Page 37 of Temptation
“Greta, do you know who he is? Lorenzo Berone. He’s a dangerous man to get involved with.”
All my life Hans has tried to protect me, and maybe that’s why there’s a part of me that seeks out danger.
There’s a reason why I went camping with strangers, why I entered the wicked cabin in the woods, why I chose to stay in Lorenzo’s cage. I’m attracted to the darkness. I’m curious and tempted by a little bit of what’s forbidden.
A slither of Lorenzo’s darkness has seeped into me, and it’s opened a crack that feels exciting and makes me whole. Light seeks out the shadows, and Lorenzo is my piece of darkness.
“I understand what I’m getting into, Hans. It’s what I want.”
Lorenzo squeezes my hand and turns to Hans.
“I might not have been your first choice for your sister, and I respect the protectiveness you have of her. But I vow to you on the grave of my mother that I will love Greta, and I’ll dedicate the rest of my days to loving and protecting her.”
Another vow from a mafia prince. The weight of the promise isn’t lost on my brother.
“You’re released from that duty now, Hans.”
Hans takes a few long breaths, and his shoulders sag as the responsibility shrugs off him. I’ve never thought of the burden I’ve been to him. He’ll never stop looking out for me, but I’m not his responsibility anymore.
“There’s only one more thing I need from you, Hans.”
Hans’s head jerks up suspiciously.
“As the head of your family, I need your blessing to marry Greta.”
I suck in my breath, surprise making me gasp as Lorenzo drops to his knees.
“Greta, we’ve only known each other a few days. But my soul is entwined with yours. You’ve shown me the light when I was lost in the shadows. You’ve let me see myself in ways I never thought possible. You’ve chased the darkness out of my soul, and I want you beside me always as my wife.”
My eyes fill with tears as I look down at the ring he holds out to me. It’s gorgeous, a glittering diamond set on a ring of sapphires.
“Lorenzo, when did you get this?”
“I had it flown from New York with the dresses.”
“The first night I was here?”
“Yes, Greta. I knew the moment you stumbled into my house that you would be my wife. At least I dared to hope.”
His certainty tugs at my heart and fills me with confidence that what he says is true. Our souls are entwined, and there’s no other path for me but to be with him.
“Yes,” I say. “Yes, Lorenzo. I’ll marry you.”
He stands up and pulls me into a hug, lifting my feet off the floor. We kiss, and we’re both laughing. I’m so happy I don’t notice Hans until we break away from the kiss.
He’s sitting on the couch looking bewildered.
“Are you okay, big brother? Do you give us your blessing?”
He turns his gaze to me. “If it’s what you want, Greta, you have my blessing.” He glances at Lorenzo. “The both of you.”
He stands up, unfurling to his full height, and spreads his legs, making his body take up space as he stares Lorenzo down.
“But if you fuck with my sister, if you break her heart, if you make her cry, I don’t give a fuck who your family is. I’m coming for you.”
The men stare at each other, and something passes between them.
“Sounds fair.” Lorenzo nods. “I understand.”
