Page 15 of Ruthless Match

Unable to tear my eyes from her, I softly replied. “It is, that’s what makes it so special.”

Aurora turned to look at me, her eyes searching mine for answers. Tilting her head, she questioned me. “Matteo, why did you plan this trip?”

“Because we needed a break from the chaos that brought us together. I wanted us to have a chance to get to know each other without our defenses up.”

Aurora’s shoulders relaxed, and I could see the tension leaving her delicate frame. “Thank you, Matteo. I appreciate it.”

For a moment, we stood in silence, listening to the distant sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. I felt at peace and content, and for the first time in my life, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

We walked back to the car hand in hand, silent but with an understanding that things had changed between us. I didn’t want it to end, but I knew if I pushed too hard, it could backfire.

I was used to calling the shots but knew when to back off. I opened up to her while we were having dinner on the terrace.

“Aurora, as I am sure you know, I am used to being in control. It’s who I am and what people expect…” I took a sip of wine to settle my nerves. “But with you, something feels different. I feel vulnerable, and I am not sure what to do with that.”

Aurora smiled and reached across the table to take my hand. “You aren’t the only one who feels that way, Matteo. This marriage may have started as a business arrangement, but you and I can decide how it plays out.”

Shocked by her words, I finished my wine and looked questioningly at her. “What are you saying Aurora?”

“I'm saying that this is our marriage. It can become something real, something that goes beyond business and obligations if we choose. But it has to be based on trust and honesty. Those two things are non-negotiable for me.”

“I understand, and I agree. All I can do is promise to try. This is new for me, and old habits die hard as I’m sure you know.”

“Yes, I do, but we are married and owe it to ourselves to make the best of it. I’m sure we will both make mistakes, but if we are honest, we will get through them.”

I didn’t know what to say. Could I really become an honest and trustworthy partner? Did I have it in me?

I didn’t know, but for Aurora, I was willing to find out. And that’s what scared me the most.

CHAPTER 10

Aurora

As the jet taxied onto the runway, it hit me that I was no longer in paradise. I was back in New York, back in the city where I was now the wife of one of the most notorious crime families in history.

Yeah, but you’re in it now so you might as well accept it.

I pulled on my oversized sunglasses and headed to the limo where Matteo’s chauffeur was waiting. I don’t know why I thought he’d take me home, but for some reason I did. So, I was shocked when we pulled up to his sprawling mansion, securely nestled behind sprawling gates.

When the car stopped, I took a deep breath before stepping out. The grandeur of the home was overwhelmingly breathtaking. If I thought the honeymoon had been a whirlwind of emotions, it was nothing compared to the awe I felt by looking at Matteo’s home.

Nothing could have prepared me for this moment. Everything about the massive structure symbolized Matteo’s wealth and power, which were now my life.

I faltered as I began walking toward the entrance. It wasn’t like I grew up poor; my family had homes worldwide, but … this was more than I could wrap my head around.

I desperately wanted to return to my uptown apartment and knew what to expect there. It was my sanctuary. There, I was secure and in control and at no one’s mercy—not even my father.

The thought of leaving my beloved space filled me with dread. Matteo must have sensed my anxiety because he was soon next to me, placing a reassuring hand on my back as he guided me through the entrance.

“Welcome home, Aurora,”

Home. The word sounded foreign as I tried to register what it meant. The massive, ornate mansion didn’t feel like a home; it felt like a cage—a beautiful, gilded cage meant to hold me prisoner.

My eyes widened as we walked further inside. It was stunning, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, rare artwork, and luxurious furnishings, but it felt cold.

That’s when I noticed my personal belongings were being unloaded. How could he!?

All I could see was red, as I realized that my personal items had been moved without my consent. I spun around to face Matteo, my eyes blazing with anger as I spoke through gritted teeth.

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