where Scott was concerned, but Arianne needed me. And truth be told, I couldn’t trust myself to do the right thing where he was concerned.
“Of course. You can trust me on this, Son, you have my word.”
Draining the rest of my drink, I stood up and placed it on my father’s desk. He let me get to the door before he stopped me.
“Niccolò,” he said. “One day you will understand what it means to sit in this chair. But I have faith in you. And I have faith that Arianne is strong enough to stand at your side. This is your legacy... and now it is hers. And maybe it was always supposed to be this way.”
Enzo gave me a ride back to the cabin. Arianne and Tristan were deep in conversation when I walked through the room. Luis caught my attention though, motioning for me to meet him in the kitchen.
“How did it go?” he asked.
“My father will handle it.”
“And Roberto?”
“Tomorrow, I need you to take Arianne back to her father’s estate and keep her there until this is all over.”
“She’s not going to like that, but it makes sense. Antonio wants Fascini to believe Roberto is complying.”
I nodded, glancing over at her and Tristan. She caught my eye, smiling. God, that smile. “You stay with her at all times. If anything, and I mean anything feels off, you get her out of there.”
“I will protect her with my life.”
“I know you will.”
“You know, I never imagined I would grow up to call a Marchetti a friend, but you’re a good guy, Nicco, and I am happy for you both. Truly.”
“Thanks. Can you take Tristan home and make yourself scarce tonight?”
“Of course. I’ll come by first thing for her.”
“What’s happening?”
I sucked in a harsh breath, turning to find Arianne staring at us. “You’re not supposed to be listening, Bambolina.”
“Did something happen?”
“My father feels it would be best if you return to your father’s estate while he takes care of things.”
“When?” She was a picture of composure.
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Good.”
“Good?” I frowned.
“I should probably speak to my father face to face. It is long overdue.”
“Come here.” Pulling her into my arms, I held her tight. She’d changed so much in just a few weeks. Arianne was no longer the shy naive girl I’d met in that alley, but a strong woman who refused to bend to the will of the men in her life.
I was so fucking proud of her.
So in awe of who she was... and who she would continue to become.
Arianne commanded the respect of those around her, but she didn’t do it with fear. She did it with humility and compassion.
“Luis will be with you.”
“And I’ll be around,” Tristan said, approaching the three of us. His eyes locked on mine, mutual understanding passing between us.
“It’s okay,” Arianne said. “I’m okay. This is going to work. It has to. And then,” she gazed up at me, “we get to put all this behind us.”
“Is your mom okay?” I asked the second Arianne stepped into the room. After Luis and Tristan had left, she’d wanted to call her mother ahead of tomorrow.
“I didn’t tell her everything, just that I’d be back tomorrow.”
Done adding firewood to the open flames, I stepped back, holding out my hand for her.
“What is all this?” Her eyes went to the pillows on the rug, the strawberries and champagne on the coffee table.
“This is our last night together.” My voice cracked.
“It’s only for a little while.” Arianne pressed her hands to my chest. “And then, when it’s over, we have forever.”
“Now that,” I slid my arm around her back and dipped her, pressing my lips to the hollow of her throat, “I like the sound of.”
Her soft laughter rose above the crackle of the fire and the quiet background music playing out through the Bluetooth speaker on the sideboard. “Do you know what kind of wedding you would like?” I pulled her back up to me.
“Honestly, I don’t care as long as you’re waiting for me at the end of the aisle.”
“I thought all girls imagined their wedding day?”
“I’m not all girls, Nicco.”
“No, you’re not. My father asked us where we’d like to live... have you thought about that?”
Her lips parted on a small gasp, and I knew then, she hadn’t.
“It’s okay,” I said. “We have time to figure it all out.”
“It all happened fast, huh?”
“Does that scare you?”
Arianne shook her head. “It should, I know that. But when I think of sharing my life with you...