Page 15 of Curvy Girl for the Mafia Daddy

A whimper escapes me once I'm free, my numb limbs tingling painfully. "You came," I rasp. "I knew you would."

He cradles my face with infinite tenderness, those piercing blue eyes shining with unshed tears and adoration. "Always, amore mio. Always."

Sobs wrack my body as I collapse into Luca's strong embrace, clinging to him like a lifeline. His arms encircle me protectively, one hand cradling the back of my head. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his familiar scent of sandalwood and spice.

Safety.

Home.

"I've got you, tesoro. You're safe now," he murmurs soothingly, though I feel the tension thrumming through his powerful frame.

Pulling back slightly, Luca cups my face, his eyes roving over me searchingly. "Did they...?" He swallows hard, a muscle ticking in his clenched jaw. "Did they touch you?"

The raw anguish in his voice shatters my heart. I shake my head vehemently. "No, I'm okay. They didn't..." A shudder wracks me at the horrific memory of what almost transpired. "You stopped them in time."

Luca exhales shakily, his forehead dropping to rest against mine. "Thank God," he breathes, eyes drifting shut. "If they had...I can't even..."

“Matteo? Is he okay?” I need to confirm that he’s okay.

Luca nods. “Yes, thanks to you, you stupid, brave, beautiful girl. Don’t you ever do anything so dangerous again.” His voice breaks with emotion.

I wind my arms around his neck and press my lips to his in a fierce, desperate kiss. He responds instantly, a low growl rumbling in his chest as he claims my mouth with searing intensity. It's a kiss of possession, of unshakable devotion. A silent vow. You are mine and I am yours.

"I love you," he rasps against my lips, voice raw with emotion. "I can't lose you, Dana."

"You won't," I promise breathlessly, tears clogging my throat. "I'm not going anywhere."

In wordless accord, he scoops me up, cradling me to his chest as he strides purposefully out of this hellish room, barking orders to his men. As we emerge from the warehouse into the crisp night air, I finally let myself believe it.

The nightmare is over.

I'm exactly where I belong—safe in Luca's arms.

epilogue

. . .

Six months later

Luca

I smile as I watch Dana chase a giggling Matteo around the sprawling garden of our countryside estate. The sun dances off her dark hair and her green eyes sparkle with joy as she scoops up my nephew in her arms, both of them laughing.

A swell of love surges through me seeing my beautiful, pregnant wife doting on the boy who has become like a son to me.

One year ago, I made the decision to step back from the dangerous world of the mafia, handing over control to my most trusted consigliere. It wasn't an easy choice, but I knew I had to put the safety and wellbeing of Dana and Matteo—and our unborn child—first. They deserved a life free from the constant threat of violence and retribution.

Dana places Matte on the swing in front of me.

"Higher, Zio Luca, higher!" Matteo squeals as I push him on the swing.

"Okay, campione, hold on tight!" I give him an extra strong push and he shrieks with glee as he soars through the air. Dana looks on, one hand resting on her round belly, a serene smile on her face.

My heart clenches at the sight. In a few short months, we'll be welcoming another child into our family. A precious girl that Dana and I created out of our incredible love for each other.

I never thought this kind of blissful domestic life would be possible for a hardened mafioso like me. But Dana changed everything. Her warmth, her strength, her unwavering faith in me.

She gave me the courage to forge a new path.

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