Page 15 of Wicked Mistletoe

The drive is a blur of city lights and winding turns. My stomach twists with anticipation.Where is he taking me?I have no idea, but Alfred seems to possess some kind of magic when it comes to navigating traffic. He weaves through the notoriously tight Manhattan streets like a pro, bypassing Hell’s Kitchen and Houston Yards before turning at the corner of 33rd Street, then 10th Avenue.

And all the while my mind is racing with possibilities about where we’re going. I chew on my lower lip. Rafael has always been unpredictable. That’s the part that scares me. I have no idea what I’m walking into.

Finally, the limo rolls to a stop in front of a massive skyscraper that dominates the skyline.

30 Hudson Yards.

No way…

My lips curve into a smile as I crane my neck to admire the building. Standing over a hundred stories high, it’s the sixthtallest building in the city and promises jaw-dropping views. Rafael and I used to talk about visiting once the development was complete. But it was only finished earlier this year, long after I’d left for Virginia.

He remembered.

Alfred opens the passenger door for me, and as I step onto the curb, a figure emerges from the shadows. My heart immediately kicks into overdrive, my breath hitching when I catch sight of those familiar, silvery eyes.

“Thank you, Alfred. I’ll take it from here.” He nods at his driver, then places a firm hand on my arm. His eyes sweep over me, like he’s already feasting on the appetizer. “You look stunning,piccola.”

A snort almost escapes me, but I manage to keep it together. “You haven’t even seen my dress yet.”

His gaze drops to my plain brown coat and a hint of a smirk plays at the corner of his lips. “You’re always beautiful, Emilia…. even when you’re just wearing one ofmyold threadbare shirts.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks before I can stop it. Oh my God.He’s teasing me.I bite down on my lip, scrambling for a comeback. But before I can fire back a retort, his hand finds the small of my back and ushers me towards the entrance.

The opulence of the lobby nearly stops me in my tracks. I have to consciously keep my jaw from dropping as I take in the décor.

Holy shit.

I sneak a glance at Rafael from the corner of my eye, but he seems unruffled by the sheer luxury surrounding us. The old Rafael would have been at least a little bit impressed. This new version… who is he? He looks like he owns the damn place.

The elevator ride is an experience in itself, showcasing an animation of the city's gradual development and its currentbeauty. It’s lightning-fast, too, whisking us up to the 101st floor in about fifty seconds flat.

By the time we reach the actual restaurant, I’m blown away. Gorgeous circular chandeliers hang overhead, throwing a warm, inviting glow over the space, highlighting the understated but elegant gray and gold finishings and decor. It’s like stepping into a scene from one of those luxury lifestyle magazines.

My gaze drifts to the bar, where colorful Christmas lights add a bit of festive charm to all this sophistication. And then, there’s the tree—huge, lavishly decorated, commanding an entire corner of the room.

The place is breathtaking.

And also completely empty.

“Where’s everyone?” I wonder out loud as I glance around. At this time of year, a place like this should be bustling. Instead, there’s only the hostess who leads us to our table and a waiter who silently trails us with a bottle of wine in his hand.

“It’s just us. I wanted to have dinner with you. Just you. No one else. No noise. Just us.”

I cast another glance his way to try and confirm if his reaction has changed since earlier. As I watch him survey the restaurant, it’s clear he’s still not impressed. His gaze sweeps the room with a sharp, almost assessing look. Not wonder, not awe—something else. Something far more controlled.

Still, I only barely notice.

Because what the hell…

He reserved the entire restaurant?

My mind reels. How did he pull this off? Why would he? There’s no way that’s cheap. Five years ago, we had to steal to get by, and now he’s renting out fancy-ass places on a whim?

They are the Cosa Nostra now. They rule the city. And Rafael… he is their leader.Stacey’s words pop into my head,and I bite my lip in worry.

Before I can spiral further, the hostess presents our table. Andoh my God… Whatever breath I have left is gone. My lips part as I take in the mind-blowing vista before us—a perfect panorama of the glittering city below. “This is—wow. The view is absolutely gorgeous,” I breathe.

Rafael shifts behind me and tugs at my coat. I glance up at him as I shrug out of it, letting him slide it off my shoulders. His eyes widen, and he inhales sharply as he takes in my dress for the first time.

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