Page 36 of When We Fall: Part Two
“You would marry her and be the father to her children?”
I licked my lips. “I would.”
He studied me for a moment before he hit a button on his desk.
“Alessio, bring me Bianca.”
I exhaled, my hands trembling. Fuck, what was I doing?
Saving an innocent woman and two babies.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Matteo asked softly.
“Yes,” I whispered. “She’s beautiful. She’s smart. She’d be a good match for me. We aren’t complete strangers either. I-I think I could make her happy.”
“But would you be happy?”
“I think I would be. I’d have a family like I’ve always wanted.” This made sense. I did want a family of my own. A wife. Children. A home. The fucking front porch.
I shoved those thoughts out of my head and looked at my hands. It didn’t matter anymore. I was going to keep Bianca safe. It was the right thing to do. It wasn’t about family. Not really. It was about saving someone who deserved to be saved. And who knew. Maybe I’d get the front porch, although it would be unlikely since Dominic would probably kill me. It didn’t matter anymore, though. Bianca needed help. I was here. Single. It made sense. I could help her.
“What about Carmine? Will it be an issue?” I asked.
“Perhaps, but likely not as big as one. If nothing else, it buys some time.”
“Time?” I frowned at him.
“To plot the perfect murder,” he answered softly.
Before I could question what that meant, the door to the office opened, and Alessio came in, dragging Bianca with him. By the looks of her, she was terrified as she held her belly in a clear signal to let us know she would die trying to protect her babies.
Immediately, I knew this was the best decision. She needed me. I owed it to Dominic for whatever reason.
Alessio released her, and she instinctively stepped toward me. I extended my hand to her. She hesitated for a momentbefore she took it. I guided her to her seat, and she sat, her hand trembling in mine.
“You are going to die in a matter of months,” Matteo said softly, his eyes fixed on her.
Her bottom lip trembled, but she kept her chin up.
“How does that make you feel?” Matteo raised his brows at her.
“Like I won’t be going alone. I’ll be taking you with me,” she said in a dangerous snarl.
I glanced at Matteo to see him smirking at her. He sat back in his seat again.
“Well, how about Alessandro offers you a way out?” Matteo nodded to me. “Ask her.”
Fuck.
I exhaled and went to a knee in front of her and held her hand tightly.
“Bianca, would you do me the honor o-of being my wife?” I rasped, my voice shaking.God, this wasn’t how I wanted to propose to a woman. Fucking goddamnit.
“What?” She crinkled her brows at me.
“Say yes,” I whispered so only she could hear me. “Bianca. Please. Say yes.”
If you say no, you’ll die. Carmine will kill you and the babies. Please, fucking say yes.
