Page 37 of Fractured Devotion

“The future is ours, baby. And nothing will stand in the way of the life we deserve together. This, I promise you.”

I looked into his eyes, and I saw not just the pain we’d endured but the unwavering strength that had carried us through the darkest of days.

“I believe you, Alex.”

His lips were soft against mine, a whisper of a kiss that spoke volumes more than words ever could. As he pulled back, the earnestness in his eyes told me he was laying his soul bare, promising a future filled with hope.

He stood then, a symbol of moving forward, his hand outstretched to me.

“Let’s step outside these walls and join your family. They love you, Carmela, just as fiercely as I do, and they want the same thing I do.”

“What that?” I found myself asking, the uncertainty clear in my voice.

“Your happiness,” he said simply, his hand still waiting for mine.

With a tentative trust, I placed my palm in his, feeling the strength of his grip as he pulled me up.

“But what if they can’t forgive me?” The fear of judgment, of not being welcomed back, weighed heavily on my heart.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” he assured me, the firmness in his voice trying to banish my doubts. “They just want their sister back.”

As I hesitated, a need to confess bubbled to the surface.

“Alex, there’s something about Harlen… something that happened at the compound…”

He stopped me with a look, his resolve evident. “I don’t need to know the details, Carmela. What you did to survive, it’s not for me to judge. It doesn’t change a thing between us.”

I could see the tension in his jaw, the protective instinct flaring, but I continued.

“Harlen never saw me differently. He said we’d never speak of it again, that it was just something we did to stay alive.”

“There it is, then.” Alex gave a curt nod, his hand tugging mine gently. “We leave it in the past, where it belongs. We’re here, now, together. That’s all that matters. Are you ready to take that step?”

I wasn’t sure if I was, but with Alex, I felt the courage to face anything.

“Yes,” I whispered, letting him lead me toward the door, toward healing, toward home. With Alex by my side, I could face the world.

epilogue

ALEX

“You seem nervous.” Massimo chuckled. “Think she’ll stab you again?”

I shot him a look that spoke volumes. “Fuck off, Massimo. You might be my boss and friend, but I’ll dick punch you without a second thought.”

“Brother, I think you’re making him more nervous.” Vincenzo snickered from his seat at the table. “Go on, Alex. What is it you want to say?”

I cleared my throat and took a breath. “You know I love your sister. We’ve survived something most would never overcome. But we did, and now that I have her back, I can’t imagine life without her.”

“Well, duh.” Antonio spoke this time. “We kind of figured we were stuck with you.”

“Yeah, but I’d like to make it more permanent.” I swallowed the nerves as I looked her brothers in the eyes one by one. “I want to marry her.”

Massimo leaned back in his seat and folded his hands in his lap. “And you thought telling us here at a business meeting was necessary? We kind of already figured you’d marry our sister, Alex.”

I shrugged. “Well, yeah. I thought it was the right thing to officially ask you. She knows I want to marry her, but I haven’t officially asked her. I wanted to give her time to heal, but it’s been six months, and I can’t wait anymore.”

“Well… why are you?” Antonio smiled at me. “Ask her already.”

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