Page 44 of Mafia Don's Twisted Proposal
It’s the truth, but not the whole truth. Not anymore.
“How will you know when it’s time?”
“I need her to care enough about me to stand by my side when the truth comes out. I need her to love me.”
What I don’t tell Santino is that this has become so much more than a plan to form an alliance. I want Mia happy because watching her smile does something to my chest that I don’t have words for. I want her to love me because the alternative—losing her—feels like it would destroy something fundamental in me.
I want this to be real. More than I ever thought possible when this started.
But as much as I want to, I can’t explain that to my friend. Can’t explain the compulsion that’s grown stronger every day this week. The need to know where she is, what she’s doing, what she’s thinking every moment we’re apart. She’s mine in a way that goes beyond marriage certificates and legal documents.
It’s an obsession that should probably worry me. Instead, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
“I just hope you can get her on our side and secure the Cartel alliance soon,” Santino continues. “The Bratva are working against us every day, Lorenzo. We need allies more than ever.”
“Don’t worry,” I say, though concern coils in my gut like a snake. “I’ll contact the Cartel soon.”
I just have to figure out how to tell Mia the truth first.
And pray she won’t hate me for it.
17
MIA
The party stretches lateinto the evening, ending with a fireworks display that has everyone tilting their heads back in wonder.
Lorenzo arranged for Olivia and Jill to stay at his hotel tonight—apparently he owns one of those too—so I hug them goodbye and thank them for coming.
Despite my assurances that I’m here willingly, despite the fun they had tonight, they both cast worried looks my way as they leave. Olivia’s more vocal about her suspicions, but Jill’s concern is written all over her face too.
I don’t know how to explain what’s happening between Lorenzo and me. I can’t tell them he’s mafia and it’s not safe for me to leave. But I also can’t explain this connection we have, or this intensity that draws me in even as it threatens to drown me.
In some ways, I feel like I’ve known him much longer than I have. Maybe it’s because he’s so observant, remembering everything I tell him. Even little things, like how I hatemushrooms or love sleeping in late. He pays attention in a way that makes me feel like I matter.
What we have is moving fast, sure. But it’s not just because we started with marriage and worked backwards. This is something else entirely. Something that belongs only to us.
As we head inside, I pause to slip off my heels, groaning with relief as my feet hit the cool hardwood.
“I know I look amazing in heels,” I say, catching Lorenzo’s amused expression, “but after hours of walking and dancing in stilettos, my feet are staging a rebellion.”
He smirks. “Poor baby. What do you want to do about it?”
“Hot tub. Right now.”
“Really? You don’t want to go to bed?”
There’s something suggestive in his tone, but I’m not ready for this night to end. “I’m not tired yet. Are you?”
I raise an eyebrow in challenge, and he takes my hand, leading me back toward the patio doors.
We step outside into the night air, and I can see the hot tub glowing softly in the corner of the yard. The caterers cleared everything away, but fairy lights still twinkle overhead like stars, and the space feels magical in a completely different way than it did during the party.
The cool air kisses my skin, but I don’t hesitate to start unzipping my dress. The fence is high enough for privacy, but honestly? Even if it wasn’t, I’m not sure I’d care. There’s something thrilling about shedding this formal gown and all the expectations that came with tonight.
“I’ve been thinking about this all night,” I say while Lorenzo flicks on the jets. “The only thing that could make it better is a foot rub.”
He grins as he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around me. “I had no idea you were so high-maintenance.”
