Page 15 of Prince of Queens

The silence on the other end is deafening. When my mother speaks again, her voice is tight with anger. "Romano? Dominic, have you lost your mind?"

"Ma, listen," I say quickly. "I know it's complicated, but... I really like her. And I want to try to end this feud. For good."

Another long pause. Then, to my surprise, my mother's voice softens. "Oh, Dominic. You always were a romantic at heart. Are you sure about this?"

"I am, Ma. Will you help me? Help us end this?"

I can almost hear her smile through the phone. "Of course, my son. I'm proud of you for trying to make peace. Your father... he would be proud too."

After we hang up, I text Gia to confirm our plans for tonight. As I get ready, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. This isn't just a date. It's potentially the start of something much bigger. I was already in over my head with just the physical attraction after the electric sex we had, butknowing she’s the artist creating those paintings that move me so deeply? That changes everything. I’m done for.

When I pick Gia up, my breath catches in my throat. She's a vision in a red dress that hugs every curve, her dark hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders.

"You look fucking incredible," I say, my eyes raking over her body.

She blushes slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Esposito."

I step closer, my voice low. "You know, we don’t have to go to dinner. We could-."

She steps past me and out her door. “Don’t even think about it. Let’s go.”

Amused, I follow her out of the building. I’m so unaccustomed to women having a smart mouth with me. No one speaks to me like she does. I fucking love it.

The restaurant I've chosen is one of the best in Queens, discreet and elegant. As we walk in, I feel the eyes of the other diners on us. Whispers follow in our wake, and I see more than a few nervous glances. I place my hand on the small of Gia's back, a clear sign of possession.

We're seated at a quiet table in the back, away from prying eyes. As we peruse the menu, I catch a waiter staring at Gia a little too long. I clear my throat, fixing him with a hard stare until he scurries away.

"Jealous much?" Gia teases, raising an eyebrow.

I lean in, my voice a low growl. "I don't share what's mine, Red."

Her breath hitches, and I see the flash of heat in her eyes. "And who says I'm yours, Esposito?"

I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. "Give me time. You will be."

The waiter returns, nervously taking our order. As he leaves, Gia turns back to me, her expression turning serious.

"So," she says, "are we going to address the elephant in the room?"

I lean back, meeting her gaze. "You mean the fact that our families have been at each other's throats for generations? Or the fact that I can't stop thinking about getting you out of that dress?"

She kicks me lightly under the table, but I see the flush creeping up her neck. "The family feud, Dominic. Let's start there."

We spend the next hour discussing the history of our families' rivalry, enjoying our exquisite meals as we talk. I'm impressed by her knowledge and her determination to find a solution.

"It's all so pointless," she says, shaking her head. "All this hatred over things that happened before we were even born."

I nod, my expression serious. "I agree. But ending it won't be easy."

"But you're willing to try?" she asks, her eyes searching mine.

"For you? I'd do a lot more than just try," I say, my voice low and intense.

As we move on to dessert, I find myself becoming increasingly distracted. Gia's lips wrap around her spoon as she savors the tiramisu, and I feel a jolt of desire shoot through me.

"Enjoying that, are you?" I ask, my voice husky.

She looks up at me through her lashes. "Very much. Want a taste?"

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