Page 242 of The One
A knowing smile lights up her face as she shifts, pressing even closer, her warmth enveloping me right where I need her most.
Fuck.
I lick my lips, my breath rougher now.
“You’re trying to kill me,dolce mia.”
She leans in, brushing her lips against mine, her breath hot and teasing.
“No,” she whispers. “Just trying to bring you back to life.”
Chapter Ninety-One
Mariella
I’ve spent the last few hours withmamma, Isa, and Mia, going over the final details for Gualtiero De Marco’s memorial service.
It’s the first event I’ve had to organize as the new Mrs. De Marco, the wife of the Don, and the pressure is on.
Thank God formamma. Without her, this would have been a thousand times more nerve-wracking. She used to throw grand parties for Father all the time and never batted an eye.
Meanwhile, I still feel like an imposter in this world, a Cinderella who stumbled into the prince’s palace but hasn’t quite figured out how to wear the crown.
Except in my version of the fairy tale, the happily ever after doesn’t look the way I imagined.
I love Teo as much as ever, but I hardly see him. I knew things would be busy, that this transition would take time. But knowing that doesn’t make the separation any easier.
He leaves before sunrise and often doesn’t return until deep into the night. When I do see him, he’s exhausted.
The easy-going man who once embraced life to the fullest is gone, buried beneath the weight of his responsibilities. It’s made worse by the constant burden that he has to do it all without his brother.
I worry about him. About what this life is doing to him.
“I’m going to ring the florist to confirm our order,”Mammasays, rising from her seat under the umbrella. She disappears inside, and Mia follows, eager to oversee the arrangements. Flowers have always been her passion, and this part of the memorial is more hers than anyone else’s.
Isa and I remain, the afternoon sun casting shifting shadows across the terrace. She lifts her teacup, takes a slow sip, and then says, almost too casually, “I’ve met someone.”
I blink, momentarily thrown. “What do you mean you met someone? Father watched us like a hawk, and you’ve been here with me since he died. We haven’t left the house.”
She sets her cup down, a smirk playing on her lips.
“I met him online. We’ve been chatting for a while. He seems really nice. I’m going to meet him next week.”
I stare at her, stunned. “Isa, that could be incredibly dangerous.”
She rolls her eyes. “He’s not in the Mafia, Mari. He’s just a regular guy with a regular job.”
I frown. “Youthinkhe’s a regular guy. But you don’t really know, Isa. He could be lying about everything.”
She sighs, leaning back in her chair. “Yes, he could. And I’m sure plenty of people do. But give me some credit. I’ve done my research. I know who he is, and everything checks out.”
I shake my head. “Luca really taught you a thing or two, didn’t he?”
A flicker of pain and regret crosses her face.
“Yeah. Except for how to stay in touch with him.”
“Isa, that’s on him.”
