into our bedroom, Nicco had loved me with words and his body. It had been everything, being one with him.
My fiancé.
Uncurling my hands from the sheet, I admired his grandmother’s ring. Nicco’s fingers ran down my arm, curving around my wrist. “It looks good on you,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
“I still can’t believe it,” I choked out over the lump in my throat. “It’s like waking up from the best dream.”
“Believe it, Bambolina. Soon enough, I will stand before all our family and friends and declare you mine.” Nicco tugged me onto my back and leaned over me. “No regrets?”
“No regrets.” Laying my hand against his cheek, I leaned up to kiss him. “I love you, always.”
His eyes shuttered, as if my admission was almost too much to bear.
“Nicco, look at me.” They opened slowly. “I want this. It’s time to rewrite history.”
I truly believed I’d met Nicco for a reason. It wasn’t coincidence he was there, in the alley, that night.
It was fate.
“I will never let another soul hurt you. You know that, right?”
“I know. What do you think your uncles will say?” I wasn’t stupid, I knew Antonio didn’t usually solve their problems this way.
“It doesn’t matter. My father is the boss. What he says, goes.”
“But they won’t be happy?” My stomach twisted.
“Uncle Vincenzo is blood thirsty. He’ll be disappointed.” I winced at Nicco’s honest words. “Uncle Michele has a softer approach. He’ll be more understanding. But either way, the deal you struck with my father will give the Family a better foothold in Verona County.”
“And my father? What will happen to him?”
“I guess that all depends on Roberto.”
“He’ll come around,” I said quietly.
He had no choice.
And if he didn’t, well, I was sure Antonio would handle my father.
Nicco lowered his face to mine, kissing me deeply. I could still taste the lingering sweetness of the tiramisu on his tongue. I would never be able to eat that dessert again without thinking about Nicco licking it off the most intimate parts of my body.
“Are you hungry, Love?” he whispered against my mouth.
“I—”
My eyes jerked to the door at the sound of something banging. “What is that?”
“Stay here.” Nicco darted off the bed and pulled on his boxers before grabbing his gun from the nightstand. I’d never seen him brandish a weapon before. But this was who he was, who I’d promised myself to.
“Nicco,” I whisper-hissed as he crept closer to the door. “Maybe we should—”
“Ssh,” he mouthed, reaching for the door handle. I clutched the sheets around my body, fear trickling down my spine.
Quietly, Nicco opened the door and slipped into the cabin. I leaned over, grabbing my cell phone ready to call Luis. But then I heard voices. Laughter. Pushing back the sheets, I climbed out of bed and pulled on some clothes. My heart galloped in my chest as I left the bedroom and moved down the hall toward the main room.
“You have some explaining to do.” Nora made a beeline for me. “I knew you were here, I frickin’ knew it. But we’ll get to that later. Let me see it.” She beckoned for my hand, but I was still standing there, gawking at her. “What did you do to my girl, Marchetti? I think you broke her.”
“I... what are you doing here?” My brows drew together.
“We thought you might want to celebrate.” Enzo gave me a pointed look.
“You did this?”
“And this?” Alessia peeked out from behind Matteo. “Congratulations.” She came over to me, and her and Nora swooned over my ring.
“I can’t believe you’re both here.” It was the perfect way to round off a perfect night.
“Group hug,” Matteo shouted, bounding over and wrapping his huge arms around the three of us.
“Uh, Matt, you smell of bacon grease.”
“Well, yeah, someone had to go and pick up breakfast.”
“There’s breakfast?” I asked, hopeful. There hadn’t been much time to eat last night.
“We got extra.” Matteo kept his arm around my shoulder, guiding me over to the breakfast counter.
“Only because you eat like a fucking pig,” Enzo grumbled.
“I see you’re as delightful than ever,” Nora shot back.
“Shut up and eat, Abato.”
“Hey, remember that time when she almost ate your—”
“Matteo!” Nicco cut him with a harsh look.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll behave. But seriously though, you two, congratulations.”
“I can’t believe we’ll be sisters.” Alessia beamed. “Can I be bridesmaid?”
“Me too,” Nora added.
“Hmm, we haven’t gotten that far.” I glanced at Nicco and he smiled.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I think you’re both fucking crazy,” Enzo said as