Page 34 of Marco

Something shifts between us in that moment. We both recognize the depth of our connection, how essential we've become to each other. The willingness we both have to put each other before ourselves. To risk our lives for each other. Marco pulls me against his side, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

"We'll talk more when you've rested," he says gently. "For now, let's just get you home."

I nod, comforted by his solid presence. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together. The kidnapping has changed things between us. We're bound now, two lives forged into one by adversity. And nothing will tear us apart again.

Back at Marco's lavish mansion, I sink onto the plush sofa, exhausted. Marco sits beside me, his jaw clenched as he takes in the cuts and bruises marring my skin.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you," he says gruffly. "If it wasn't for me..."

He trails off, but I know what he's thinking. That his life in the mafia is what put me in danger.

"It's not your fault," I say, taking his hand. "My family roots played a part in this too. If I wasn't here with you, they would have come for me anyway. It was only a matter of time."

Marco shakes his head. "Yes, it is my fault. You got caught in the crossfire of my enemies trying to hurt me. And it could happen again."

His dark eyes are tormented. I know how heavily the burden of being the mafia boss weighs on him. He never wanted this violent life, but was born into it out of duty to his family. Something my own family sheltered me from until it inevitably caught up with me like a ghost from the past.

"Things have to change," Marco says finally. "I can't risk losing you again."

My breath catches at the gravity in his tone. "What are you saying?"

Marco takes a deep breath. "I'm saying it's time for me to walk away. From the mafia, from everything. The only life I want is one with you, Alessia."

I'm stunned into silence. The mafia is all Marco has ever known. And now he's willing to leave it all behind for me. It's the most selfless, romantic thing he could do.

"But what about your family? Your men?" I ask softly. "Everything you've ever worked for? Your family legacy?"

Pain flickers in Marco's eyes. "It won't be easy. But you're my family now too. I have to protect what matters most."

Overwhelmed, I throw my arms around Marco's neck. He holds me close as I finally let the tears fall, tears of relief that this nightmare is over. Marco presses a fierce kiss to my hair.

"I love you," he whispers. "We'll get through this, I swear it."

And I believe him with all my heart. Marco is giving up his empire for me. Now it's my turn to stand strong beside him on the difficult road ahead. Whatever comes, we'll face it together.

Marco

I take a deep breath and step forward to address my men directly.

"I've brought you here today because there's something important I need to say."

My voice echoes through the warehouse, all eyes fixed on me. This is the moment of truth.

"For ten years, I've led this family. We've accomplished things people said were impossible—taken on other families, seized power, and built a name for ourselves."

I pause, seeing the pride in their faces.

"But in doing so, we've all made sacrifices. The life we lead comes with a cost, as we've seen too many times." Rocco's face flashes in my mind, and I wince, just one of the loyal soldiers lost to this endless war.

"I can't in good conscience continue to ask that sacrifice of you, when I'm no longer willing to make it myself."

Murmurs ripple through the men. I steel myself and continue.

"Because of this life, I nearly lost someone irreplaceable to me. I won't risk that again. From today on, I'm stepping down as your boss."

Shouts of protest erupt, but I raise my hand for silence.

I knew telling the rest of the family about my decision to leave the mafia wouldn't be easy, but I wasn't prepared for the level of backlash I'm receiving.

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