Page 96 of Love Me Always

“Can we not make a big deal out of it?” My head fell back on the sofa as I hoped she would drop it, but knowing her, I had no such luck.

“I’m just asking, what changed? Was it his romantic evening last night?” She smiled as she placed her hand atop mine.

“It wasn’t just last night, Mama. He’s different… well, with me anyway.” I sighed as the thought of Lorenzo caused my heart to ache. I missed being around him, which was strange because at one point, I would have happily buried him six feet under. “He’s so heartless and intimidating, scary and abrupt but not with me, not anymore.” I turned my head to meet her gaze, and I instantly knew she understood that Lorenzo wasn’t the nicest when we first met.

“You’ve never told me what he was like when you first moved in with him.”

“It wasn’t as easy as living here with you and Papa. He was unkind, a complete arsehole but then again, I knew exactly what buttons to push and how to get on his last nerve.” I smirked as she burst into a fit of laughter.

“I bet you did, you’re just like your mother.”

“You got that right!” I was a lot like her but also there were parts of me that were exactly like my father. I always wanted to be like him and Miles. I followed them around at any chance I could. I always knew Miles would take over; I didn’t care about that since I was never interested in the responsibility of leading the Bratva. Miles adored it; he was born to be a leader.

“But…” she started, and I could see the worried look in her eye despite me telling her yesterday how things were going.

“Mama, I am absolutely fine. After the engagement party, many things changed. I saw something I never thought I’d see. He looked sorry and somewhat remorseful of how he had acted towards me originally, and from that moment on, everything changed.” I squeezed her hand gently. “My heart began to let him in, I let my guard down and so did he.” I smiled sweetly as I awaited her response.

“Does he look after you? Protect you? Like your father and Miles did?”

“Well, one of his men ended up with a bullet between his eyes for a comment he made about me.”

Her eyes widened before they instantly softened. Nothing shocked her anymore.

“Oh, right, well, that’s…”

“Yes, indeed, it is.” I laughed as she pulled me into her arms. Her embrace was warm and soothing, an embrace I’ll never get tired of.

“Should we watch another movie before everyone arrives?” she questioned as she played with my hair.

“Mmm, sounds good…” I already felt myself drifting off to sleep, the sounds of the opening credits acting as a lullaby.

* * *

“So, did my son wow you last night?” Carmella asked from across the table.

Dotted around the dining table in their pyjamas were my mother, Carmella, my grandmother, Robin, Tay, and Loreta. The buzz in the air about the wedding was electric, everyone was excited.

“He did.” I smiled as she sipped her cocktail.

“You must have the patience of a saint; he isn’t the easiest to deal with.” She giggled; clearly the alcohol had already gone to her head.

“I have no doubts my daughter can handle your son; I’d even bet my life on it.” My mother winked at her.

“I guarantee that man is as smitten as they come,” Robin cooed as she tucked into her plateful of food.

“You sure it’s not Gino who’s smitten?” I teased as her eyes widened and her mouth turned up into the shyest smile I’d ever seen.

“Gino… what makes you think…” She blushed, and although she tried to hide it, she couldn’t.

“I already know. Red has quite the mouth on him.”

“It’s early days. He’s very sweet and as loyal and as devoted to your husband as they come.” Robin sang his praises as if she wanted the world to hear, not just me.

“He really is. The four of them have a wonderful friendship as well as work relationship. Lorenzo is lucky to have them just as much as they are to have him.” The four were a force to be reckoned with.

“Gino is a good guy, and he is extremely lucky to have someone like you if you choose to pursue a relationship with one another.” I smiled as Robin returned it with a matching one.

“I want to propose a toast to Ana, our best friend and the most wonderful woman we’ve ever met. I can finally say I approve of Lorenzo, and I know it took a while and believe me it’s not just because his mother is sitting right there.” Carmella chuckled as Tay continued. “It’s because he has shown just how much he deserves our girl; I had my doubts but last night he went above and beyond for her, and she deserves that and so much more. Ana, we adore you and are ready to take on the world for you anytime.” Her eyes were brimmed with tears as she sipped her cocktail.

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