Page 61 of His Bride

I turn to face him, straightening his tie. “You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr. Rossi.”

He captures my hand, bringing it to his lips. “Shall we, Mrs. Rossi?”

* * *

The restaurant is a masterpiece of understated luxury. Soft light from hidden sources casts a warm glow over the diners. The music, a gentle piano melody, weaves through hushed conversations. We are led to our table and Dante pulls out my chair, his hand lingering on my back.

“Thank you,” I smile at him as he sits too.

“What are you having?” Dante asks while he looks at menu.

“The grilled lobster sounds delicious,” I say.

Dante nods approvingly. “Excellent choice. I think I’ll have the osso buco.”

While we wait for our meals, his hand finds mine across the table. His thumb traces lazy circles on my palm, sending shivers up my arm. “Are you enjoying our honeymoon so far?” he asks, his voice low and intimate.

I meet his gaze, feeling a flutter in my chest. “It’s been wonderful. I never imagined…”

My words trail off as I struggle to articulate the whirlwind of emotions I’ve experienced since our wedding. Dante’s eyes soften, understanding what I can’t say.

“I know this isn’t how you envisioned your life,” he says quietly. “But I promise you, Adriana, I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy.”

The intensity in his voice makes my heart stutter. I’m about to respond when our waiter arrives with our dishes. He proceeds to pour wine with practiced grace. I take a sip, the rich flavor dancing on my tongue.

“To us,” I say, raising my glass when the waiter disappears.

“To us,” Dante toasts.

Conversation flows effortlessly between us while we dine. We share tales from our childhood that brings laughter to the table. When we are done, we step out into the balmy night air, Dante’s hand finds the small of my back, guiding me towards the beach.

“Dance with me,” he says, his velvety voice inviting.

I laugh nervously. “Here? Now?”

In answer, he pulls me close, one hand on my waist, the other clasping mine. We sway to the distant music drifting from the restaurant, our bodies moving in perfect sync.

“I love this,” I confess, resting my head on his chest.

Dante’s grip tightens. “Love what about it?”

“To have this peace. Happiness. You.”

He tilts my chin up, his eyes burning into mine. “You have me, Adriana. All of me.”

The kiss that follows steals my breath. It’s hungry, desperate, filled with unspoken promises. When we break apart, I’m trembling.

“Take me back to the villa,” I whisper against his lips.

The walk back is charged with anticipation. As soon as the door closes behind us, Dante’s on me, pressing me against the wall. His hands roam my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

" I want you tesoro,” he growls.

I fumble with the buttons of his shirt, suddenly clumsy. “I’m yours.”

We stumble towards the bedroom, shedding clothes as we go. When my legs hit the edge of the bed, I fall back, pulling Dante with me. His weight on top of me is comforting, grounding.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, trailing kisses down my neck.

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