Page 112 of The Proposal

Things escalated when Arabella’s fiery side took over after I told her she wasn’t coming with me. She completely lost it in front of everyone. There were tears and a lot of screaming as those Italian hands of hers were flying all over the place. I would’ve found it as cute as hell if it wasn’t for her condition.

That’s when Chloe stepped in, offering for the three of them to come along and watch Arabella while I dealt with this mess. This would also allow them to visit her parents, who are currently on an extended holiday in Italy.

It’s the closest Arabella and I have come to a fight since things between us shifted for the better. I get why she’s upset. She’s worried about her sister, and rightfully so. She’s petrified Lucia could face the same fate as their mother at the hands of that monster, but I won’t let that happen.

Arabella is currently sitting beside me, wringing her hands nervously in her lap, but I’m sure I haven’t heard the last from her on this matter.

I can practically guarantee she will throw another tantrum when I try to stop her from coming with me to the Rossi estate, but there’s no way she’s getting anywhere near that place.

I have no idea what is going to happen when I arrive, but I’ll tell you this: I’m not leaving Italy without Lucia. She’s not marrying that lunatic now or ever.

I organised for a car to be waiting for her down the street from the Rossi estate. All she needs to do is get to it. The caretaker will be at my place to let her in when she arrives. That’s if she can manage to get out of the house without raising her father’s suspicions.

When my jet touches down on the private runway, I alight from the vehicle, reach for my wife’s hand and cross the tarmac. I leave the bags for the guards.

As the stairs are lowered, I expect to see the air hostess emerge, but what I don’t anticipate is Romeo descending right behind her.

My brow furrows. “I told you to arrange the jet, not board it.”

“I thought you might need me, boss.”

He’s probably right, but it still pisses me off that he made the call without checking with me first. “If I needed you, I would’ve asked.”

“If Stefano Rossi is as ruthless as I’ve heard—or as you say he is—I’m not taking any chances with you going there alone.”

I narrow my eyes. “One, I can handle myself, and two, are you coming for me or Lucia?” He lost his shit on the phone when I told him why I needed to go to Italy.

He turns his face away, staring off into the distance. “My loyalties will always be with you.”

I don’t doubt that. This man is loyal to a fault, but I still can’t shake this niggling feeling that there’s something between him and Lucia, even though he assures me there isn’t.

“Hmm,” I hum, which has his attention snapping back to me.

“It’s the truth. I admire Lucia’s free spirit, and it would be a shame to see anyone dull her sparkle.”

I nod my head once. “I agree.”

“So I can come?”

I cock an eyebrow. It’s a little late for that now. “Yes, you can come,” I grumble.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to hold it together as my wife quietly cries beside me.

The moment we landed in Italy, I knew something waswrong. Lucia never made it to the house, so now we’re on our way to the Rossi estate.

I tried convincing Arabella to go with Alexander, Chloe, and Giovanni, but she climbed into the back seat of this car and refused to budge.

She even went so far as to threaten to find her own way there if I didn’t let her come, and I knew she wasn’t bluffing. She’d be much safer with me. Besides, she reminded me she’s carrying the heir her father’s always wanted, and he wouldn’t risk anything happening to her while she’s pregnant. I hope she’s right because if he dares lay one finger on her, he’s a dead man.

“It’s going to be okay,Bellezza,” I say, placing my hand on her leg and giving it a comforting squeeze. I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or myself.

I have no idea what we’ll face when we get there, but that sinking feeling in my gut tells me things are about to escalate. I don’t need this right now, but I can’t turn my back on Lucia, not when she’s in danger.

This could ignite an all-out war between the Mancinis, Rossis, and Salvatoris, but I’ll take that risk if it comes down to it. My wife’s peace of mind and happiness will always come first.

“Please promise me we won’t leave without her.”

“If she’s there, she’s coming with us. If she’s not, we’ll search until we find her.”

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