Page 52 of The Bratty Heir

Together, Victor and Rocco reaffirmed their bond in the most intimate way possible. As they lay tangled together afterwards, Rocco traced idle patterns on Victor's chest.

"I love you," he murmured, pressing a kiss over Victor's heart. "So much it scares me sometimes."

Victor's arms tightened around him. "I love you too, baby boy. More than I ever thought possible."

As they drifted off to sleep, Rocco felt a profound sense of peace settle over him. The future stretched out before them, full of possibility and promise. Whatever challenges came next, he knew they'd face them together.

Two halves of a whole, forged in fire and blood. Unbreakable. Unstoppable.

And now, bound together for life.

The next few months flew by in a whirlwind of wedding preparations. Despite Lucia's attempts to plan an extravagant affair, Rocco and Victor opted for a more intimate ceremony. They chose a secluded villa on the Amalfi Coast, inviting only their closest family and friends.

The day of the wedding dawned clear and bright, the Mediterranean sparkling like a field of diamonds beyond the villa's terrace. Rocco stood before the mirror, adjusting his bowtie for the hundredth time.

A knock at the door preceded Lucia's entrance. She gasped softly, tears welling in her eyes as she took in the sight of her son in his wedding finery.

"Oh, Rocco," she breathed, coming to stand beside him. "You look so handsome."

Rocco smiled, taking his mother's hand. "Thanks, Mom. For everything. I know this isn't exactly the wedding you always imagined for me..."

Lucia shook her head, cupping Rocco's cheek. "It's perfect, my darling. Because it's what makes you happy. That's all I've ever wanted for you."

A comfortable silence fell between them as Lucia made a few last-minute adjustments to Rocco's suit. Finally, she stepped back, giving him an appraising look.

"There," she said, satisfaction evident in her voice. "Now you're ready to marry the love of your life."

Rocco took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. "I'm ready," he said, more to himself than to his mother.

As they made their way to the terrace where the ceremony would take place, Rocco's heart raced with anticipation. The moment he stepped out into the sunlight and saw Victor waiting for him at the end of the aisle, everything else faded away.

Victor looked breathtaking in his tailored suit, his eyes locked on Rocco with an intensity that made his knees weak. As Rocco walked towards him, guided by his father, he felt like he was floating.

The ceremony was a blur of tender vows and teary smiles. When they were finally pronounced husbands, Victor pulled Rocco into a kiss that made the assembled guests cheer and whistle.

The reception that followed was a joyous affair, filled with laughter, dancing, and more than a few heartfelt toasts. As the night wore on, Victor led Rocco away from the party, down to a secluded stretch of beach.

"Happy, baby boy?" Victor asked, wrapping his arms around Rocco from behind as they gazed out at the moonlit sea.

Rocco leaned back into Victor's embrace, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "Happier than I ever thought possible," he murmured. "I love you so much, Victor."

Victor turned Rocco in his arms, cupping his face gently. "And I love you, my fierce little prince. Always and forever."

Their kiss was soft and sweet, a promise sealed under the stars.

The honeymoon that followed was two weeks of pure bliss. They explored the Amalfi Coast, losing themselves in the beauty of the landscape and the depth of their love for each other. It was a time of rediscovery, of learning each other anew as husbands.

When they finally returned to New York, it was with renewed energy and purpose. The Rossetti empire continued to flourish under their leadership, expanding into new territories both literal and metaphorical.

One year after their wedding, they made another life-changing decision. After much discussion and soul-searching, Rocco and Victor decided to adopt. The process was long and at times frustrating, but nine months later, they welcomed a baby girl into their family.

Lucia Vittoria Rossetti-Kovac, named for both her grandmothers, became the center of their world. Watching Victor, once the most feared enforcer in New York, melt into a puddle of goo over their daughter never failed to make Rocco's heart swell with love.

As Lucia's first birthday approached, Rocco found himself once again standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows of their penthouse, lost in thought. So much had changed in the past three years. He'd gone from a lost, rebellious boy to a man with purpose, a loving husband, a devoted father.

"There you are," Victor's voice broke through his reverie. He approached with Lucia on his hip, the toddler babbling happily. "We were wondering where Papa had disappeared to."

Rocco turned, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of his family. He reached out, taking Lucia into his arms and pressing a kiss to her curly head. "Just thinking," he said, leaning in to steal a quick kiss from Victor as well.

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