Page 114 of The One
“But she’s been right under your nose this whole time,” Romeo presses, his tone incredulous. “What is she, ten years younger than you?”
I nod again, biting back a groan.
Romeo grins, his amusement growing. “You probably attended her christening.”
“I did,” I huff, failing to see the relevance.
Romeo throws his head back and laughs. “She’s what? Twenty?”
I don’t answer, but widen my eyes at him in warning.
That only makes him laugh harder. “Fuck me, the woman you’ve supposedly been waiting for, like forever, has been right in front of you for twenty years! That’s just—”
“There’s no need to rub it in,” I cut him off, pointing a finger at him. “I already feel like the biggest idiot for not realizing it sooner.”
Romeo chuckles darkly. “There’s no chance in hell I’m letting this go. I’ll bring it up for the rest of your life, and you know it.”
I shoot him a glare that would freeze most people. Not him, though. He leans back in his chair, grinning wider.
How did I not realize who I was captivated by? I’m drawn to her like a compass to true north.
When I got caught in her eyes that very first time? My senses lit up with her essence infiltrating every molecule of who and what I am and what I will become.
I fell into the depths of her brown eyes. My heart was suddenly fluttering alive with a million little butterflies, and a profound lightness lifted my entire being at its core and carried it to the stars.
My eyes were locked on hers and hers on mine.
In that moment I didn’t recognize them as Mariella Accardi’s, twenty-year-old daughter of our future consigliere. No, they belonged to someone my soul recognized. My One.
I just had to catch up with that truth.
Now that I have her, I can’t wait to start our life together. My mind races, making plans. Our wedding, our children—I want six of them, three boys and three girls. All the places I want to take her, the endless experiences I want us to share… just the two of us, and someday, as a family.
I can’t fucking wait.
Romeo watches me as I pace, that annoying grin still on his face. But it fades slightly, his jaw working from side to side like he’s chewing on something he doesn’t quite want to say.
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
“It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“She’s not exactly your usual type,” he finally says, the words hesitant. “She’s a little mousy. Shy. Blushes at the slightest thing.”
I stop pacing, my feet planted firmly in front of him as my hackles rise.
“First of all, she isnotmousy. She’s full of spirit and passion. Is she shy? Maybe. Or has she been denied opportunities to experience the world, so she’s cautious?
“And as for her blushing…” My voice softens, my lips twitching into a small smile. “I love that about her. I find it endearing.” In fact, I want to discover every possible way to bring that pretty pink flush to her cheeks.
Romeo tries and fails to suppress his grin.
“God, you’re a besotted fool,” he mutters.
Damn right I am, and not ashamed of it.
He leans forward, studying me with uncharacteristic seriousness. “It’s a very sudden realization. You seem all in.”
