Page 71 of Diavolo

Elyse's gaze darted between the man and the ring. Alessandro's proposal felt so real. The massive rock certainly looked real enough. Yet, she needed to remind herself—

This shit wasn't real at all. Because her answer didn't matter. He'd make her marry him either way. Still, Elyse smiled as though his proposal was a dream come true. With the composure of a queen, she extended her left hand to him. "You already know my answer."

Yes.

Alessandro clasped it gently in one hand while using the other to slide the colossal diamond onto her ring finger. The ring itself was stunning, featuring a single solitaire diamond, round cut, set against a thin gold band. Its monstrous carat size and stunning clarity didn't need any additional embellishments. Surprisingly, the band was a perfect fit. Elyse wondered when Alessandro had found the time to investigate her ring size. For a good minute, Elyse couldn't help but gawk at it, turning her hand this way and that way to admire the sparkle and shine. Despite the hefty size of the stone, the diamond didn't look gaudy despite the slightness of her fingers. There was a classic elegance to the design that commanded attention in a refined and understated manner.

"Do you like it?" Alessandro asked. A worried crease appeared between his brow. "I can have my jeweler make alterations if—"

"No, please don't change a thing, I love it," she insisted.

"I chose gold for the band," he said, almost sheepishly, "because you looked so beautiful in that gold dress the other night."

In helpless wonder, Elyse's gaze darted between her husband-to-be and her stunning new ring. Alessandro had been sothoughtful. She felt utterly unprepared to accept such a grand, considerate gift.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, wearing a regretful look, "but I didn't get you a ring."

"There is no need. I already had one made."

"You did?"

Alessandro nodded and reached under the collar of his shirt to show her a gold chain. A heavy gold ring dangled from it. "The band is custom-made. So is yours. The metal consists mostly of gold. And something else."

Elyse arched a questioning eyebrow. "What do you mean by—something else?"

"I fused the bullet into our rings."

"The… bullet?"

"The one you gave me back in Queens."

Her lips parted in awe. "You kept it? This whole time?"

He answered quietly, "But of course. It is what brought me to you. That deadly little fucker is the best thing that ever happened to me. Because, now, it binds us together. I will be your husband for as long as you wish."

The significance embedded into their rings melted her defenses. Emotions swelled until it felt as though her heart might burst. Unable to contain her affections for this man, Elyse rose from her chair and pulled Alessandro to his feet. She kissed him passionately, desperately, like a woman in love. He wrapped her into his arms and deepened their kiss. As their lips parted, Elyse whispered, "I don't know what the future holds for us, but I intend to take our vows seriously. Don't let me down, and, I swear, I won't let you down, either."

Alessandro stared down at her with a guarded expression. "Is that a promise? Or threat?"

She deadpanned, "Both."

They leftLe Pré Catelana short while later. On their drive back to the flat, Alessandro put up the privacy shield in the vehicle and pulled Elyse onto his lap. He murmured, "Come here,cuore mio."

Elyse nestled closer, resting her head on his chest. Her ring glistened in the dark as street lights and traffic lights flashed by the car window. Alessandro grumbled,"Dio,how I have missed you."

Elyse laughed. "What are you talking about? I was with you all day!"

He sighed. "But so were Monte and Luca."

She lowered her voice and whispered, "They're gone now."

Alessandro smiled and nuzzled Elyse's nose. "Indeed, I have you to myself again."

Elyse glanced toward the driver's seat. "What about Nils?"

His smile widened against her cheek. "Do not worry about him. Nils cannot hear or see through the barrier."

Elyse smirked. "Good to know."

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