Page 101 of Ruthless Royalty

“Yes,” she says softly. “But it was no use, was it? I fell in love with him anyway, even though I knew he had the power, the connections, and Alberto would surely find out about you. But now … now everything’s changed.”

I look at her, my heart aching for everything she’s been through, everything she’s had to sacrifice.

“I’m not mad at you, Mom,” I say again, my voicefilled with emotion. “I understand why you did what you did. You were just trying to protect me. We can’t help who we fall in love with.”

She nods, tears spilling down her cheeks as she pulls me into another hug. “This was the last thing I wanted for you, and I should have been more open about everything. I love you so much, Chiara. I just want you to be happy. I want you to have the life you deserve.”

I hold her tight, my own tears falling as I let her words sink in. “I love you too, Mom. And I will be happy. I’ll make sure of it.”

She pulls back, her eyes searching mine. “And Giovanni? Are you sure about him?”

I nod without hesitation. “I am. He’s been there for me through everything, and I know he’ll continue to be. He loves me, Mom.”

She smiles, a small, relieved smile, and I can see the worry easing from her face. “Then I’m happy for you, Chiara. I really am. Just … be careful, okay? This world … it’s not easy. I took you out of one line of fire and put you right back in it.”

“I will,” I promise, squeezing her hand. “I’ll be careful, and I’ll make sure we’re both safe.”

We sit there for a while longer, just enjoying the comfort of each other’s presence. There’s still so much to figure out, so many challenges ahead, but for now, I’m content just to be with my mom, to feel her love and support as I start to rebuild my life.

Eventually, we hear footsteps approaching, and I look up to see Giovanni standing in the doorway, watching us with a soft smile on his face.

“Everything okay?” he asks, his voice gentle as he steps into the room.

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sight of him. “Yeah, everything’s okay.”

He walks over, placing a hand on my shoulder as he looks atmy mom. “Thank you,” he says quietly. “For trusting me with her.”

She smiles at him. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter. I know she’s in good hands now.”

He nods, his expression serious. “She is. I promise you that.”

I look between them, feeling a sense of peace settle over me, and I feel like everything might actually be okay. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re getting there.

I’m getting there.

GIOVANNI

It’s January 5th, and the holiday break that felt like a blissful eternity is over.

Chiara has been seeing a therapist, her choice, and while I had my reservations at first, I can’t deny that it’s helped her. She’s more grounded, more sure of herself, and I’m fucking proud of her for it.

But with that confidence has come a stubborn streak that’s been driving me up the damn wall.

We step off the jet into the cold January air, the crisp wind biting at our faces. The familiar sight of Willow Bridge greets us, the imposing buildings standing tall against the winter sky. It’s a place that’s become both a fortress and a battleground for us, and as much as I hate parts of it, it’s home now.

“Back to the grind,” I mutter, stuffing my hands into my pockets as we walk toward the waiting SUV. “You sure you’re ready for this?”

Chiara looks up at me, a spark of annoyance in her eyes. “Gio, I’ve been through worse. I can handle a few weeks of classes.”

I raise an eyebrow at her tone, a smirk playing on my lips. “Isthat so? Just a few weeks of classes, huh? No Mafia bullshit, no fights, no nothing?”

She rolls her eyes, her breath visible in the cold air as she lets out an exasperated sigh. “Well, if you’re planning on causing trouble, that’s on you.”

I chuckle, reaching out to pull her closer to me. “You know us, Kitten. Trouble seems to follow us wherever we go.”

She doesn’t argue with that. Instead, she just leans into me, letting out a small huff of laughter. “Yeah, well, maybe this time we can try to avoid it.”

As we settle into the SUV, the driver heading toward the Crown Suites, I can’t help but steal glances at her. There’s something different about her lately, something stronger, more resolute. And while I’m fucking glad she’s finding her feet again, it’s also making things … complicated.

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