Page 145 of The One
I glance up at him, surprised by the pride threading through his voice.
“It’s humbling,” I admit. “To think about all that came before you.”
He nods, holding the pendant up so the edges catch the light. “It is. And it’s also… a reminder. Of what I have to live up to. Of the responsibility and debt I carry as a De Marco.”
Without thinking, I reach out and place my hand over his. “You’re doing more than living up to it, Mateo. You’re honoring it.”
For a moment, he says nothing, his eyes locked on mine. He smiles, and it’s the kind of smile that makes my heart ache in the best way.
“I’m glad you see it that way,” he murmurs. “Most people wouldn’t understand.”
I grin, squeezing his hand. “I’m not most people.”
“No, you’re not,” he agrees, his voice warm.
He leans in and kisses me, thoroughly. When he pulls away, we’re both panting, the air between us charged with expectation.
“And now,dolce mia, you are going to be part of that legacy.”
The weight of his words settles over me. Trepidation and pride clash, vying for dominance inside me.
You were raised to be a Mafia bride, I remind myself.You can do this.
Mateo’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Now that we’ve wandered down memory lane,” he says with a teasing lilt, “let’s pack a bag. We’re going away for a few days, just you and me. I want you all to myself.”
I gape at him, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation.
“When did you decide that?” I ask, laughing, as he gets off the bed and pulls me up with him.
“This morning when I watched you sleep, I dreaded having to leave you for the rest of the day to take care of business,” he replies, guiding us through the room and into his walk-in closet.
“How are you going to take care of business if we go away?” I giggle, loving that he wants to spend time with me.
“I won’t. Romeo can take over for a few days. You’re my priority.”
My insides turn warm and gooey. I’ve never been anyone’s priority.
I open my mouth to reply but stop dead in my tracks when Mateo steps behind me, slinging an arm around my front, and I get a glimpse of his closet. The sheer size of the room registers first. It’s massive, easily the size of my bedroom at home. But something else catches my eye, and my jaw drops.
My toes sink into the plush carpet as I freeze.
“Why are all my things in your closet?”
Chapter Fifty-Five
Mariella
“Giulia arranged it for me while we were out last night,” Mateo says matter-of-factly.
I spin around in his arms to face him.
“Why? That was presumptuous of you. What made you think I’d want to share a bed with you after only one kiss?”
He lifts an eyebrow as if to say, “Really? You’re seriously asking?”
Am I that much of a foregone conclusion?
Cocky bastard.
