Page 81 of Cat and Mouse

"Did you talk to Matteo today?" I ask, pulling back slightly.

He nods, a smirk forming on his lips. "Yeah, he's still adjusting to being the acting capo. But he's handling it well. I'm proud of him."

"He deserves it after everything," I reply, feeling a swell of pride for him.

"I think so, too," Leonardo agrees, his gaze darkening slightly. "But we're safe now. We have a future ahead of us."

"Speaking of the future..." I trail off, a playful glint in my eyes. "Have you thought about names?"

He chuckles, shaking his head. "No, not really. You've got this whole thing planned, don't you?"

"Maybe a little," I tease, biting my lip. "How about Leo if it's a boy?"

"Leo, huh? I could get behind that." He grins, his hand slipping to my waist, pulling me closer. "And if it's a girl?"

"Elizabeth," I say, my voice softening. "After me. I want her to carry my strength."

His eyes soften, and I can see the warmth in his gaze. "I love that. She'll be fierce, just like her mother."

"Or she could be a sweet little thing," I counter, laughter bubbling between us.

"Sweet? Ha! With you as a mom? No way." He smirks, his teasing tone lightening the mood.

"Hey! I can be sweet!" I protest, playfully nudging him. "I just don't show it all the time."

He leans down, brushing his lips against my ear. "I've seen your sweet side, Elizabeth. Just don't forget the fire that comes with it."

"Trust me, I won't." My voice drops lower, filled with promise. "You've taught me well."

His gaze sharpens, a hint of desire flickering in his eyes. "I hope she has your eyes… and you're making me think of all the ways I want to show you how much I love you tonight."

"Like what?" I ask, teasingly arching an eyebrow.

He steps back, a playful smile curling his lips. "How about I marry you first?"

"Oh, I can't wait. I can't believe I get two wedding nights in my life and I'm somehow married to the same man both times."

"Exactly," he whispers, leaning in until our lips are almost touching. "I'll make sure you're begging for me by the time I'm done."

I feel a rush of warmth at his words, my body responding to his intensity. "You think so?"

"Oh, I know so," he replies, his lips brushing against mine. "And after tonight, you'll remember exactly who you belong to."

"Is that a promise?" I challenge, my heart racing.

"More than that, Lizzie. It's a guarantee."

"Do you miss it? Your life in New York?"

He looks at me intently before shaking his head. "All that blood shed? Hell no. I much prefer my hands to be stained by red wine."

"So absurd," I say before kissing him softly.

Three hours later, I take a deep breath, the scent of wildflowers surrounding me as I clutch my bouquet. The warm sunlight filters through the leaves of the towering oak trees, casting a gentle glow on the outdoor wedding setting. Rustic wooden chairs line the aisle, adorned with delicate lace and twined with ivy. The vibrant colors of the flowers pop against the natural greens and browns of the surrounding nature.

As I make my way down the aisle, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet accompanies the sweet melody of a live acoustic guitar, played by a hidden musician. The atmosphere is serene, a harmonious blend of nature's beauty and the anticipation of the ceremony ahead.

Leo stands at the end of the aisle, his dark eyes fixed on me with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. Dressed in a sleek charcoal suit, he exudes an air of sophistication that complements the rustic charm of our surroundings. The sunlight catches the silver flecks in his hair, giving him an almost ethereal glow.

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