Page 31 of The Proposal

I let out a contented sigh when my husband slides in behind me and pulls me closer, pressing his front into my back. I like being wrapped in this man’s arms more than I’m comfortable with. He’s yet to prove he can’t be trusted, but a part of me still worries that this version of him is all an illusion.

“Goodnight, Mrs Mancini.”

“Goodnight, Mr Mancini.”

When he leans in to place a soft kiss on my hair, I swoon into the darkness, feeling warm, safe, protected, and more at peace than I have in years.

Chapter 9

Dante

Iexit the jeweller’s with my two guards in tow. Today is the day I officially inaugurate my men by assembling my inner circle. I’ve had rings specially made to mark the occasion, which is something my father never did.

Papa wanted to be the only one to wear the symbol of power, to set himself apart and remind everyone that his position was untouchable … that he was the only ruler in his kingdom. In his eyes, no one could stand on equal ground with him.

This family will not run that way moving forward. I believe I’ll gain far more from working alongside my men, valuing their input, and making decisions together. True power comes from unity, not just authority.

I’ve decided to keep Edoardo in the role he had with my father—theconsigliere(Advisor), acting counsellor.

The old saying ‘Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer’ comes to mind. Is he the enemy? I’m not sure, but I’m not taking any chances. When it comes to confiding in him or using him as a sounding board like Papa did, I’ll only be sharing what’s necessary. I’ll keep a close eye on him from here on out.

I’m going to make Romeo my underboss; he’s proved his worth to theFamiglia. He also happens to be one of my closest friends. We grew up in this world together, and I trust this man implicitly.

My brother told me he sat at the hospital all night while I was in surgery after the shooting. His uncle was one of the men who got slain that day, but instead of mourning with his family, he was right there rooting for me to pull through.

He also visited me every day until I was transferred to Sydney and continued to check in regularly while I was there. That kind of loyalty does not go unnoticed.

Romeo is also highly respected within the family, so I don’t doubt there will be an issue with me appointing him as my underboss. Edoardo may be the exception, but I don’t care what he thinks. I’m running the show now.

“Arabella,” I call out when I don’t find her in the kitchen.

“I’m in here.”

“Where’s here?”

“Your bedroom.”

I stalk down the hallway and pause in the doorway. “You meanourbedroom,” I growl.

She glances at me over her shoulder and rolls her eyes. “Fine, our bedroom,” she mocks.

“What are you doing?”

“Testing out some paint samples on the wall. I thought I’d start the renovations in here.”

“I decorated this room myself … it’s probably the best one in the house.”

“Didn’t you just refer to this asours? It’s too masculine for me.”

“If you intend to do all pink flowery shit in here, we are going to have a problem.”

She blows out a sharp breath as I close the distance between us. “I have no intention of adding any floral, Dante. I was thinking something that reflects both of our personalities.”

I raise an eyebrow. “What, like the devil reincarnate and the saintly prude?” I reply, coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her tiny waist.

She’s been living here for two weeks now, and although nothing much has changed between us, in a way, everything has.

My dick is still dying a slow and agonising death on the sidelines—his only action being impromptu visits from Mrs Palmer and her five daughters—which usually happens after one of our hot make-out sessions. It’s a sad situation, but at least my wife doesn’t openly cringe when I touch her anymore.

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