Page 18 of Crimson Vows

It’s a promise that could be as lethal as it is loving. But as I stare into Gia’s unwavering eyes, a glimmer tells me she might actually be willing to give me a chance.

“Being vulnerable with another person isn’t easy for me,” I continue. “What you did for us that night on your father’s boat gained you my loyalty until my last breath.”

“A deeper loyalty than to your cousin?”

Her question causes a pang in my chest. I made an oath I would lay down my life for Vincent if the need ever arose, but the commitment I feel to Gia comes from a different place. Its source blossoms from hope for a future without so much pain.

“You will be my wife; there is no loyalty greater than that,” I assure her.

She shakes her head. “You know I’m not some savior, Marco. I never intended to kill Anthony that night. I was so sure I’d shot him high enough that he’d survive.”

“Whether you intended to kill him or not, you made a choice that night. You’re the bravest woman I have ever met.”

“Marco, I—” Her protest dies on her lips as I place a finger over them, silencing her.

“Let me finish,” I murmur, knowing I need to get it all out now, or I may never find a moment like this again. “More than anyone else, you know what it’s like in our world. My entire life has been about power, control, and the family. But when it comes to you, Gia, I want something different. I want more. I want to share my power with you, not control you. I understand that trusting me may not come easily, but I hope you let me prove myself to you because there is one thing I can promise you. I am loyal—to you.”

My dangerous declaration hangs in the air, a testament to a truth I never expected to voice. I let out a shaky breath, feeling every wall I’ve built tremble with the possibility of what I am offering her.

“Okay,” she says softly, unwilling to offer the same trust I am ready to give.

I bite my lip, uncomfortable with the level of truth I am already prepared to share with her, but I decide to push past it. “Can I tell you a secret?”

She nods.

“Jesus, this is so fucking embarrassing.”

“What is it?” she presses.

“I’ve never had a regular girlfriend or, honestly, any long-lasting relationship,” I admit.

“Wait, what?” She stiffens, and I can see disbelief gripping her. “That can’t be true.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve fucked plenty of women, but none of them were what I would consider an actual relationship. My uncle Edward always had expectations for me, so my time was never mine. I was pretty young when I lost my father, and I needed my uncle if I was going to survive, so everything I did was to earn his respect. The family always came first. A relationship wasn’t ever on my mind.”

“I guess that makes sense. It’s not like there are many examples of successful relationships in the life we were brought up in, either,” Gia replies.

“Maybe we don’t know each other well in the conventional sense, but I know you well enough to know you are not like anyone else. And fuck, after last night and what we shared—”

Laughter bubbles up from her chest— rich and unburdened. “It was just sex. I mean, it was really fucking great sex but still just sex.”

“Bullshit, you and I both know last night was not just sex.”

“Okay, fine. Yes, last night was...” She considers her words carefully. “It was special.”

“It was more than just special.”

She swallows hard. “You let me take charge in a way that a man like you doesn’t. There was definitely something about having someone who is always so strong and a leader hand me that authority over them that was pretty amazing.”

My thumb brushes over her knuckles, a simple gesture filled with meaning. “Even if you can’t see it yet, we’re connected. I could sense you needed that as much as I needed to be instructed.”

“Maybe,” she says in a soft voice. “Did you know you’re the first person I’ve been with since that night on the dock?” she confesses, the weight of the truth anchoring her to the spot.

“I didn’t.”

“Je-sus...” Her voice cracks, carrying the weight of her words. “It still doesn’t feel real. I fucking killed him. I killed my own father.”

“Hey...” My fingers tilt her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Look at me. I know it’s hard, but it took a lot of courage to make the choice you did.”

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