Page 143 of Scorned Obsession

I laughed. “What is this?”

“Your new engagement ring.”

“Sandro,” I mumbled when he slipped it on. “This is outrageous. How much did you pay? Oh my God, it weighs a ton.” I looked up disbelievingly in his eyes, but his gaze was unrelenting. “Why?”

He emitted an annoyed huff. “Apparently, your ring is not big enough.”

“Are you still referring to that incident with that asshole Zachary Hellman?”

“Him and every man who looks at you and thinks they can still hit on you.”

“And a flashier ring is supposed to discourage that?”

“I don’t know,” he answered brusquely, pocketing the other ring, linking our fingers together to signal the end of the conversation. “Just give it a spin tonight and see how you like it.”

I already knew I wouldn’t like it, but I had to smile at Sandro’s possessiveness. Take a maybe two-hundred-thousand-dollar ring for a spin? That was insane. It made me feel guilty because the crime family was still recovering from the toxic asset removal, but Sandro had always said his money was separate, and if he wanted to spoil me with it, I shouldn’t feel guilty.

That was why I didn’t argue too much. It was only for the evening. Maybe I could convince him to return it.

“Get out!” Ivy exclaimed, grabbing my hand. “What happened to your other ring?”

When they heard her shriek, Sera and Mom gathered around us. We were at the entrance to the kitchen. I was about to check on Renz when Ivy emerged and her eyes went directly to my hand. I guess Sandro was right about a bigger ring being harder to miss.

I gave my most resigned look. “Sandro has it. He thinks if he gives me a gigantic ring, guys will stop hitting on me.”

Ivy laughed. “It does scream taken.”

“Ormarried,” Mom said, giving me a kiss at the side of my head. “You’re tall.”

Sera dropped her eyes to my shoes. “I have the same pair, but Matteo forbade me to wear anything above a two-inch heel while I’m pregnant. Those are so comfy, though.”

“That’s what I told Sandro. He thought I might break my neck.”

The four of us looked at Sandro, who seemed to be in a deep conversation with Dom.

Mom stroked my hair. “So, how has it been going?”

I laughed briefly. “You just checked on me this morning.”

“I’m glad you’re gaining more perspective on how to navigate your life in the family.”

“And I’m glad you opened up to us,” Sera said. She had the most experience being a mafia princess herself. “Any time you have questions about what to do, don’t hesitate to call. I can meet you for lunch or dinner or whatever.”

We gave each other hugs before I entered the kitchen.

Renz was laying down a tray of bacon-and-egg brioche when I walked in.

“Hey, Smurfette.”

I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his torso and rested my head on his chest. “Deartháir.”

I’d been doing this recently when I was in the feels about what happened to us. It was as if I wanted to listen to his heartbeat to make sure that he was alive and okay.

“You’re feeling okay? Breathing okay?” I asked after we hugged for a while.

“Yeah. It’s great not to need the sling anymore. Can’t wait to meet Rossi in the ring.”

I gave a mock huff. “Would you guys give my husband a break?”

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