Page 131 of Monster in Disguise

"Andyoulove me." She shoots back, arching an eyebrow, her lips twitching sheepishly.

"So much it hurts." I tip her chin up with my finger, wanting to show her the sincerity in my eyes. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Lina. Tell me to die tomorrow, and I will. Tell me to live, and I'll be your servant. Forever."

She blinks twice, a smile spreading on her lips. "Fine. As my servant, I command you to never stop loving me."

"Easy."

"And I want to have many, many children."

"Done," I immediately say.

"Really? How about ten?" Lina raises her eyebrow in a challenge.

"Ten works for me, but I'm worried about you since you'll be doing the hard work."

"I don't mind that. I want a big family." She tilts her head pensively. "A biglovingfamily."

"Then I'll give you everything you want."

I gather her in my arms, my head resting atop hers.

And I silently pray.

That her love will be enough.

When the day comes...

Gently placinga kiss on Lina's lips, I whisper "Love you." It's become a ritual for me—ever since mustering up the courage to confess my feelings, I've made it my mission to let her know just how much she means to me at every opportunity. Some might say I do it in excess, but after ten years of keeping my longing hidden, I have some catching up to do.

I hurry to finish all of my meetings in time so I can return home. Guerra had made me an offer that I couldn't refuse, even if it was only temporary. While my trust in him is still shaky, the famiglia's concerns about our transportation issues are becoming impossible to ignore. Ever since the inauguration, there has been a clear divide among the members—one faction supporting me while the other stands behind Nicolo. It's something I had anticipated, but now it's crucial for me to convince everyone that I am the most capable candidate for Capo.

My doubts about Benedicto linger, as his true loyalties towards his brother remain uncertain. And with Franco'ssimmering resentment towards Catalina growing stronger after her public shaming, he seems like the most likely suspect in all of this chaos. But deep down, I know it's not him who's been terrorizing Catalina. All evidence points to the copycat Chimera, yet I'm no closer to uncovering their identity.

The entire situation is too messy. I just hope that for now the famiglia will be satisfied with Guerra's routes for transport and Enzo's clubs for distribution.

I spend most of the day going through warehouse to warehouse to make sure the next transport is secure enough. After I feel that everything is in order, I leave it up to Francesco to oversee the details.

It's almost dark when I get back home. I find the girls in the drawing room; Claudia and Venezia are doing their homework while Catalina is focused on drawing a new piece. I frown when I notice Sisi is missing. She's been doing that a lot lately.

"Marcello!" Lina drops everything to jump in my arms.

"Easy, love." I kiss the top of her head.

Venezia and Claudia acknowledge me with a nod, but they seem to be engrossed in whatever they are working on, so I don't want to disturb them.

"They have a quiz tomorrow," Lina whispers and waves me towards the stairs.

"How was your day?" she asks when we get in our room.

"Good, I think. Not sure yet," I admit, and I give her a quick summary of what I'd planned.

"If Guerra holds his end of the bargain, this could work." Lina helps me out of my shirt.

"Your brother's help is also a bonus. I've done the math and we could recoup our losses in a month, max two."

She purses her lips, her face strained.

"I've never liked what Enzo does. I mean, I don't likeanyof this. But he's knowingly and intentionally exploiting women."She shakes her head. "I just can't reconcile that with the image I have of my brother."

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