Page 68 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

Her expression answers for her as she beams. “I’m thrilled. It means we can finally be a real family. No more hiding, and no more secrets.”

I nod, processing this information. It’s a significant step that could change the dynamics between all of us. It must indicateDamiano has seen the wisdom in accepting a truce that makes us all safer.

She frowns. “Do you think it’s the right choice?”

I hesitate before nodding. “If it’s what you want, I’ll support you.”

Isabella flashes me a grin. “Thank you, Felicity. You’ve been so kind to us, even though you had no reason to be.”

“You’re my brother’s,” My tongue trips over the word, “Partner and the mother of my nephew. Of course I had reason to be.”

She gives me a knowing look. “He tried to kill you. When Kiril took us, I was sure he meant to use us against Damiano either in retribution for threatening you, or to control Damiano to back off from trying to hurt you. I suspect I have you to think for the change of plans.”

I clear my throat. “Kiril is quite fond of Tony.” I take her hand, feeling a surge of affection and not wanting to acknowledge the truth of the original plan. “We’re family now, all of us. It’s what families do.”

As we sit there, hand in hand, I realize how much has changed in such a short time. From being alone in the world after Mom’s death to meeting my husband as a stranger thrust into an arranged marriage, to allies, and full circle back to family. It’s not the life I ever imagined for myself, but it’s a life that makes me happy.

The sound of footsteps alerts us to Kiril and Damiano’s return. They enter the room, both looking more relaxed than when they left. Whatever they discussed over drinks seems to have eased some of the tension between them.

Damiano immediately seeks out Isabella, and I see the love there, clear as day. It’s a total difference from the cold, ruthless man I first met. Perhaps there’s hope for all of us after all.

As Kiril and I retire to our bedroom, the events of the evening replay in my mind. The dinner with Damiano, Isabella, and Tony went better than expected, but there’s still an undercurrent of tension that I can’t ignore. I slip into a silk nightgown and sit on the edge of the bed, watching Kiril undress.

I fidget with the hem of my gown, “Did you know Damiano is planning to buy an apartment for Isabella and Tony?”

He pauses, his shirt half-unbuttoned, and turns to face me. “What?”

“Damiano wants to buy them a place here in the city. It seems like a good idea, don’t you think? They could be closer, and it would make things easier for everyone.”

His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. He finishes removing his shirt before speaking. “It’s not that simple, Felicity.”

“Why not?” I press, leaning forward. “They deserve a chance at a normal life, don’t they?” He’s not still clinging to the idea of using them as leverage, is he?

He grunts as he sits down beside me. “It’s not about what they deserve. It’s about what’s safe.”

I frown. “What do you mean? I thought things were settling down between you and Damiano.”

The warmth of his bare skin radiates against my arm when he moves closer. “There’s more at play here than just Damiano. I’ve been investigating a potential threat from the Irish mafia.”

I blink. “The Irish? I didn’t know they were involved in all this.”

“They usually keep to themselves, but lately, with all the upheaval, there have been whispers of them trying to expand their territory since Santino’s health failed. If they catch wind of Isabella and Tony being publicly claimed by Damiano, things could get ugly.”

“They could become targets,” I say with a hollow ache in my chest on their behalf.

Kiril nods. “Exactly. It’s not safe for them to be out in the open just yet. We need more time to assess the situation and neutralize any threats.”

I chew on my lower lip, processing this new information. “Have you told Damiano about this?”

“Not yet,” Kiril admits. “I wanted to be certain before bringing it to his attention. The last thing we need is for him to act rashly and put everyone in more danger.”

I reach out and take Kiril’s hand, intertwining our fingers. “I trust you, Kiril. If you say it’s not safe, then I believe you, but we can’t keep Isabella and Tony hidden away forever. They deserve a chance at happiness too.”

Kiril squeezes my hand gently. “I know, my love, and we’ll give them that chance, but for now, we need to be cautious. I’ll do everything in my power to guard them, just like you and our child.”

His words reassure me. Despite the circumstances that brought us together, Kiril truly cares for me and our growing family, and that care extends to the rest of my family as well. I rest my headon his shoulder. “I know you will. You’ve already done so much for us. For me.”

He pulls me snugly against him. “You’ve done just as much for me, Felicity. You’ve given me a family, a future to fight for, and you saved my life in Atlantic City.”

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