Not because of politics.
Because I need to know what she tastes like.
Cazzo.Focus.
“You said you’re terrified.” The words scrape out low and wrecked. I don’t correct it. “But you came anyway. Why?”
Her chin lifts. “I told you. To honor my father’s debt.”
“That’s not the whole truth.”
A pause. Her eyes search mine, and I see the instant she decides to give me something real.
“No. It’s not.”
She doesn’t elaborate. Doesn’t explain. Just lets the admission hang between us, a thread I could pull if I wanted to.
I want to pull. My fingers ache with it.
Instead, I hold my ground. Keep the distance between us. Three feet of charged air that amounts to nothing.
“You have no idea what you’re walking into.”
“Then tell me.” Her voice steadies. Challenges. “Tell me what I should be afraid of.”
I don’t answer. Can’t. Because the truth is complicated and bloody and not for strangers.
But she’s not retreating. Not backing down. Just waiting for me to decide if she’s worth the risk.
The decision crystallizes. All at once. A blade dropping.
“We marry today.”
The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Before I can think through the implications, the complications, the thousand ways this could go wrong.
Her eyes widen. The first real waver in her steadiness since she walked in.
“Today?”
“Today.” I don’t look away from her. Don’t give her time to argue. “Renzo.”
My brother straightens from the wall. Instant. Alert. He’s been waiting for this. Waiting to see which way I’d fall.
“Find a judge. Get Gia here. Two hours.”
“The Valentino situation.”
“Can wait.” My voice leaves no room for argument. “This takes priority.”
He studies me for a half-second. Long enough to catch the crack in my composure. Not surprise on his face. Closer to recognition.
Then he nods once and disappears through the door.
I reach for the phone on my desk. Dial the extension for Romano’s office. He answers on the first ring.
