Page 107 of Controlled

And somehow, I’d been allowed the love of a beautiful, talented, and extremely intelligent woman.

“She’s amazing,” Styx said as he flanked my side, handing me a glass of champagne.

“She’s out of her mind to be in love with you, brother. No offense of course,” Easton teased.

We were standing in the back of one of the massive art studios the love of my life had helped design, watching Bella giving the reporters an interview and tour. Soon, the Carmine Rothschild Art Center would be open for business.

We’d successfully negotiated our way into a longer contract with the Pentagon, deciding to keep our business completely legitimate for now. We would see in the future.

“Be very careful, my younger brother, of what you say about my beloved.” I grinned from the joy in my heart of seeing Bella so freaking happy. While the eight months had been rough in some regards, the time and the frustrations with the new center, her attempt at controlling her new fortune along with her continued studies with the Joffrey Ballet had kept her busy.

And I’d worried about retaliation from another crime syndicate, including being uncertain how Nico Romano would handle the fact she was the queen of the Marcello Empire.

I’d been pleasantly surprised when a slight alliance between both the New York and Italian Mafia Dons and myself had been formed, enough so that we’d controlled the majority in the aftermath of Giovanni’s determination to rule the world.

It wasn’t perfect and I had no doubt I’d eventually be challenged, but I was taking it day by day at this point.

Including enjoying all those simple things in life she’d been determined to share with me.

“So I understand fourteen scholarships have been awarded,” Styx said as I sipped on my champagne.

“Yes, with at least fifteen more to be awarded by the end of the week. My Bella has also secured funding for additional outside programs going into the communities themselves.” I couldn’t be any prouder of her than watching her bask in the glory of all her hard work. The three of us had struck checks for the work being done but Bella had brought the center to life.

Just like she’d brought me back to life.

“I think we need to place her on the company’s payroll,” Easton said casually.

I glanced at him, all three of us grinning. “That’s not her. She’s my perfect dancer.”

Styx cleared his throat and lifted his crystal flute. “Then we toast to the amazing Bella Rothschild Marcello.”

“Hear, hear.” Easton was ready to clink our glasses together when I lifted a finger.

“Not so fast, gentlemen. You have her name wrong. Well, soon enough.” I grinned as she floated in our direction as if on cloud nine. “Soon to be Bella Rothschild Marcello Saint.”

“That’s a mouthful,” Easton chortled.

“That’s amazing. Two down, one to go,” Styx stated as we both glared at our brother, who threw his hands up in retreat. “Congratulations. I’m proud of you, brother.”

“You know? I’m proud of me as well.”

“What are you boys talking about?” Bella asked as she flew into my arms, immediately taking the glass from my hand.

“Why, how fabulous you are. Of course,” I told her.

“I am. Aren’t I?”

Unable to help myself, I swatted her twice on the behind. “There’s more of that where it came from tonight.”

“You’re always teasing me.”

As I pulled her into my arms, capturing her mouth, I could tell the photographers were working overtime. Tomorrow would be a fascinating day in the news.

When I broke the kiss, she rubbed her thumb across my lips. “I’d love to go home, bad man.”

“Soon, baby girl. One more stop to make.”

“Uh-oh. I fear a nightmare coming on.”

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