Page 54 of The Don's Eternal Vows

"As you wish, Mr. Montagna," Carlo mumbles, stepping aside. "The equipment's been checked. It's... it's all yours."

I nod curtly, guiding Genoveva towards the basket. The anticipation is electric, crackling between us like lightning.

"Ready for an adventure, cara mia?" I murmur, my lips close to her ear.

She shivers, and I'm not sure if it's from excitement or apprehension. "With you? Always."

As we near the balloon, I can't shake the feeling that this flight symbolizes more than just a romantic gesture. It's a leap of faith, a test of trust. My heart pounds, not from fear of the impending ascent but from the weight of what this moment means for us.

I help Genoveva into the basket, my touch lingering longer than necessary. The wicker creaks beneath our feet, a tangible reminder of how fragile our situation truly is.

I step in after her, feeling the basket sway beneath us. The morning air is crisp, carrying the scent of dew-drenched grass and possibility. I lock eyes with Genoveva, searching for a hint of the spark that's been missing these past few days.

"Last chance to back out," I say, forcing a lightness into my tone that I don't quite feel.

She raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "And miss the chance to see if the great Gianni Montagna can actually pilot this thing? Not a chance."

I chuckle, relief flooding through me. This is the Genoveva I know, the one I've missed. "Hold on tight then, cara. We're about to touch the sky."

As I reach for the burner, Genoveva's hand brushes mine. "Gianni," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the suddenroar of the flame. "What if we just... kept going? Left everything behind?"

The question hangs between us, heavy with unspoken desires. I pause, my heart racing. Is this what she truly wants? To run from our world, our responsibilities? Or is it just the lingering effects of her time with Hades?

"We could," I say carefully, watching her face. "But would that make you happy, Genoveva? Truly happy?"

She doesn't answer immediately, her gaze drifting to the horizon. I can see the conflict in her eyes, the battle between duty and desire. It's a war I know all too well.

"I don't know," she admits finally. "But up here, with you... I feel like anything's possible."

The balloon begins to rise, slowly at first, then with increasing speed. As the ground falls away beneath us, I feel a weight lifting from my shoulders. Up here, we're just Gianni and Genoveva, two people on the brink of something new.

"Then let's see where the wind takes us," I say, pulling her close. "For now, the sky's the limit."

Chapter 24

Genoveva

My hands grip the edge of the hot air balloon basket, knuckles white as I lean over. The rush of wind whips through my hair and against my face. My heart pounds with exhilaration. The view is breathtaking from up here—a patchwork of green fields and winding roads far below.

I feel alive, electric.

Impulsively, I reach for the control ropes, wanting to push us higher, faster—Gianni's hand clamps over mine.

“Genoveva,” his panicked face looms into place. “What do you think you’re doing? You’ll put us both in danger!”

He steps closer, his broad shoulders blocking the wind. How can I explain I feel most alive when I’m close to death? In place of fear, excitement thrums through my veins.

Instead of explanations, a bright and carefree laugh bubbles up my throat, shattering the tense silence. I turn to face Gianni fully, clapping my hands together in giddy excitement. His brow furrows, but I merely flash him a dazzling smile, brushing off his concern with a playful wave.

"Oh, don't be such a worrywart, Gianni! We're perfectly safe up here." I spin in a little circle, my dress flaring out around my knees. The basket sways with my movement, and Gianni's hand shoots out to grip the edge, his face paling.

"Genoveva, please." His voice is strained, but I can hear the hint of amusement beneath the exasperation. "You're going to give me a heart attack."

I laugh again, the sound ringing out across the open sky. "Nonsense! You're far too young and handsome for that." I wink at him mischievously, enjoying the way his cheeks flush at the compliment.

Gianni shakes his head, a rueful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He looks at me for a long moment, his gaze softening as he takes in my exuberant expression. I can see the moment he relents, his shoulders loosening almost imperceptibly.

"Alright, you win," he sighs, but there's a note of fondness in his voice. "Just... be careful, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you."

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