Page 56 of Diavolo

What he said next, however, caught her by surprise. "Which is why I hope, someday, I might be able to trust you with my life."

The way Alessandro was now looking at her as though she mattered to him. As though he couldn't seem to contain himself around her. It left a bittersweet ache in Elyse's chest.

Run.

Her thudding heart picked up speed. "You already trusted me with your life in Queens, and I didn't let you die."

Alessandro reached over to cup the side of her face. Gently, his thumb began to caress her cheek. "That is not what I meant."

Elyse gazed into his eyes. "It's not?"

"I want to trust you as my woman," he expressed seriously, "and for you to trust me as your man."

Alessandro's eyes didn't leave her face. Elyse's pulse began to race—run, run, run—as the emotional intensity radiating from him rendered her weak and helpless.Elyse was afraid to respond because she feared, in her heart of hearts, there might be a part of her that wanted to earn his trust, to become his wife, even if it meant sacrificing her integrity as a woman and as a surgeon.

She struggled to find the right words. "I-I..."

Suddenly, the movement of the vehicle began to slow, offering Elyse a welcome distraction. She quickly glanced out the window. Nils had pulled up to Hotel Imperial, a historic luxury hotel located onAvenue Kléberin the 16th arrondissement. Its sheer opulence looked more like a palace to Elyse than a mere hotel. A fleet of limousines and other luxury brand vehicles surrounded them. Guests were arriving in couture gowns and tuxedos.

Elyse turned back to Alessandro with an expression of uncertainty. Again, it seemed, matters between them would need to be left unresolved. He flashed her a tight smile. "Are you ready?"

Elyse didn't feel ready at all, but she nodded and allowed Alessandro to help her out of the car. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her toward the lobby of the grandhotel. Monte and Luca were already waiting for them inside. The four of them were directed to a grand ballroom with oversized chandeliers, white marble floors, and fresh flower arrangements all around. A live pianist, accompanied by a string quartet, was playing Mozart in the corner. Once they entered the ballroom, Alessandro whispered into her ear, "Do not leave my side tonight."

Elyse asked, "How come?"

"It is not safe."

"What if I need to use the restroom?"

"I will accompany you."

"Why? Does someone want to kill me?" she joked darkly.

"I do not know," Alessandro replied without a trace of humor, "and that is why I do not intend to let you out of my sight."

His sullen response had a sobering effect on Elyse. She demanded, "What about you? Are you in danger?"

Alessandro didn't answer Elyse. His silence felt very intentional. It filled her with dread, and, just like that, the urge torun, run, runno longer felt as strong as the need tostay, stay, stay.

In case someone tried to put another bullet in him tonight.

13

Before Elyse could interrogateAlessandro about the shit left unsaid between them, he started ushering her around the room to meet his acquaintances. Over the next hour or so, Elyse trailed alongside Alessandro as they mingled with the wealthy and the elite from a wide range of backgrounds. She introduced herself to several board members from a top Chinese international tech firm. She shook hands with the Mayor of Marseille. She smiled and made small talk with the CEO of a large German pharmaceutical company.

"Yourfiancéeis a breathtaking woman," the Mayor drawled to Alessandro as he raked his eyes over Elyse's curves.

"Thank you, Hubert," Alessandro replied as he slid a protective arm around Elyse's waist, drawing her closer. "She also happens to be a gifted surgeon. It would seem that my beloved can cut a man open as easily as her beauty can bring another to his knees."

The Mayor guffawed a bit too boisterously at Alessandro's remark. It made Elyse want to cringe.

The German CEO eyed her with renewed interest. "Is this true, Ms. Romero? Or should I call you—Dr. Romero?I must admit, I am taken aback. You seem young for a surgeon."

She smiled coolly. "You're right, Mr. Weber. Iamyoung for a surgeon. I became certified at twenty-nine. Most of my colleagues didn't complete surgical training until their thirties."

The CEO's bushy gray eyebrows rose skeptically. "For the sake of your patients, I hope you did not cut any corners."

"Of course not. I simply worked harder. I graduated from high school in three years and managed to complete my undergraduate degree a few semesters early as well."

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