Page 30 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

The applause crescendos, guests shouting their approval and raising their glasses in toasts. When Carlito pulls back, his thumb brushes my cheek lightly, his voice low so only I can hear. “We’ll do this our way, Mia.”

My heart races as I search his eyes for answers I don’t know how to ask for. But there’s no time to linger in the moment.

Bianca is the first to rush toward us, practically vibrating with excitement. “Mia!” she squeals, throwing her arms around me. “You’re a Marcelli now! Oh my God, this is the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen.”

She pulls back just enough to glance at Carlito, her expression playful. “You’ve officially outdone yourself, Dad.”

Carlito smirks faintly, but his attention stays on me. “Thank you, Bianca,” he says, his voice carrying a note of quiet amusement.

The next moments blur into a series of congratulations, hugs, and champagne toasts. Guests circle us, their words overlapping in a cacophony of well-wishes. I try to smile and nod, but my mind feels like it’s spinning.

Carlito never leaves my side. His hand remains at the small of my back, his presence steady and unshakable. It should feel comforting, but it only adds to the weight pressing on my chest.

Eventually, the crowd begins to thin, the energy of the terrace softening as the night wears on. Carlito turns to the remaining guests, raising a hand in a silent gesture. “That’s enough for tonight,” he says, his voice calm but commanding.

The guests disperse without hesitation, leaving the terrace quieter than it’s been all evening. The city lights twinkle in the distance, their glow casting a golden hue over the space.

Carlito turns back to me, his hand lifting mine to his lips. The gesture is slow, deliberate, and strangely intimate. My breath hitches at the unexpected tenderness in his touch.

“We’re not done yet,” he says softly, his voice almost a whisper.

I blink up at him, the weight of his words settling over me. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll see,” he replies, his tone enigmatic but laced with promise.

He begins to lead me away from the terrace, his grip on my hand firm but not forceful. I follow, my steps unsteady as we move toward the stairs.

As we descend, the lively hum of the terrace fades into the quieter, more intimate stillness of the hotel’s upper corridors. Each step heightens the storm of emotions swirling inside me—excitement, fear, and something I can’t yet name.

My gaze drops to my hand, where two rings now rest—the bold diamond of the engagement ring and the delicate band from thewedding. Together, they glitter in the faint light, a promise and a commitment.

What have I just gotten myself into?

Chapter 14

Carlito

The door to the suite clicks shut behind us, muffling the world outside. The noise of the gala, the applause, and the cheers from the terrace fade away like a distant echo, leaving only the quiet hum of the room and the sound of Mia’s breath.

She stands just inside the doorway, her fingers brushing the fabric of her dress as though steadying herself. Her hazel eyes dart around the suite, taking in the plush furnishings, the glint of crystal chandeliers, and the wide glass doors leading to a private balcony overlooking the Strip.

“It’s beautiful,” she says softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

“It’s yours,” I reply, my tone deliberate. “Tonight, and whenever you need it.”

Her gaze snaps to me, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She looks like she wants to respond, but instead, she steps furtherinto the room, letting her fingers graze the edge of the marble countertop in the open-plan kitchen.

I watch her carefully. Mia isn’t like anyone I’ve ever known. She’s standing here, newly my wife, and yet I can see the storm behind her calm facade. A mixture of confusion, excitement, and something I can’t quite pin down.

“Are you all right?” I ask, crossing the room to stand beside her.

She hesitates, then nods, her fingers brushing the platinum band on her finger. “It’s just… a lot to take in. I didn’t expect—” She breaks off, shaking her head.

I take her hand in mine, lifting it gently so the rings catch the light. The engagement ring, bold and intricate, sits beside the simpler band from the ceremony. Together, they look right on her.

“Mia,” I say quietly, tilting her chin so her eyes meet mine. “I know this isn’t how you imagined tonight. I know it’s a whirlwind, and I’ve put you in the center of it. But I need you to hear this: you have nothing to fear. I will protect you. Always.”

Her breath hitches, her gaze searching mine. “Why me?” she whispers. “Out of everyone, why would you want… this?”

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