Page 127 of Ruined By Blood
"I've been making a list," I admit, feeling my cheeks warm. "Of things I want to do now that I can."
"What's on this list?" Lucrezia asks, leaning forward with interest.
I hesitate, suddenly shy. "It's silly things, really. Learning to drive. Going to a movie theater. Eating ice cream in the park."
"Not silly at all," Damiano says firmly. His usual intensity softens as he looks between my mother and me. "Family outings are important. You'll both join us for our trip to the lake house next month."
It's not a question but a statement of fact. My mother looks startled.
"That's very kind, but we wouldn't want to impose—" she begins.
"You're not imposing," Damiano interrupts. "You're family now."
The simple declaration hangs in the air. Family. Not guests or charity cases or people to be pitied. Family.
"He means it," Zoe says, smiling at my mother's surprised expression. "Once a Feretti decides you belong, that's it. Trust me."
Laughter ripples around the table, and I feel Enzo's thumb tracing circles on my palm.
"Thank you," I say, looking directly at Damiano. "For everything."
He gives me a rare smile. "Welcome home, Sienna."
Later, as Ettore brings out tiramisu, I watch my mother laughing at something Lucrezia said. I see Zoe resting a hand on her growing belly while Damiano watches her with undisguised adoration. I feel Enzo beside me, solid and real.
For the first time in my life, I'm not just surviving – I'm living. And I plan to experience every moment I've been denied.
Iwatch Charlotte leave with a warm feeling in my chest. The dinner exceeded my expectations—seeing Sienna's mother connect with my family feels right, like puzzle pieces falling into place. Charlotte's quiet elegance reminds me of Sienna, though Charlotte carries the weight of years of abuse in her posture.
When the front door closes behind her, I turn to find Sienna watching me, her crystal blue eyes soft with contentment.
"That went well," I say, moving toward her.
"Better than I imagined." She leans against the doorframe, exhaustion evident in the slight droop of her shoulders. "I think I need to get some rest. It's been... overwhelming."
I reach her, placing my hands on her waist, feeling the delicate curve beneath my fingers. "Rest, huh?"
Her eyebrows rise. "Yes, rest. Some of us are emotionally drained after family dinners."
I lean closer, my lips brushing her ear. "Funny, I was thinking about getting some rest too."
"Really?" Her voice catches slightly.
"Absolutely." My fingers trace small circles at her hip. "Though my idea of resting might be different from yours."
A flush spreads across her cheeks. "Enzo..."
"What?" I pull back with mock innocence. "I just thought we could rest... horizontally... together."
She pushes against my chest, but there's no force behind it. "You're impossible."
"I'm persistent. There's a difference." I capture her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "And very interested in helping you relax."
Her lips twitch with a suppressed smile. "Is that what you call it?"
"Among other things." I tug her closer, enjoying the way her body fits against mine. "I've become something of an expert at helping beautiful women named Sienna unwind after stressful days."
She rolls her eyes, but her body melts into mine. "That's a very specialized skill set."
